Which Cable Do I Need For 144Hz?

Which Cable Do I Need For 144Hz? You must know which cable will work with the 144Hz monitor you choose once you have made that decision. There are many choices, and this article will assist you in selecting the best one.

Key Takeaways

• The most common interfaces that enable 144Hz monitors are DVI, DisplayPort, and HDMI.
• You require a high-speed cable, such as HDMI 2.0, to support 1440p at 144Hz for the finest image quality.
• High resolution and refresh rates are supported through DisplayPort, DVI, and HDMI.
• Nowadays, the majority of monitors, TVs, and graphics cards have an HDMI 1.4 connector or higher, which is sufficient for 144Hz at 1080p, 75Hz at 1440p, and 30Hz at 4K.
• Several monitors that are HDMI 2.1 compliant support 4K at 144Hz, however the most of them are extremely pricey.

The number of times per second that your monitor draws a picture is known as the refresh rate. Your monitor will refresh 144 times in one second at 144 Hz. This type of refresh rate is ideal for you if you enjoy staying one step ahead of your adversaries while playing first-person shooters like Fortnite or CS:GO.

HDMI

“High-Definition Multimedia Interface” is referred to as HDMI in short. It is a digital video and audio interface used to link monitors and TVs to gadgets like PCs, Blu-ray players, cable boxes, etc.

HDMI 1.4

The 1080p resolution and 144 frames per second are supported by the HDMI 1.4 specification. This enables for smoother animation and less motion blur, making it especially handy for gaming applications or for watching a fast-paced film, like sports or action movies.

To support both 4K resolution at a refresh rate of 30 Hz and 3D TV displays, you will require at least an HDMI 1.4 specification.

HDMI 2.1- Best HDMI for 144hz

Because HDMI 2.1 supports 1440p at 144Hz, it was created especially for gamers who want to get more out of their gaming displays; in other words, HDMI 2.1 is the greatest HDMI for 144hz. This is why HDMI 2.1 is so exciting.

Also supported by HDMI 2.1 are lower rates like 24Hz and 30Hz. This is significant since movies are frequently shot at such frame rates, and if you didn’t support them, your movies would have stuttering motion.

DVI

Digital Visual Interface is what it stands for (DVI). It serves as an interface to link a display device, such as a monitor or HDTV, with a video source, such as a computer or DVD player. Video and audio signals are both transmitted over a single DVI connection.

In recent years, DVI cables have mostly taken the place of VGA connections. This is due to the fact that they have a far greater resolution carrying capacity than VGA cables.

Single Link DVI and Dual Link DVI

DVI cables come in single link and twin link varieties. Single link cables may provide 1920 x 1200 pixels at a refresh rate, which is the same resolution as VGA cables. Dual link DVI cables can support resolutions up to 2560 x 1600 pixels at 60Hz refresh rate or 1920 x 1080 at 144Hz, which is a better resolution than single link ones.

All contemporary GPUs have DVI connectors, however they are gradually being replaced by DisplayPort and HDMI cables (see DVI vs HDMI). If you wish to use an earlier graphics card with a 4K or 5K display in the future, you’ll probably require an adapter.

VGA

The analog video standard known as VGA, or “Video Graphics Array,” is used to link computers to monitors and projectors. VGA cables changed the computer industry in the 1980s by enabling the connection of almost any device to a monitor. Even though VGA cables have been around since 1987, they are still frequently utilized.

As of 2014, digital connectors like DVI and HDMI connector, which can transfer both audio and video, are replacing analog connectors like VGA. The majority of modern laptops and monitors include a built-in digital interface. VGA is still used by some outdated devices, nevertheless.

It can handle low resolutions of 144 Hz, such those used by LCD and other flat panel monitors, with a refresh rate of 75 Hz up to 1920×1200 pixels, but not high resolutions at that speed (see what older monitors are still good for).

DisplayPort

The Video Electronics Standards Association created the video interface known as DisplayPort (VESA). It serves as a replacement for the outdated DVI and HDMI cords.

Most desktop computers use the digital display interface. Additionally, it can be found on some smartphones, computers, and high-definition televisions.

You don’t need to use separate cables for audio and video because this connector transfers both types of signals.

DisplayPort versions include:

• Version 1.0: DVI and VGA cables were replaced with DisplayPort cables, which are a royalty-free standard that anybody can use. Version 1.0, which enabled 1440p At 60 Hz and 5.18/8.64 Gbps, was launched in 2006.
• Version 1.1: High-quality video and audio were broadcast when it was released in 2007. It supports 1440p @ 60 Hz and has an 8.64 Gbps bandwidth.
• Version 1.2: In 2009, version 1.2 was made available; it added more bandwidth, resolutions, and refresh rates. 17.28 Gbps of bandwidth and a 4K resolution at 60 are supported.
• Version 1.3: Since the 2006 debut of the DisplayPort standard, version 1.3 is the fourth significant update. With HDR and a wide color gamut, the new version offers resolutions of 4K (3840 x 2160) at 60 Hz and 8K (7680 x 4320) at 60 Hz.
• Version 1.4: In addition to 8K video at 60 Hz, DisplayPort 1.4 also supports 4K video at 120 Hz. Its compatibility for High Bit Rate 3 (HBR3), which allows a single DisplayPort link to simultaneously transport up to 32 audio channels and an HBR3 video stream, is even more astounding. Additionally included in DisplayPort 1.4 is VESA’s Adaptive-Sync (VESA Adaptive-Sync) technology, which offers gamers an additional advantage by reducing image tearing and stuttering that happens when the GPU and monitor are out of sync. This cable is required since 144 Hz monitors can use a high refresh rate.
• Version 2.0: 2019 saw the publication of the DisplayPort 2.0a specification, which included some new capabilities that you ought to be aware of. The first of these is 8K @ 60 Hz support. This has a resolution that is twice as high as 4K, which is supported by DisplayPort 1.4a. UHBR (Ultra High Bit Rate), a 10-bit color depth format supported by DP 2.0, enables 77.36 Gbps transfer rates. When using FreeSync or G-Sync monitors with a computer that doesn’t support any of these technologies, tearing and stuttering may occur. DisplayPort 2.0 adds support for VESA’s Adaptive-Sync technology, which removes these issues.

Most gaming displays include a DisplayPort 1.2 port in addition to an HDMI port, which supports native refresh rates of up to 165Hz at 1440p, 240Hz at 1080p, and 75Hz at 4K.

The additional bandwidth needed for 240Hz at 1440p, 120Hz at 4K, 60Hz at 5K, and 30Hz at 8K is provided by DisplayPort 1.3 and DisplayPort 1.4.

The primary distinction between DP 1.3 and DP 1.4 is that the latter supports Display Stream Compression (DSC), allowing it to produce 144Hz at 4K, 120Hz at 5K, and 60Hz at 8K — but with compression.

The output bandwidth of a mini-DisplayPort (or Thunderbolt) connector is equal to that of the DisplayPort implementation it is based on. Mini-DisplayPort 1.2 is therefore capable of 75Hz at 4K, 240Hz at 1080p, and so forth.

Additionally, the USB Type-C port has taken the position of mini-DisplayPort on more recent monitors.

If the connected device supports power supply, the USB-C port can concurrently charge and transfer data to the attached device while also transmitting the DisplayPort signal for audio and video.

There is no such thing as a DisplayPort 1.2 or 1.4 cable, just same with HDMI cables. You’ll need a DisplayPort cable with a 21.6 Gbps and HBR2 bit rate class rating for DisplayPort 1.2 devices.

Look for a cable with a 32.4 Gbps and HBR3 bit rate class rating for DisplayPort 1.4. Additionally, DisplayPort cables are backwards compatible. It’s necessary to look for an active cable if you require a cable that is longer than 33 feet (15 meters).

Which Cable is the Best for 144hz Display?

The most popular interfaces that enable 144Hz monitors are DVI, DisplayPort, and HDMI. The ideal cable for 144hz is HDMI 2.0. To support 1440p at 144Hz, you at least need an HDMI 2.0 if you want the highest visual quality.

There are many cables available that advertise themselves as high-Speed HDMI. Due of their age, these cables typically do not function with 144Hz monitors. The issue with these older versions is that, if they can run at all, they can only do so at 30Hz for 60fps or 24Hz for 120fps.

How does this impact gaming, then? Screen tearing will occur instead when playing games on a 144Hz monitor because you can’t quite reach those figures, and this is aggravating. Take use of an HDMI 2.0, which can handle a high refresh rate and quality.

Maximum Interface Bandwidth

The maximum interface bandwidth for popular combinations of resolution and refresh rate can be found in the table below.

With the exception of interfaces using DSC, which presume 10-bit color, all interfaces assume 8-bit color depth and a full 4:4:4 RGB signal.

Below FRL may require DSC for some of the mentioned resolutions and refresh rates, while you can still get 4K 144Hz with FRL5 (40 Gbps) and FRL4 (32 Gbps, with 8-bit color); FRL3 (24 Gbps) and lower require DSC. FRL6 (48 Gbps) is assumed for HDMI 2.1.

Although we’ve rounded the majority of the mentioned refresh rates to match typical resolution/refresh rate combinations found on well-liked gaming monitors, they may all go a few Hz higher.

Adapters For 144Hz

You might be able to utilize an adapter if your 144Hz display and graphics card do not support 144Hz over the same port type.

All of the currently accessible adapter combinations for 1080p 144Hz or above are included in the table below. The output/input order is significant when using an adapter, so keep that in mind.

For instance, you can connect a computer with an HDMI port to a monitor with a DisplayPort port using an HDMI (output/PC) to DP (input/display) converter, but not vice versa because these adapters are not bi-directional. A DisplayPort to HDMI converter is required to connect a computer with a DisplayPort output to a monitor with an HDMI port.

The DVI-D adapter needs to be active, not passive, when it comes to DVI adapters, which means it will typically utilize a USB port for power. Additionally, a Dual-Link DVI-D adaptor is required for 144Hz; Single-Link will not function.

The following active adapter combos are available:

• Mini DisplayPort to HDMI
• DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI-D
• USB-C to DP
• USB-C to HDMI

There isn’t currently an active HDMI to Dual-Link DVI-D converter available.

Be aware that certain manufacturers will falsely sell passive adapters as active or Single-Link DVI adapters as Dual-Link, and that these active adapters are rather pricey.

Before purchasing an expensive active adapter, make sure your monitor/GPU supports 144Hz over the port you’re trying to convert.

FAQs

What is fake HDMI 2.1?

Due to the recent confusing and deceptive modifications to the HDMI 2.1 specification, you may have heard the term “fake HDMI 2.1” floating about.

Essentially, HDMI 2.1 has supplanted the HDMI 2.0 protocol. Therefore, a monitor’s claimed HDMI 2.1 port need not support the entire 48 Gbps bandwidth or include all of HDMI 2.1’s features, such HDMI-VRR. What features and bandwidth of HDMI are supported is up to the vendor.

Therefore, a 4K 144Hz HDMI 2.1 display may only provide 60Hz through its HDMI interface. Fortunately, the majority of manufacturers continue to refer to such screens as “HDMI 2.0.”

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a gaming monitor with HDMI 2.1, you must carefully consider the HDMI specifications listed by the manufacturer.

Does HDMI 1.4 support 144Hz at 1080p?

Yes, 144Hz @ 1920 x 1080 may be supported via HDMI 1.4. But not all HDMI 1.4-capable monitors automatically do.

Acer GN246HL, BenQ XL2411, BenQ XL2411Z, BenQ XL2430T, ASUS VG248QE, AOC G2460PF, and other older 144Hz gaming monitors are all only capable of 60Hz through HDMI. The maximum refresh rate for many HDMI 1.4 monitors is 120 Hz at 1080p.

Additionally, the majority of monitors with dedicated G-SYNC modules can only support 60Hz through HDMI.

How do Cable Types Affect the Refresh Rate?

Refresh rate is the number of times the image on the display may be refreshed in a second. This frequency, which is expressed in Hertz (Hz), often falls between 60Hz and 120Hz. The smoother the animation appears, the higher the number.

It is significant if you’re playing an online game because it will have an impact on your accuracy and could determine whether you win or lose some crucial games.

If you use an analog VGA connection to connect your computer to the monitor, you won’t be able to see content with a refresh rate higher than 60Hz. However, you will be able to see content at up to 144Hz if you’re utilizing a DVI connection or DisplayPort to transfer digital video from your computer to your monitor.

High resolution and refresh rates are supported through DisplayPort, DVI, and HDMI cables.

Do the 144hz Cables Support all Resolutions?

Almost all resolutions are supported by 144 Hz wires. They currently support 1080p, 1440p (you will need at least an HDMI 2.0 or a DisplayPort 1.2 cable), and 4K HDMI 2.1. DisplayPort 1.4 provides good compatibility for 4K at 144Hz.

There are a few monitors on the market now that are HDMI 2.1 compatible and offer 4K at 144Hz, but the most of them are extremely pricey.

My laptop/PC only has an HDMI port, but my monitor supports 144Hz over DisplayPort.

An active HDMI to DP adaptor is required. Keep in mind that this adapter only supports 1080p at 120Hz.

My laptop/PC only has an HDMI port, but my monitor supports 144Hz over Dual-Link DVI-D

An active HDMI to DL-DVI-D adaptor is required. Unfortunately, there isn’t a device like that yet. To use an HDMI to DisplayPort converter, your display must support 144Hz over HDMI or at least over DisplayPort.

My laptop/PC only has a Mini DisplayPort port, but my monitor supports 144Hz over DisplayPort.

A typical Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort connection is required.

My laptop/PC only has a Mini DisplayPort port, but my monitor supports 144Hz over Dual-Link DVI-D

An active Mini DisplayPort to DL-DVI-D adapter is required. Keep in mind that this adapter is limited to 1080p @ 120Hz. You can only use a passive or Single-Link DVI-D adapter to get 60Hz at 1080p.

My laptop/PC only has a Mini DisplayPort port, but my monitor supports 144Hz over HDMI

A Mini DisplayPort to HDMI converter is required. For 1080p 120Hz, a passive adaptor will be sufficient.

My laptop/PC only has a USB-C port, but my monitor supports 144Hz over DisplayPort

You will require a USB-C to DP adapter/cable because your laptop’s USB-C port supports Thunderbolt 3 or DisplayPort Alternate Mode.

My laptop/PC only has a USB-C port, but my monitor supports 144Hz over Dual-Link DVI-D

A USB-C to DL-DVI-D adaptor is required. Unfortunately, there is no such adapter. Although there are USB-C to Single-Link DVI converters, they can only output 1080p at 60 Hz.

My laptop/PC only has a USB-C port, but my monitor supports 144Hz over HDMI

You will require a USB-C to HDMI adapter/cable because your laptop’s USB-C port supports Thunderbolt 3 or DisplayPort Alternate Mode.