As display resolutions and refresh rates continue rising to stunning new heights, understanding the right video connectivity standard for your PC setup is key. When debating between DisplayPort 1.2 and DisplayPort 1.4 for your monitor or television, it pays to consider both now and for future upgrades you may have in mind.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore all the crucial fine print differentiating these two ubiquitous DisplayPort versions—from technical bandwidth limits down to real-world performance deltas you’re bound to spot across gaming, professional media creation and more. You’ll learn:
- Key enhancements DisplayPort 1.4 brings over its now-aging 1.2 predecessor
- The actual display capabilities unlocked by the spec upgrades
- How increased bandwidth translates into tangible visual improvements
- What to watch for when shopping for compliant cables and devices
- Plus additional tips for choosing what‘s best for your needs
Let‘s start by rewinding the clock on DisplayPort‘s ongoing evolution…
The Quest for the Ultimate Viewing Standard: DisplayPort‘s Ongoing Evolution
DisplayPort first arrived in 2006 as a new digital video interface attempting to replace VGA and DVI connections. Developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA), its goals went beyond existing analog standards, seeking to enable:
- Significantly higher resolutions beyond 1080p Full HD
- Smooth refresh rates up to 120 Hz and above
- Expanded color depth for professional imaging needs
- Multi-channel lossless audio integration
- Plus content protection capabilities
Over a series of revisions (1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and now 1.4), DisplayPort steadily unlocked new heights across these areas and more via raw bandwidth increases and compression efficiencies. Billions in device investments later, DisplayPort now powers everything from professional media production workflows to consumer gaming monitor setups worldwide.
Both DisplayPort 1.2 and 1.4 retain wide industry adoption today due to strong backward compatibility. However, with 1.2 first arriving in 2010 and 1.4 following up in 2016, does the roughly six years between standards make an impact? Let‘s find out…
DisplayPort 1.2 vs. 1.4: Key Specification Upgrades Summarized
While DisplayPort 1.2 and 1.4 utilize the same connector type to transmit both audio and video digitally from source devices to displays, significant differences lie under the hood…
Here is a summary of core performance metrics and capabilities:
| Specifications | DisplayPort 1.2 | DisplayPort 1.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Bandwidth | 17.28 Gbps | 32.4 Gbps |
| Max Resolution | 4K UHD@60Hz | 8K UHD@60Hz |
| Refresh Rate (1080p) | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Refresh Rate (4K) | 60 Hz | 120 Hz |
| HDR Metadata Support | No | Yes (HDR10) |
| Display Stream Compression | No | Yes (DSC 1.2) |
| Max Audio Channels | 8 | 32 |
Thanks to nearly double the video bandwidth (32.4 Gbps vs. 17.28 Gbps) supplemented by DSC compression, DisplayPort 1.4 stretches possibilities far higher than its predecessor across resolution, frame rates, color depth and immersive audio integration.
But do those gigabits translate into truly transformative experiences for both gamers and media creators? Let’s explore some real-world deltas everyone can spot…
Pinpointing Real-Performance Gains: Where DisplayPort 1.4 Pulls Ahead
While a nearly 2X bandwidth increase from DisplayPort 1.2 to 1.4 may seem largely academic on paper, new display resolutions and HDR capabilities are beginning to expose limitations even for owners of high-end GPUs and monitors.
Quadrupling Pixels for 8K Goodness
Simply put, DisplayPort 1.2 capped out supporting 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) at a mere 60 Hz—leaving little headroom beyond basic 4K productivity. 1.4 lifts that limit to a stunning 8K (7680 × 4320 pixels) still at 60 Hz.
That‘s not just double the pixels, but nearly 4X the total pixels driven at smooth frame rates. Even future-proofed setups stand to benefit thanks to DSC compression minimizing bandwidth demands past what 32 Gbps may allow.
Seeing New Depth with High Dynamic Range
Beyond resolution, DisplayPort 1.4 also introduces official metadata transport for High Dynamic Range (HDR) content. Instead of traditional video bit-depths allowing up to 16.7 million colors, HDR allows over 1 billion thanks to 10-bit and 12-bit color sampling.
The result? Far more life-like contrast, a wider spectrum of vivid hues and reduced banding in gradients. It’s a must for professional colorists and demonstrably better across today‘s HDR-capable displays.
Maxing Out High Refresh Gaming
DisplayPort 1.2 already flexed superb 1080p gaming support at up to 120 Hz or 1440p at 100 Hz—plenty for most esports pros. However, DisplayPort 1.4 now officially blesses ultra smooth 4K gaming up to 120 Hz too.
NVIDIA and AMD’s latest GPU advancements mean frames rates can better keep up with those formerly unachievable refresh rates. Costly as the monitors may be, DisplayPort 1.4 finally offers headroom for the most demanding competitive players one day.
Daisy Chaining Multiple Displays
Even basic convenience gains accompany DisplayPort 1.4Specs. Built-in daisy chain capabilities mean multiple monitors can now link together from one GPU output. That reduces cable clutter without needing standalone hubs or MST.
Simplifying the Cable and Compatibility Conundrum
With something as ubiquitous as DisplayPort, there are bound to be some cables and connector conundrums when comparing revisions. Here’s what you need to know when mixing and matching components new and old:
- Cables: Thankfully, existing certified DisplayPort cables already support the full 32 Gbps needed for 1.4 devices. No need for costly new cabling.
- Compatibility: DisplayPort 1.4 devices remain backward compatible with 1.2 and earlier. You CAN safely mix and match.
- Limitations: Whichever device offers the lowest capabilities in your chain limits the top performance. Think least common denominator.
When shopping for new GPUs, monitors and cabling opt for DisplayPort 1.4 hardware where possible. But don‘t stress about 1.2 cables you likely already own. Focus instead on the actual display endpoints capping resolution.
Choosing What‘s Right for You: Our Upgrade Recommendations
With all said and done, should you rush out to upgrade your monitor and video card to tap DisplayPort 1.4 today? Ask yourself:
- What resolutions, frame rates and HDR capabilities do your current displays actually offer?
- What components do you plan on upgrading in the next 2 years? New GPU? New monitor?
- Do you require multi-display productivity or niche needs like daisy chaining?
If you mainly stick to 1080p or 1440p SDR gaming even with higher refresh rates, DisplayPort 1.2 likely already provides plenty of headroom even years down the road. The choice disparity grows once you look at 2560×1440 ultrawides pushing past 100 Hz refresh rates or plan to edit HDR video content.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
DisplayPort 1.2 Still Handles:
- 1080p @ 60-144 Hz
- 1440p @ 60-100 Hz
- Basic 4K 60 Hz office work
- 16.7 million color (SDR) video
When to Step Up to DisplayPort 1.4:
- 4K @ 100 Hz+ (especially HDR 4K)
- Ultrawide 1440p pushing past 100 Hz
- Professional HDR color grading
- Future 8K display connectivity
- Multi-display daisy chaining
We hope this complete exploration of DisplayPort 1.2 versus 1.4 answers any questions you had around specs, cables, compatibility and whether an upgrade makes sense for your needs! Let us know in the comments if you have any other DisplayPort questions.
