Will a DisplayPort-to-HDMI Adapter Run 144 Hz?

These days, both the DisplayPort and HDMI are the standards for audio and video connections, whether you’re using a laptop, desktop computer, or the latest gaming console. 

Both are innovative in their own right, the DisplayPort and HDMI offer robust data transfers and are highly efficient.

But suppose you run a high-end gaming setup and recently switched to a 144 Hz monitor for an improved playing experience. 

In that case, you might be wondering if a DisplayPort-to-HDMI is capable of running that refresh rate. 

In today’s gaming landscape, pixel-perfect precision is essential, and utilizing a monitor that can seamlessly run 144 Hz is the best way to achieve that.  

So, can a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter run 144 Hz to compliment your setup?

The simple answer is yes, and it can even do so at multiple resolutions, including 1080p and 1440p. This is all thanks to the backward compatibility present in DisplayPort. 

As long as certain conditions are met, outputting a 144 Hz refresh rate on a good monitor should be smooth and easy.

But if you’re keen on understanding how all of this works on a broader scale, read on! This article will go over the DisplayPort, HDMI ports, monitor refresh rate, and everything in between. 

What Is DisplayPort and What Is HDMI? 

If you’ve owned a high-end tech setup before, then it’s likely that you’ve encountered cables known as the DisplayPort and the HDMI before. With both becoming more commonplace than ever (with the HDMI getting years’ worth of a head start), these are two of the most capable connectors ever. 

But how do these two cables differ? And what benefits can you get from using one or the other?

For starters, the DisplayPort, at its core, is a digital interface specifically designed to deliver high-quality audio and video through a singular cable, much like the HDMI. 

But, while it works just like every other video and audio data connection, DisplayPort is utilized more on higher-end devices, thanks to its greater bandwidth and expansive feature sets. For many of its consumers, DisplayPort is mainly used for its higher refresh rate and resolution capability. 

Then there’s HDMI. 

Another type of connector, HDMI (or High Definition Multimedia Interface) is used to transmit high-resolution video alongside high-quality audio between different devices. 

Unlike DisplayPort, however, HDMI is more common in consumer technology, mainly because it was first developed for analog solutions like the VGA and audio jack. 

Since its development in 2002, HDMI has gone through a number of iterations and upgrades, with each new one adding more features. 

The latest HDMI version is also called specification 2.1, supporting refresh rates like 8K60 and 4K120. 

What Is 144 Hz? 

As technology continues to improve, developers are always offering new products bundled with the latest improvements in tech, all made for specific needs.

One such technology is 144 Hz (or higher) monitors, fast becoming essential for gamers with high-end gaming setups. But what does 144 Hz mean in the first place?

Simply put, 144 Hz is the speed of your monitor showing a new image after the last one. The hertz (Hz), in this case, represents the refresh rate. So, a 144 Hz monitor is made to refresh your display 144 times per second, showing a new image each time.

This makes a ton of difference for gamers, as a 144 Hz monitor can make the gameplay much smoother while delivering excellent picture quality. Additionally, 144 Hz removes any input lag, which is very useful in games that require split-second precision. 

However, it’s important to note that, unless you have a graphics card that can reliably run 60 fps or higher, getting a 144 Hz monitor isn’t worth it.

Will a DisplayPort-to-HDMI Adapter Run at 144Hz?

As mentioned beforehand, yes. 

These days, compatibility is a non-issue, as using an adapter to connect devices that use DisplayPort and HDMI is very effective.

Part of this is because of the DisplayPort’s backward compatibility and the similarities it shares with HDMI.

For example, provided that the DisplayPort is at least version DP 1.2 and the HDMI is at least HDMI 2.0, both can run 4K content efficiently.

Both also come with high bandwidth digital content protection, which lets you play content that needs verification against piracy. 

However, certain conditions must first be met to achieve 144Hz with a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter. 

For starters, your PC/GPU needs to have a DisplayPort port, and the monitor needs to have an HDMI port, as the adapter is unidirectional. If it’s the opposite case, then you would need an HDMI to DisplayPort adapter instead. 

Naturally, your monitor and GPU/PC also need to be powerful enough to output 144Hz via DisplayPort. Otherwise, it wouldn’t work. 

If you meet the requirements above, then you can use a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter of your choice. Of course, looking for an adapter with excellent build quality is also recommended. 

And if you’re on the hunt for such an adapter, the CableCreation Braided Active DP to HDMI Adapter  should serve you well. Sporting an aluminum case and braided jacket for extra durability, this adapter should run 2K and 1080p at 144 Hz, as well as 4K at 60 Hz. 

Thanks to its quality build and brand recognition, the Plugable Active DisplayPort to HDMI adapter  is another excellent option. For its price, this adapter supports 4k resolutions, and delivers 594 MHz for smoother quality. 

Unfortunately, it only supports 1080p at 120 Hz and 4K at 60 Hz. But, if you don’t mind that slight decrease in refresh rate, then it’s a great purchase.

Does DisplayPort-to-HDMI Adapter Lose Quality? 

If you’re wondering whether a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter will result in a loss of quality, then you’ll be pleased to know that the answer is no. Using such an adapter is the same as having a native HDMI output, so you should experience no quality drops. 

As for cable length, the maximum cable length recommended for DisplayPort is 6 feet (1.8 meters). Anything longer than that might affect display quality. 

Luckily, if you’re using an adapter to connect your PC/GPU to a monitor, then 6 feet worth of cable length should be more than enough. 

Additionally, make sure that it’s the suitable DisplayPort variant, like 1.2/1.4. 

Final Thoughts 

DisplayPort and HDMI are powerful and capable connection solutions, and it seems like both are not done improving. 

Between these two, however, finding the best solution for your 144 Hz monitor needs can be easily confusing. 

Luckily, having a basic understanding of their features and limitations will help you make the best decision for your setup.