DP is short for DisplayPort, a cable standard that connects your monitor to your computer

DisplayPort (DP) is a type of video cable and connection port, similar to HDMI or USB-C. It carries the picture signal from your computer to your monitor. You will see "DP" or "DisplayPort" printed on the back of a monitor near the ports, or on the cable itself. The port looks like a small rectangular slot with a notch in one corner — different from the wider HDMI port or the round VGA port on older monitors.

DisplayPort exists because monitor makers and computer manufacturers needed a standard that could handle higher resolutions, faster refresh rates, and more colors than the older standards allowed. It was designed to work with modern graphics cards and high-end monitors, though it is now common on mid-range and budget monitors too.

The main reason you will encounter DP when shopping for a monitor is that it often performs better than HDMI for gaming, video work, or running multiple monitors from one computer. But it is not the only option — HDMI still works fine for most people, and many monitors have both ports so you can choose.

Key Takeaways

  • DisplayPort is a cable standard that sends video from your computer to your monitor, and DP on a monitor means it has a DisplayPort port built in.
  • DisplayPort supports higher resolutions and refresh rates than HDMI, which matters if you are gaming, editing video, or using a high-end monitor.
  • You only need DisplayPort if your monitor has it and your computer has a matching port — HDMI works for most everyday tasks.
  • DisplayPort cables are not interchangeable with HDMI cables; you need the correct cable type for the port on your monitor and computer.

How DisplayPort compares to HDMI and other monitor cables

Most monitors sold today have at least one of three connection types: HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C. All three carry video signals, but they differ in speed and what they can handle.

HDMI is the most common. It works with almost every computer, laptop, and streaming device. A standard HDMI cable can handle 4K resolution at 60 Hz (meaning the picture refreshes 60 times per second). DisplayPort can handle the same 4K at 60 Hz, but newer versions of DisplayPort go much higher — DisplayPort 1.4 can push 8K at 60 Hz or 4K at 120 Hz. That extra speed matters for gaming, where higher refresh rates mean smoother motion, and for professional video work, where you need to see colors accurately without lag.

USB-C is the newest option. Some modern monitors have a USB-C port that carries both video and power, so you can charge your laptop and display video through a single cable. But USB-C monitors are less common and usually cost more.

For everyday use — web browsing, email, watching videos, office work — HDMI and DisplayPort perform identically. The difference only shows up at higher resolutions or refresh rates. If your monitor has both HDMI and DisplayPort, either one will work; pick whichever cable your computer has available.

What you need to check before buying a monitor with DisplayPort

Before you buy a monitor with a DP port, confirm that your computer actually has a DisplayPort output. Older laptops and desktops often do not. Check the back or sides of your computer for a small rectangular port with a notch, or look up your computer model online to see what ports it has.

If your computer only has HDMI, USB-C, or an older VGA port, you have two choices: buy a monitor with that same port type, or buy an adapter cable. Adapters exist that convert DisplayPort to HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort, but they add cost and sometimes reduce performance slightly. The simpler route is to match your monitor port to what your computer already has.

Also check the cable that comes with the monitor. Some monitors include a DisplayPort cable in the box; others do not. If it is not included and you do not already own a DisplayPort cable, you will need to buy one separately. DisplayPort cables are inexpensive (usually under $15) but are not the same as HDMI cables, so you cannot reuse an old HDMI cable with a DisplayPort port.

When DisplayPort makes a real difference in performance

DisplayPort shines in three situations. The first is gaming at high refresh rates. If you have a gaming monitor that runs at 144 Hz, 165 Hz, or higher, and you want to use it at that full speed, DisplayPort is often the better choice. HDMI can handle high refresh rates too, but DisplayPort is more reliable for these speeds, especially at higher resolutions.

The second is professional work with video or graphics. Video editors, photographers, and designers sometimes use monitors that display a wider range of colors or higher resolutions than standard office monitors. DisplayPort handles these without compression, so the colors you see match what you are editing.

The third is running multiple monitors from a single computer. Some DisplayPort cables support daisy-chaining, which means you can connect one monitor to your computer and another monitor to the first monitor, all through a single cable. HDMI does not support this. If you plan to use three or four monitors at once, DisplayPort can simplify the cable mess.

For most people — checking email, browsing, watching Netflix, working in spreadsheets — the difference between DisplayPort and HDMI is invisible. Your monitor will look and feel identical. The choice matters only if you are doing something that pushes the monitor to its limits.

How to connect a monitor with DisplayPort

Connecting a DisplayPort monitor is the same as connecting any monitor. Locate the DisplayPort port on the back of the monitor (it will be labeled DP or have the DisplayPort symbol, which looks like a small D with a P inside). Locate the DisplayPort port on your computer — usually on the back of a desktop or the side of a laptop.

Plug one end of the DisplayPort cable into the monitor and the other end into your computer. If your computer does not have a DisplayPort port, you will need an adapter. For example, if your computer has USB-C, you can buy a USB-C to DisplayPort adapter cable, which plugs into the USB-C port and gives you a DisplayPort connection.

Once the cable is connected, turn on the monitor. Your computer should recognize it automatically within a few seconds. If the monitor stays black, restart your computer or check the monitor's input settings (usually a button on the back or side of the monitor) to make sure it is set to DisplayPort input instead of HDMI or another option.

Understanding DisplayPort versions and what the numbers mean

DisplayPort comes in versions: 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, and the newer 2.0 and 2.1. The version number tells you the maximum speed and resolution the port can handle. Newer versions are faster and support higher resolutions, but the difference only matters if you are using a very high-end monitor.

DisplayPort 1.4 is the most common version on monitors sold today. It handles 4K at 120 Hz, which is more than enough for gaming and professional work. DisplayPort 2.0 and 2.1 are newer and support even higher resolutions like 8K, but monitors with these versions are rare and expensive.

When you are shopping for a monitor, you do not need to memorize version numbers. If the monitor lists its refresh rate (like 144 Hz) and resolution (like 1440p), and your computer has a DisplayPort port, the monitor will work. The version will be fast enough for what the monitor is designed to do. Manufacturers would not sell a 144 Hz monitor with a slow DisplayPort version — it would not make sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a DisplayPort cable with an HDMI port?

No. DisplayPort and HDMI are different connector types and are not compatible. A DisplayPort cable will not fit into an HDMI port, and an HDMI cable will not fit into a DisplayPort port. If your monitor has DisplayPort but your computer only has HDMI, you need an adapter cable that converts between the two.

Is DisplayPort better than HDMI?

DisplayPort is faster and supports higher refresh rates and resolutions, but for everyday tasks like email and web browsing, both look identical. HDMI is more common and works with more devices. Choose based on what your computer has and what the monitor supports — either one will work fine for most people.

Do I need DisplayPort for a regular office monitor?

No. Most office monitors work with HDMI, USB-C, or older VGA cables. DisplayPort is more common on gaming monitors and high-end professional monitors. If you are buying a basic monitor for work, HDMI is usually the simpler choice because most laptops and desktops have HDMI ports.

What if my monitor has DisplayPort but my computer does not?

You can buy an adapter cable that converts your computer's port (usually USB-C or Thunderbolt) to DisplayPort. These adapters are inexpensive and widely available online. Plug the adapter into your computer, then plug the DisplayPort cable into the adapter and the monitor.

Does the DisplayPort cable quality matter?

For most uses, no. A basic DisplayPort cable works fine. Expensive cables do not carry the signal any better than cheap ones. Buy a cable that is the right length and from a brand with good reviews, and it will work the same as a premium cable.