What Cable for 4K 144Hz?
Choose HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4/2.1 based on your exact GPU and monitor ports.
Updated February 14, 2026
At a Glance
Start here if you only need the short answer.
- 1For most setups, use HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC for 4K 144Hz.
- 2If your laptop uses USB-C, confirm DP Alt Mode version or Thunderbolt support first.
- 3The best cable is the one that matches the highest shared port standard on both devices.
Cable Choice by Setup
Each target below shows whether this setup can deliver it reliably.
| Target | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GPU HDMI 2.1 -> Monitor HDMI 2.1 | Yes | Use certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable |
| GPU DP 1.4 -> Monitor DP 1.4 | Yes | Often requires DSC for 4K 144Hz |
| Laptop USB-C -> Monitor DP 1.4 | Sometimes | Depends on USB-C video protocol |
| HDMI 2.0 path | No | Generally limited to 4K 60Hz |
Bandwidth Needed for 4K 144Hz
4K 144Hz is a bandwidth-heavy mode. Cable labeling alone is not enough; you must validate port version and protocol support on both ends.
4K 60Hz baseline
~17.8 Gbps
4K 120Hz+
Substantially higher bandwidth
4K 144Hz
~32+ Gbps
High-refresh with headroom
HDMI 2.1 or DP with DSC
A cable cannot add bandwidth your ports do not support.
Start by checking source/output port specs, then pick a certified cable for that standard.
Common Cable Selection Mistakes
If something is not working, these are the highest-impact checks.
- 1
Buying by connector shape only
A USB-C or HDMI plug does not reveal the protocol version behind it.
- Validate source and display specs first
- Prefer certified cables for your target standard
- 2
Assuming all HDMI cables are equal
HDMI 2.1-class performance requires Ultra High Speed certification.
- Use a certified Ultra High Speed cable for HDMI 2.1 goals
- Replace unknown legacy cables during troubleshooting
- 3
Ignoring monitor input limitations
Some monitors only support top refresh on one specific port.
- Use the monitor input labeled for full bandwidth
- Review refresh limits per input in the manual
- 4
Using adapters by default
Adapters can reduce available modes and stability.
- Test direct cable paths first
- Only add adapters once native output is validated
Cable Options for 4K 144Hz
Use this side-by-side view when deciding between the two options.
| Feature | Recommended | Not Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI 2.1 cable | Best for HDMI 2.1 paths | If your devices are only HDMI 2.0 |
| DisplayPort 1.4 cable | Best for DP 1.4 + DSC systems | If your monitor lacks DP high-refresh support |
| USB-C video cable | Works when port supports needed DP mode | Fails on data-only USB-C ports |
| Older HDMI 1.4/2.0-era cable | Fine for 4K 60Hz | Not for 4K 144Hz targets |
Decision Guide
Use this quick split to decide if this setup is enough or if you should move to a stronger option.
Great Fit If...
- You have matching HDMI 2.1 ports on both devices
- You have DP 1.4+DSC support on both devices
- You can test with direct certified cabling
Consider Another Option If...
- Source or monitor is limited to HDMI 2.0
- USB-C port lacks DP Alt Mode or bandwidth
- You rely on uncertain dock/adapter chains
Common Questions
Fast answers to the questions people ask most before buying.
Can any HDMI cable run 4K 144Hz?
No. You need an HDMI 2.1-capable path and a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.
Why is my 144Hz monitor stuck at 60Hz?
Most 60Hz locks come from using the wrong port/cable combination, limited monitor OSD settings, or refresh rate settings left at 60Hz in the OS/GPU panel.
Is DisplayPort better than HDMI for 4K 144Hz?
Both are valid. The correct answer depends on the exact monitor and GPU port versions.