Computer Hardware

DisplayPort

Definition

DisplayPort is a digital display interface developed by a consortium of chip and monitor manufacturers and standardized by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). It is primarily used to connect a video source to a display device such as a computer monitor.

Why It Matters

DisplayPort is a powerful and royalty-free alternative to HDMI, often favored in the PC world. It typically supports higher resolutions and refresh rates than HDMI at the time of release, and allows for "daisy-chaining" multiple monitors from a single port.

Contextual Example

A PC gamer with a high-refresh-rate monitor (e.g., 144Hz or higher) will typically use DisplayPort, as it has historically offered more bandwidth than the contemporary HDMI standard.

Common Misunderstandings

  • Like HDMI, DisplayPort can carry both video and audio signals.
  • The Mini DisplayPort and USB-C connectors can also be used to carry a DisplayPort signal.

Related Terms

Last Updated: December 17, 2025