Want to know which cable you need to make your monitor run at 144Hz? You can think of it as a simple question, but not all cables are created equal. Plugging in the wrong one could leave you stuck at 60Hz, turning your expensive fancy computer monitor no better than a regular office display.
Many people think that plugging in any HDMI or DisplayPort cable will automatically deliver 144Hz, but that’s not always the case. Some cables don’t support the required bandwidth, while others limit you to 60Hz or 120Hz without you even realizing it. You could be leaving performance on the table without knowing the reason. To help you avoid the frustration of a capped refresh rate, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about picking the right cable for your 144Hz monitor.
144Hz Monitor: Why Refresh Rate Matters?
A monitor’s refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), indicates how many times per second it updates the image on the screen. A 60Hz monitor refreshes 60 times per second, while a 144Hz monitor does so 144 times per second. The result will be smooth motion, reduced motion blur, and lower input lag—all of which are especially beneficial for gaming and high-speed content.
But to fully use 144Hz, your monitor, graphics card, and most importantly, your cable must all support the required bandwidth. If your cable isn’t up to the task, the monitor will default to a lower refresh rate, defeating the purpose of your upgrade. That’s where choosing the right cable becomes important.
DisplayPort, HDMI, or DVI: Which Cable Works Best for 144Hz?
When it comes to connecting a 144Hz monitor, you typically have three main options: DisplayPort, HDMI, and Dual-Link DVI. But not all of them support 144Hz at every resolution.
DisplayPort: The Best Choice for 144Hz
If you have a DisplayPort input on your monitor, this should be your first choice. DisplayPort offers the highest bandwidth and best compatibility for high-refresh-rate gaming.
- DisplayPort 1.2 supports 1080p and 1440p at 144Hz with no issues.
- DisplayPort 1.4 allows for 4K at 144Hz (with Display Stream Compression).
- DisplayPort 2.0/2.1 is overkill for most users but supports 8K at 60Hz and even higher refresh rates.
The best factor about DisplayPort is that it also supports adaptive sync technologies like AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, which eliminates screen tearing. If your GPU and monitor both support DisplayPort, this is the best cable to use.
HDMI: The Most Common Option (But With Limitations)
HDMI is the most widely used display cable, found on almost every monitor, TV, and gaming console. But not every version of HDMI supports 144Hz.
- HDMI 1.4 can handle 1080p at 144Hz, but not all monitors support it (some are capped at 120Hz).
- HDMI 2.0 is required for 1440p at 144Hz and 4K at 60Hz.
- HDMI 2.1 is the best version, supporting 4K at 144Hz but only with compatible hardware.
The biggest downside to HDMI is that many monitors limit their refresh rate over HDMI – some might only support 120Hz or even 60Hz. Always verify your monitor’s specifications before relying on HDMI to achieve top-quality 144Hz.
Dual-Link DVI: The Old-School 1080p Option
Dual-Link DVI used to be the go-to option for 1080p at 144Hz, but it is becoming outdated. Although it still works for older monitors, it has a few limitations:
- It only supports 1080p at 144Hz but no 1440p or 4K resolutions.
- It doesn’t carry audio, so you’ll need a separate cable for sound.
- Most modern GPUs don’t include DVI ports anymore.
If you already have a Dual-Link DVI cable and your setup supports it, you can still use it for 1080p at 144Hz refresh rates, but DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0+ is the better choice for new setups.
Choose the Right Cable for Your Resolution and Refresh Rate
To make things easier, here’s a quick reference table to help you choose the right cable based on your monitor’s resolution and refresh rate:
| Resolution & Refresh Rate | Best Cable Choice | Alternative Option |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p @ 144Hz | DisplayPort 1.2+ | HDMI 1.4, Dual-Link DVI |
| 1440p @ 144Hz | DisplayPort 1.2+ | HDMI 2.0+ |
| 4K @ 144Hz | DisplayPort 1.4 (with DSC) | HDMI 2.1 |
If you want the most future-proof setup, opt for DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 cables if your PC monitor supports them.
Do You Need a Special Cable for 144Hz?
So, does any HDMI or DisplayPort cable work? Not necessarily. For HDMI, look for certified “High-Speed” (HDMI 1.4), “Premium High-Speed” (HDMI 2.0), or “Ultra High-Speed” (HDMI 2.1) cables. Generic or low-quality cables might not support 144Hz properly.
For DisplayPort, most standard DP 1.2, 1.4, or 2.0 cables will work just fine. However, avoid ultra-cheap, unbranded cables that are not properly shielded, as they can introduce signal degradation. Cable length also matters. If your cable is longer than 10 feet, there’s a risk of signal loss. For longer distances, consider using active cables to maintain performance.
Can You Use an HDMI to DisplayPort Adapter for 144Hz?
In some cases, you need to use an adapter—for example, if your PC only has HDMI but your monitor only comes with DisplayPort support. However, keep these factors in mind:
- Passive adapters don’t support high refresh rates.
- Active adapters can work, but only if they explicitly support 144Hz.
- FreeSync and G-Sync might not work properly with adapters.
If possible, avoid adapters and use a direct DisplayPort or HDMI connection for the best performance and achieve that 144Hz refresh rate out of your monitor.
