How Can I Tell What Version of DisplayPort I Have?

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DisplayPort technology has become a go-to staple for providing high-definition audio and video connectivity via a single cable.

While based on the same basic layout, there are different versions of DisplayPort with unique specifications and progressively higher bandwidths.

To make the most out of your DisplayPort, you will need to know what version it is. This article will help you figure out what video resolution and refresh rate it supports.

There is no direct way to check your DisplayPort version via the hardware specifications. Graphics card and port drivers also don’t directly indicate the DisplayPort version.

To find your DisplayPort version, identify your PC’s processor. 

Then, check the manufacturer’s site for details on its graphics specifications. Check the maximum resolution and refresh rate for DisplayPort output. 

Most devices will be able to support a refresh rate and resolution up to the value listed. From these details, you’ll be able to figure out which DisplayPort version you have.

In this article, we’ll cover the different versions of DisplayPort and their specifications to help you figure out which one your PC supports.

What Is DisplayPort?

DisplayPort technology was developed as an alternative to older VGA and DVI interfaces. 

The high-performing DisplayPort is highly valued today thanks to its versatility and functionality in displaying audio and video signals via a single cable output. 

DisplayPorts are generally used to connect a monitor or a display to a source device (a laptop or PC).

DisplayPort is also widely used for connecting multiple monitors to a single source device.

How Can I Tell What Version of DisplayPort I Have? 

As DisplayPort versions are updated per year, its bandwidth requirements become more demanding to support higher resolutions, faster refresh rates, and more comprehensive color depth.

Before connecting your source device to a monitor via the DisplayPort, you need to know its maximum resolution and refresh rate. 

Otherwise, going over the maximum DisplayPort resolution will result in the unsightly compression of video output.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to check your DisplayPort version directly from your PC or laptop’s hardware specifications. Most devices won’t specifically indicate the DisplayPort version under the graphics card or display port information, either.

Instead, you will have to check your PC or laptop’s processor graphics specifications under the manufacturer’s site.

Step 1: Check Your Processor Model.

For Windows:

Click the Control Panel and navigate to System and Security > System. Under Device Specifications, you’ll find your processor model and CPU speed.

For macOS:

Click the Apple icon in the upper left-hand corner of your screen. Click About This Mac. Under Overview, you will find your processor model.

Step 2: Visit Your Processor’s Manufacturer Site.

Search for your processor model under the manufacturer’s website. 

The most common processor manufacturers are Intel and AMD, so you might find these links useful:

• Intel Product Specification 
• AMD Product Specifications

Step 3: Check the Graphics Specifications.

Under the section on Graphics specifications, check the value under Max Resolution (DP). This is the maximum resolution supported via the DisplayPort output.

Your device should be able to support any resolution and refresh rate up to the Max Resolution (DP) value.

Step 4: Compare Against the DisplayPort Version Specifications.

Refer to this table to compare the processor’s Max Resolution (DP) against the maximum resolution supported by each DisplayPort version. 

You should be able to find the DisplayPort version that’s compatible with your processor’s maximum resolution.

Do DisplayPort Cables Have Versions? 

There are two main types of DisplayPort cables: the standard DisplayPort cable and the Mini DisplayPort cable .

While the two differ in shape and size, their capabilities and functionalities are mostly similar.

DisplayPort cables are compatible with any DisplayPort, regardless of the version or type. The cables mostly differ in terms of their bandwidth and video resolution support.

The most popular DisplayPorts support 4K video , but the DisplayPort cables for 8K video resolution  are gaining popularity with DisplayPort 2.0.

What Is the Current Version of DisplayPort?

DisplayPort 2.0 is the latest version of DisplayPort. It introduces three new data rates per lane: 10 Gbps, 13.5 Gbps, and 20 Gbps.

It also boasts 80 Gbps of bandwidth, allowing ultra-high resolutions at even faster refresh rates.

This version of DisplayPort can simultaneously support two 4K screens with a refresh rate of 144 Hz. And for a single display, it can support up to 8K without any compression.

What Version of DisplayPort Do I Need for 144 Hz?

All DisplayPort versions support 144 Hz. However, compression may occur if the display exceeds the maximum resolution of the source device.

Here’s the maximum resolution supported by DisplayPort versions at 144 Hz:

• DisplayPort 1.0 and 1.1: 1080p
• DisplayPort 1.2 and 1.3: 1080p OR 1440p
• DisplayPort 1.4: 4K 
• DisplayPort 2.0: Two 4K monitors OR one 4K monitor and two 1440p monitors

Conclusion 

Especially if you’re into gaming, you’ll need to figure out your DisplayPort version to see if it can handle higher bandwidths, so you can achieve the resolution and refresh rate you want to get on your screen.

All DisplayPort cables can be connected with any DisplayPort device, regardless of its version and cable certification level. 

However, you will notice some limitations based on the device’s maximum resolution and refresh rate.

To check your DisplayPort version, you need to check the maximum resolution supported by your processor and graphics card.

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