Every way to get a picture from a computer to a screen: VESA certified DisplayPort 1.4 and DP 1.2 cables, USB-C to HDMI and DisplayPort cables and adapters for laptops, DisplayPort to HDMI, DVI and VGA adapters (active and passive), Mini DisplayPort, and HDMI to DVI and VGA converters for older displays.
Match the ports, mind the direction
Same port both ends: buy that cable at the right version. Different ports: DisplayPort to HDMI adapters are one-directional (DP source, HDMI display), and a passive DP adapter needs a DP++ source while an active one works everywhere. Identify what you have with monitor cable types identified, then choose with DisplayPort vs HDMI and DisplayPort versions explained.
Start here: our guide to USB-C to HDMI vs USB-C to DisplayPort.
Common questions
Why is my monitor stuck at 60 Hz? Usually the cable or port: many monitors give their full refresh rate only on DisplayPort, and HBR3 speeds need a VESA certified DP 1.4 cable. Check the monitor menu for the input's maximum refresh.
Can a USB-C to HDMI cable work from any USB-C port? Only from ports that support DisplayPort Alt Mode (or Thunderbolt). Charge-only USB-C ports on some laptops and phones cannot output video.
What connects to what
| From |
To |
What you need |
| DisplayPort |
DisplayPort |
A VESA certified DP 1.4 cable for high refresh or HBR3 |
| HDMI |
HDMI |
The certification tier that matches the resolution and refresh |
| DisplayPort |
HDMI |
A one-directional DP-to-HDMI cable or adapter — not reversible |
| HDMI |
DVI-D |
A passive cable; video only, no audio on DVI |
| DisplayPort |
VGA |
An analogue conversion, one-directional, up to 1920 × 1200 |
| USB-C |
HDMI or DisplayPort |
A port with DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt |
| Mini DisplayPort |
DisplayPort |
A passive adapter — same signal, different shell |
More common questions
Active or passive adapter — which do I need? A passive DisplayPort adapter relies on the source supporting DP++, which most but not all do. An active adapter contains conversion electronics and works from any DisplayPort source. If a passive adapter gives you nothing, an active one is usually the fix.
Can I daisy-chain two monitors from one port? Over DisplayPort with MST, yes — the first monitor needs a DisplayPort output as well as an input. HDMI has no equivalent, so on HDMI the answer is a second port or a dock.
Why does my DVI or VGA connection have no sound? Neither connector carries audio. DVI is a video-only digital link and VGA is video-only analogue, so sound has to travel separately — over a 3.5 mm lead, USB, or the display's own input.
