You bought a new graphics card, but when you connect it to your monitor, the refresh rate is capped at 60Hz? It’s clearly a 4K display, so why is the image still blurry?
The problem is most likely caused by this unassuming video cable.
First, let’s talk about what these two ports are.
On the back panel of a desktop computer, you’ll find two of the most common video output ports:
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)—a high-definition multimedia interface that’s extremely widespread in home appliances, TVs, and laptops, and is the most common in everyday life.
DP (DisplayPort) — the “dedicated interface” for computer graphics cards, which performs better in scenarios requiring high refresh rates and high resolutions.
I. Differences Between HDMI Versions
| Version | Maximum bandwidth | Performance | Application |
| HDMI 1.4 | 10.2 Gbps | 4K@30Hz / 1080P@120Hz | Monitor，TV |
| HDMI 2.0 | 18 Gbps | 4K@60Hz / 2K@144Hz/1080P@240Hz | 4K Monitor |
| HDMI 2.1 | 48 Gbps | 4K@144Hz / 8K@60Hz | Game Monitor |
HDMI 1.4 — The Era of “Just Enough”
Release Year: 2009
HDMI 1.4 was the “standard configuration” for a long time. Its 10.2 Gbps bandwidth was sufficient back then, but today it presents several issues:
✅ Supports 1080p@60Hz and 720p@120Hz
✅ First to include an Ethernet data channel (rarely used)
✅ Supports 3D video (a product of the 3D TV craze of that era)
✅ Includes ARC (Audio Return Channel) (very useful for connecting to a TV or soundbar)
❌ 4K resolution is limited to 30Hz, causing stuttering even during smooth video playback
HDMI 2.0 — The Mainstream “Minimum Standard”
Release Year: 2013
HDMI 2.0 increased bandwidth from 10.2 Gbps to 18 Gbps, a crucial leap:
✅ Supports 4K@60Hz, finally enabling smooth use of 4K monitors
✅ Supports 2K@144Hz, the mainstream configuration for gaming monitors
✅ Supports 1080p@240Hz, meeting the demand for high refresh rates in gaming
✅ Supports HDR (High Dynamic Range; requires version 2.0a/2.0b)
✅ Supports BT.2020 wide color gamut for richer color reproduction
❌ Cannot support 4K at 120Hz or higher; even flagship gaming monitors can’t handle it
Differences between versions 2.0a and 2.0b:
2.0a: Added support for HDR static metadata
2.0b: Added support for the HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) HDR format, the HDR standard for live TV broadcasts