DisplayPort 1.4 Vs. 1.2 – Which is Better?

In recent years many developments happened, especially in the field of technology. DisplayPort is one of those connectors that have undergone a complete overhaul from previous versions. DisplayPort is essential equipment connecting the PC, PlayStation, and Xbox to transmit audio and video streams.

The implementation of DisplayPort in high-end gaming monitors and home theaters is becoming common. These cables are better at transferring the audio and video data from the PC to the display. However, there is always a discussion of comparing different versions of DisplayPort. The effectiveness of these versions and their limitation varies. Although they look identical to each other, some fundamental difference prevails between them.

The latest version of DisplayPort is 2.0, while the DisplayPort 1.2 came in 2010. The 1.4 version is the next upgrade of the previous version, but that does not mean that both are different in their operation. We will discuss the differences between the performance and efficiency of DisplayPort 1.2 and 1.4 in this article.

displayport 1.2 vs 1.4

What is DisplayPort?

DisplayPort is an effective means of connecting the audio and video streams from the source to the output. In addition, they are the interface that has the ability to connect multiple devices. Thus, data transfer is possible between laptops, monitors, PC, and other workstations.

It’s not only the DisplayPort that is an effective means of audio and video data transfer. Of course, we have HDMI ports also but that another story. In recent times, DisplayPort has undergone many improvements in technology and an evident boost in performance. As a result, you can play high-resolution games and videos that were not possible with old VGA cables.

DisplayPort 1.4 vs DisplayPort 1.2

 DisplayPort 1.4DisplayPort 1.2
Data Rate25.92 Gbit/s17.28 Gbit/s
Common Resolutions3440×1440, 3840×21601920×1080, 2560×1440
Bandwidth32.40 Gbit/s21.60 Gbit/s
Audio Channels328
Sample Rate1536 kHz768 kHz
HDCP 2.2 SupportYesNo
4K Resolution120 Hz, 10-bit color75 Hz, 8-bit color
8K Resolution60 Hz, 10-bit colorNot Supported
Display Stream CompressionSupportedNot Supported

DisplayPort shows specific strength in number for a high-end cable that shows its capability to handle the tasks. In addition, they are capable of passing impressive bandwidth and offer a broad range of transmission options. They emerged as the replacement of old audio and video transmission sources in the start, but with time many changes happened in the successive generations. In our comparison of DisplayPort 1.4 Vs 1.2, the older version is still impressive, but let’s see what improved version 1.4.

In DisplayPort 1.4, there are many feature upgrades over 1.2, but the appearance remained almost unchanged. However, in this latest version, there are a lot of changes like Display Stream Compression. This DSC is a lossless compression format that supports higher refresh rates and a more comprehensive resolution range.

displayport

DisplayPort 1.4 is much more accomplished compared to the 1.2 from top to bottom. A high compression rate and more data allowance make the DisplayPort best for high-resolution gaming monitors. But 1.2 is also not far behind in the performance, and it still ensures good competition to the DisplayPort 1.2. Also, it is the low cost that attracts the users that looks for the affordable solution for high-resolution gaming.

Related: DisplayPort, VGA, and HDMI – Which One to Choose?

The features sheet of DisplayPort 1.4 is more extensive than port 1.2 as the higher resolution and refresh rate are attractive offerings. The jump of 1.4 is more significant over the 1.2 in features and specs. However, DisplayPort 1.2 cannot compete with 1.4 in competitive gaming. DisplayPort 1.4 supports 3440×1440 resolution to a staggering refresh rate of 250 Hz. While in the case of DisplayPort 1.2, the highest resolution is 1920×1080 with a 144 Hz refresh rate. Even the maximum resolution of DisplayPort 1.4 can reach 3840×2160, which rules out 1.2 from the competition.

Even the bandwidth difference between DisplayPort 1.3 and 1.4 is evident. The maximum bandwidth that DisplayPort 1.2 can support is 21.8 GB/sec, which is pretty less than 1.4, which supports a maximum bandwidth of 32.42 GB/sec. Even the data rates on both have a clear difference. The DisplayPort 1.4 supports a data range of 25.94 GB/sec compared to the 17.2828 GB/sec of the DisplayPort 1.2, which definitely a clear boost.

Audio channels are also an important signal for the utility and performance of DisplayPort. With 32 audio channels, the transmission is superior in DisplayPort 1.4. While in DisplayPort, there are 8 audio channels. Besides that, there is HDCP 2.2 protection in DisplayPort 1.4. This is essential for copy protection of the 4K content. This feature is absent in DisplayPort 1.2.

When it comes to the FPS and HDR support, DisplayPort 1.4 is better as it can handle 4K resolution at 60 FPS. This stat is achievable with HDR settings, while without HDR settings, you can achieve 8K resolution at 60 FPS. So if you are planning to play HD content or high-resolution games at a higher refresh rate, then buying DisplayPort 1.4 is the best choice compared to the older DisplayPort 1.2.

displayport 1.4 vs 1.2

Selecting the Right DisplayPort

Modern monitors support DisplayPorts mainly, and their demand got increased even in the presence of HDMI ports. They are, however, more common on computers than the TV. There is a different version of DisplayPort that all provides HD videos, but their standard is different. Four different versions of DisplayPort are present, which are following:

 Supported Resolution
DisplayPort 1.24k (60 Hz)
DisplayPort 1.34K (120 Hz), 8K (30 Hz)
DisplayPort 1.48K (60 Hz), HDR
DisplayPort 2.016K (60 Hz HDR), 10K (80 Hz HDR)

When buying DisplayPort, they always prefer to buy a certified item as they comply with the quality standards. In addition, they perform at the same level that these companies advertise on their package, besides that each type has different features that you won’t find on other cables.

In DisplayPort, there is support for NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync. These technologies, along with the DisplayPort, ensure a tear-free gaming experience. Although this feature is handy but it will only work if your monitor supports the technology.

Another notable feature of DisplayPort is its ability to connect multiple monitors from only one DisplayPort connection. Having this utility is very useful as it saves the use of multiple ports for monitor connectivity. Even you can connect the USB-C port of the laptops using the DisplayPort.

Summing Up

DisplayPort 1.4 is no doubt better than DisplayPort 1.2 as it has better overall features and usability. Even DisplayPort 1.4 is backward compatible, making it suitable for use on monitors that only support DisplayPort 1.2. Investing in buying DisplayPort 1.4 on older monitors also saves your money as it will be useful when upgrading the hardware. Buying DisplayPort is crucial, so always buy the cable from trusted brands with a compliance certificate.

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Muhammad Kashif

M. Kashif is a published author at Gaming Expert.net. He is a tech enthusiast, a passionate gamer and loves to try new gadgets and writing about games and technology events.