Your cable choice is more important than you might think whether you're looking for the smoothest gaming experience, the sharpest images, or the greatest refresh rate your monitor can provide. The incorrect cable can hinder performance or keep you from reaching your desired Hz even if you have a strong GPU and an expensive monitor.
This guide explains what influences real-world performance, how to select the best cable for your setup, and how many Hz different PC cables can run.
How Many Hz Can HDMI Operate at?
One of the most popular display cables is HDMI, however depending on the version, its performance varies significantly.
HDMI 1.4
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Typically supports up to 1080p @ 144Hz, 1440p ~75Hz, and 4K @ 30Hz.
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Many displays still cap refresh rate over HDMI to 60Hz or 120Hz depending on implementation.
HDMI 2.0
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Much more capable: 1080p @ 240Hz, 1440p @ 144Hz, and 4K @ 60Hz.
HDMI 2.1 (Ultra High Speed HDMI)
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Supports 4K @ 144Hz, 4K @ 120Hz, and even 8K @ 60Hz depending on device support.
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Great for high-end gaming monitors and TVs.
Although HDMI is widely supported and convenient, the refresh rate may be limited in older versions.
DisplayPort: The Best Option for High Refresh Rates
DisplayPort is perfect for PC gaming and professional monitors because it is made for high-bandwidth, high-performance displays.
DisplayPort 1.2
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Handles 1080p @ 240Hz, 1440p @ 165Hz, and 4K @ 60–75Hz.
DisplayPort 1.3 / 1.4
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Supports 1080p / 1440p @ 240Hz and 4K @ 120Hz, or 4K @ 144Hz with DSC (Display Stream Compression).
DisplayPort 2.0 / 2.1
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Massive bandwidth increase: supports 4K @ 240Hz, 8K @ 120Hz, and even higher resolutions with compression.
Mini DisplayPort
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Offers similar capabilities to its matching DisplayPort version.
DisplayPort is typically the most reliable and secure choice for monitors with high refresh rates.
DVI: Still Works, But Limited
DVI is mostly found on older monitors and GPUs, but it can still deliver decent performance.
Single-Link DVI
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Maxes out around 1920×1200 @ 60Hz.
Dual-Link DVI-D
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Can reach 1080p @ 144Hz or 1440p @ 75Hz, depending on device support.
DVI falls well short of current HDMI and DisplayPort standards, yet it is still functional for older gear.
VGA: Exclusive to Older Devices
Because VGA uses analog signaling, the refresh rate and image quality are constrained.
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Usually supports 1920 × 1200 pixels at about 75 Hz.
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Signal degradation is frequently seen at higher resolutions or refresh rates.
Unless you're working with outdated technology, VGA should be avoided.
Thunderbolt and USB-C: Contemporary and Adaptable
A growing number of desktop and laptop computers use USB-C for video output. Depending on the specification, it may or may not be able to handle high refresh rates.
DisplayPort Alt Mode on USB-C
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4K at 60–144Hz, depending on the device and version, is comparable to DisplayPort performance.
Thunderbolt 3/4
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Daisy-chaining and docking configurations are supported, and dual 4K @ 60Hz or single 8K @ 30Hz output is possible.
Although not all USB-C ports allow video, USB-C is excellent for multifunctional use; carefully check the specifications of your device.
Factors Affecting a Cable's Capable Hz
Real-world performance can vary even when a cable type supports high refresh rates because of:
Bandwidth & Cable Version
Full performance is not guaranteed by a cable branded "HDMI" or "DisplayPort"; only certified versions satisfy bandwidth requirements.
Quality of Cable
Refresh rate caps, flickering, and signal loss can be caused by inadequate shielding, thin conductors, or inexpensive materials.
Cable Length
Signal quality deteriorates with longer cables.
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For high refresh rates, HDMI above 3 meters may need fiber or active cables.
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Under about 2 meters, DisplayPort is the most stable.
The Combination of Your GPU and Monitor
The desired resolution and refresh rate must be supported by both devices. The chain's lowest capability cannot be exceeded by the cable.
Use of Adapters
Resolution or Hz may be limited by adapters (HDMI → DP, USB-C → HDMI, etc.), especially passive ones.
Signal Integrity and Interference
Stability can be impacted by electronics, power lines, or inadequate shielding, particularly at higher refresh rates.
How to Choose the Right Cable for Your Setup
Here’s a quick recommendation:
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1080p @ 144Hz–240Hz → DisplayPort 1.2 / HDMI 2.0
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1440p @ 144Hz → DisplayPort 1.3+ / HDMI 2.0
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4K @ 60–120Hz → DisplayPort 1.4 / HDMI 2.1
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4K @ 144Hz or 8K → DisplayPort 2.0+ / HDMI 2.1 / USB-C (DP Alt Mode)
Short, certified, well-shielded cables are always the best choice.
Concluding Remarks
Bandwidth, cable quality, device compatibility, and even cable length all affect how many Hz a PC cable can run. DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0/2.1 provide the highest performance-compatibility ratio for contemporary gaming and productivity settings. While earlier standards like VGA and DVI are rapidly becoming outdated, USB-C and Thunderbolt offer flexibility.
You may fully utilize your GPU and monitor by selecting the appropriate cable; there won't be any flickering, bottlenecks, or lost performance.
