In this guide
DisplayPort 1.4 (or higher) is the best cable for a gaming monitor — it delivers the highest bandwidth, full adaptive sync support, and handles 4K at 144Hz or above. Use HDMI only if your GPU or console lacks a DisplayPort output.
- Your GPU and monitor both have DisplayPort 1.4 or DP 2.0 ports
- You need 144Hz or higher refresh rates, including at 4K
- You want full G-Sync or FreeSync adaptive sync with no tearing
- You use a certified, quality DisplayPort cable — not a cheap generic
- Your GPU or monitor only has HDMI — DisplayPort cable cannot plug in
- You use an older DP 1.2 cable for resolutions above 1080p at high refresh rates
- You connect a console (PlayStation, Xbox) — those use HDMI only
- You use a low-quality cable that causes signal artifacts or HDR dropouts
Why DisplayPort Wins for PC Gaming
DisplayPort was designed specifically for PC monitors and graphics cards. Version 1.4 supports up to 32.4 Gbps of bandwidth, which is enough for 4K at 144Hz with HDR. It also natively supports both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync across all setups — something HDMI does not fully replicate. The VESA DisplayPort standard is maintained and updated to keep pace with modern GPU output, with DP 2.0 pushing bandwidth to 80 Gbps for future 8K and high-refresh 4K displays.
If you game on a PC with a dedicated GPU, DisplayPort should always be your first choice.
When HDMI Is the Right Cable Instead
HDMI is not always the wrong answer — it depends on your hardware. For consoles like PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, HDMI is the only option. For PC gaming at 1080p or 1440p up to 60Hz, a standard HDMI 2.0 cable is fine. If you need 4K at 120Hz from a PC or console, you will need an HDMI 2.1 Ultra High Speed cable and a monitor that supports it.
The key limitation with HDMI on PC is adaptive sync. G-Sync does not work over HDMI on most monitors, and FreeSync support over HDMI is inconsistent depending on the monitor and GPU combination.
Quick Comparison by Setup
| Setup | Works? | Need | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC + 4K 144Hz monitor | Yes | DisplayPort 1.4 | Best option, full adaptive sync |
| PC + 1440p 165Hz monitor | Yes | DisplayPort 1.4 | Plenty of headroom |
| PC + 1080p 60Hz monitor | Yes | HDMI 2.0 or DP 1.2 | Either cable works fine |
| Console + 4K 120Hz TV | Yes | HDMI 2.1 | No DisplayPort on consoles |
| Laptop USB-C to monitor | Maybe | USB-C with DP Alt Mode | Check if port supports video out |
What About USB-C and Adapters?
Some gaming laptops and monitors connect over USB-C using DisplayPort Alt Mode, which carries a DisplayPort signal through the USB-C connector. This can work well — but only if your USB-C port actually supports video output. See our guide on whether USB-C supports video to check your port before buying a cable or adapter.
If you need to connect a USB-C laptop to an HDMI monitor, read our article on connecting USB-C to HDMI for what hardware and cables are required.
Bottom line: For most PC gaming setups, a certified DisplayPort 1.4 cable is the best cable for a gaming monitor — it handles the highest refresh rates, full adaptive sync, and future-proofs your setup. Use HDMI 2.1 for consoles or when your monitor has no DisplayPort input. Always buy a certified cable from a reputable brand to avoid signal issues.