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DisplayPort 1.4 vs 2.1: how much does the new link add?

By TechCompare · Updated · How we check

Use DisplayPort 1.4 when DSC covers the modes you run. Use DisplayPort 2.1b at UHBR 20 when you want those modes without compression.

Which cable carries which mode?

Each row is 10-bit 4:4:4 at CVT-RB v2 timing, the calculator's defaults. Native means the link carries the mode uncompressed. DSC required means it fits only with DSC. Too high means even DSC doesn't fit.

Video modeDisplayPort 1.425.9 GbpsDisplayPort 2.1b (UHBR 20)77.4 Gbps
4K 60 Hz HDRNativeNative
1440p 240 Hz HDRDSC requiredNative
4K 144 Hz HDRDSC requiredNative
8K 60 Hz HDRDSC requiredNative
4K 240 Hz HDRDSC requiredNative

Assumes 10-bit HDR, 4:4:4 chroma, and CVT-RB v2 timing. “DSC” = visually lossless Display Stream Compression.

Compare the exact mode where the table flips (1440p 240 Hz HDR), pre-loaded. Tweak resolution, refresh, bit depth, or chroma.
Edit in the full tool

DisplayPort 2.1b (UHBR 20) carries 77.4 Gbps of data against 25.9 Gbps for DisplayPort 1.4, 198% more.

DisplayPort 2.1b at UHBR 20 carries 77.37 Gbps of effective data, and DisplayPort 1.4 carries 25.92 Gbps. That's 198% more, and the extra room is what lets 4K 240 Hz HDR run without compression. Both links support DSC, which VESA describes as visually lossless and low latency.

Try this comparison with our tools

Check DP 1.4 with DSC
What DSC does, how much it compresses and which modes need it.
Check DP 1.4 at 4K 144 Hz
Check how 4K 144 Hz HDR runs on DP 1.4, with or without DSC.
Check DP 2.1 at 4K 240 Hz
Check the 4K 240 Hz HDR mode on the top UHBR 20 rate.
Compare HDMI 2.1 and DP 2.1
The same bandwidth question, with HDMI 2.1 on the other side.
Option A
DisplayPort 1.4
Wins 0 of 9 compared specs
Option B
DisplayPort 2.1b (UHBR 20)
Wins 3 of 9 compared specs

Side-by-side specs

SpecDisplayPort 1.4DisplayPort 2.1b (UHBR 20)
Headline rateThe top speed the link is rated for, before overhead is counted.
32.4 Gbps
80.0 Gbps (better on this spec)
Effective data rateThe part of the headline rate left for picture data.
25.92 Gbps
77.37 Gbps (better on this spec)
4K 60 Hz HDRHDR here means 10-bit color at full 4:4:4 chroma, timed with CVT-RB v2, the calculator's default.
Native
Native
1440p 240 Hz HDR
DSC required
Native
4K 144 Hz HDR
DSC required
Native
8K 60 Hz HDR
DSC required
Native
4K 240 Hz HDR
DSC required
Native
8K 120 Hz HDR
Too high
DSC required (better on this spec)
DSC supportDSC (Display Stream Compression) compresses the signal to fit the link. VESA calls it visually lossless.
Yes
Yes

How they differ

DisplayPort 2.1b is a family of link rates, not one speed. It keeps three: UHBR 10 at 38.69 Gbps of effective data, UHBR 13.5 at 52.22 Gbps, and UHBR 20 at 77.37 Gbps. This page compares the top rate with DisplayPort 1.4, which carries 25.92 Gbps.

A mode's uncompressed rate depends on its pixel rate and color depth. With DSC on, the calculator counts the same mode at 8 bits per pixel.

On DP 1.4, 4K 144 Hz HDR needs DSC. Uncompressed, it needs 39.2 Gbps, which is above the link's 25.92 Gbps. With DSC it needs 10.4 Gbps.

4K 240 Hz HDR is the clearest case. Uncompressed it needs 68.6 Gbps, more than DP 1.4 carries, so DP 1.4 needs DSC, which cuts it to 18.3 Gbps. UHBR 20 carries the full 68.6 Gbps with no compression.

DSC doesn't fix everything. 8K 120 Hz HDR needs 34.1 Gbps even with DSC, which is above DP 1.4's 25.92 Gbps. UHBR 20 runs it with DSC.

Verdict

Pick DisplayPort 1.4 when DSC covers the modes you run and you don't need an uncompressed picture. Pick DisplayPort 2.1b at UHBR 20 when you want those modes uncompressed, or when a mode is past what DSC can fit on DP 1.4.

A gamer on 1440p 240 Hz or 4K 144 Hz HDR can run DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC and skip the upgrade.

Someone who wants 4K 240 Hz HDR with no compression needs UHBR 20, because UHBR 13.5 still uses DSC for that mode.

Both ends and the cable have to support the link rate you want to use.

Check DP 1.4 with DSC

Which should you pick?

Choose DisplayPort 1.4

Pick DisplayPort 1.4 for a PC monitor setup where DSC covers the modes you run. It's also the right choice when the monitor or graphics card has no UHBR 20 link.

Modes like 4K 60 Hz HDR fit DP 1.4 without any compression.

Check DP 1.4 at 4K 144 Hz

Choose DisplayPort 2.1b (UHBR 20)

Pick DisplayPort 2.1b at UHBR 20 when you want no compression at all, or when a mode is past what DSC can fit on DP 1.4.

Uncompressed 4K 240 Hz HDR is the clearest example, since DP 1.4 runs that mode only with DSC.

8K 120 Hz HDR is another case. DP 1.4 can't carry it even with DSC.

Check DP 2.1 at 4K 240 Hz

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Frequently asked questions

Can DisplayPort 1.4 do 4K 144 Hz?
Yes, with DSC. 10-bit 4:4:4 at 4K 144 Hz needs 39.2 Gbps uncompressed, which is above DP 1.4's 25.92 Gbps. With DSC on, the calculator counts it at 10.4 Gbps. VESA describes DSC as visually lossless.
Do I need DisplayPort 2.1 for 4K 240 Hz?
Not to run it. DP 1.4 carries 4K 240 Hz HDR with DSC, at 18.3 Gbps. To run it uncompressed, at 68.6 Gbps, you need UHBR 20, since UHBR 10 and UHBR 13.5 would use DSC too.
What does DSC change on DisplayPort 1.4?
DSC compresses the signal, and the calculator assumes it lands at 8 bits per pixel. At 4K 240 Hz HDR, the uncompressed rate is 68.6 Gbps and the DSC rate is 18.3 Gbps. That DSC rate is the reason DP 1.4 can carry the mode at all.
Is every DisplayPort 2.1 port UHBR 20?
No. DisplayPort 2.1b has three link rates: UHBR 10 at 38.69 Gbps of effective data, UHBR 13.5 at 52.22 Gbps and UHBR 20 at 77.37 Gbps. A port or device may run a lower rate, so check its spec sheet for the rate it runs.

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