Interactive Tool
Monitor Cable Guide
Which monitor cable do you need?
Compare connectors and features — then find the right cable for your setup.
Which Cable Do I Need?
Look at the back of your computer and monitor. Click the port shape that matches what you see, then pick your resolution.
Click the port on the back of your computer that you want to use:
Ports shown at approximate real size. Hold your cable up to the screen to match.
Now click the port on the back of your monitor:
Hold your cable end up to the screen to find the match.
Connector Comparison
The most common connectors are shown by default. Scroll right to see Mini DP, DVI-D and DVI-A.
| Feature | DisplayPort | HDMI | USB-C (DP Alt) | VGA | DVI-I | Mini DP | DVI-D | DVI-A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signal Type | Digital | Digital | Digital | Analogue | Digital + Analogue | Digital | Digital | Analogue |
| Max Resolution | 8K @ 60Hz (DP 2.0) | 8K @ 60Hz (HDMI 2.1) | 8K @ 60Hz | 2048 × 1536 | 2560 × 1600 | 4K @ 60Hz | 2560 × 1600 | 1920 × 1200 |
| 4K @ 60Hz | DP 1.2+ | HDMI 2.0+ | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Audio | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Daisy Chain | Yes (MST) | No | Yes (via DP) | No | No | Yes (MST) | No | No |
| Max Cable Length | 3m (passive) | 15m (passive) | 2m (typical) | 15m+ | 5m | 3m (passive) | 5m | 15m+ |
| Power Delivery | No | No | Up to 240W | No | No | No | No | No |
| Locking Connector | Yes (clip) | No | No | Yes (screws) | Yes (screws) | No | Yes (screws) | Yes (screws) |
| Passive to VGA | No (active needed) | No (active needed) | No (active needed) | — | Yes (passive) | No (active needed) | No (active needed) | Yes (passive) |
| Common Use | PC monitors, docks | TVs, projectors, laptops | Modern laptops, tablets | Legacy monitors | Older PCs (digital + VGA) | Older Macs, Surface | Older monitors (digital) | Rare, projectors |
| Status | Current | Current | Current | Legacy | Legacy | Legacy | Legacy | Legacy |
DisplayPort Versions Explained
Click a version to see its capabilities.
DisplayPort 1.2
- Supports 4K @ 60Hz on a single monitor
- Multi-Stream Transport (MST) for daisy-chaining monitors
- Most common version in business monitors and docking stations
- More than enough for dual 1080p or single 1440p setups
Best for: Standard office setups with 1-2 monitors
DisplayPort 1.4
- Supports 4K @ 120Hz or 8K @ 30Hz
- HDR10 support for better colour and contrast
- Display Stream Compression (DSC) for higher resolutions
- Backwards compatible with DP 1.2 cables
Best for: Creative professionals and multi-monitor power users
DisplayPort 2.0
- Supports 8K @ 60Hz or dual 4K @ 120Hz
- Massive bandwidth increase - nearly 3x DP 1.4
- Drive up to three 4K monitors from a single port
- Requires new DP40 or DP80 certified cables
Best for: High-end workstations and multi-4K setups
DisplayPort 2.1
- Latest standard - supports 16K @ 60Hz with DSC
- Improved cable specifications (DP40 / DP80)
- Better USB-C tunnelling alongside USB data
- Enhanced link training for longer cable runs
Best for: Future-proofing and enterprise-grade display setups
Quick Reference: Common Adapters
Sometimes you need an adapter. Here are the most common ones we supply and install.
Connect a DisplayPort laptop to an HDMI monitor or TV. Supports 4K.
Connect a modern USB-C laptop to a DisplayPort monitor. Supports 4K @ 60Hz.
Connect a USB-C laptop to an HDMI display. Most common adapter we supply.
Connect a modern PC to a legacy VGA monitor. Limited to 1080p, no audio.
Connect an HDMI device to an older VGA monitor. Active adapter required.
Connect a DVI port to an HDMI display or vice versa. No audio over DVI.
Still not sure? We can check your setup and supply the right cables.
Get in touch