How Many Hz Can a PC Cable Run? Full Breakdown by Cable Type

Trying to max out your monitor’s refresh rate but not sure how many Hz can a PC cable run? Whether you’re chasing smoother gameplay, a sharper editing workflow, or just better performance overall, the cable you’re using plays a bigger role than you might think.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common PC cables—HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, DVI, and even USB—and what kind of refresh rates (Hz) they actually support. We’ll also cover the behind-the-scenes factors that can limit performance, and help you figure out which cable is the right match for your setup.

Different Types of PC Cables and Their Typical Hz Capabilities

When it comes to display performance, each type of PC cable has its own bandwidth limits, refresh rate ceilings, and ideal use cases. Here’s how the most common cable types stack up in terms of refresh rate (Hz) capabilities.

HDMI

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is one of the most widely used standard for transmitting both audio and video signals between devices. These days, most monitors, TVs, and graphics cards feature at least an HDMI 1.4 port. It can handle up to 144Hz at 1080p, 75Hz at 1440p, and 30Hz at 4K—but real-world performance can vary.

Some monitors limit HDMI 1.4 to 120Hz or even 60Hz, especially on older or G-SYNC models. That’s because HDMI 1.4’s bandwidth is tight, and not all manufacturers optimize for max refresh rates.

If you want to be safe, look for HDMI 2.0 at minimum. It comfortably supports 240Hz at 1080p, 144Hz at 1440p, and 60Hz at 4K.

Going one step further, HDMI 2.1 (Ultra High Speed HDMI) is designed for high-end setups—4K at 144Hz or 8K at 60Hz—but watch out: not all HDMI 2.1 ports are created equal. Depending on the implementation (FRL5, FRL6, etc.), available bandwidth may vary between 40Gbps and 48Gbps.

Here’s a quick glance chart for HDMI cable Hz rating:

HDMI Version	1080p	1440p	4K	8K	Notes
HDMI 1.4	Up to 144Hz	Up to 75Hz	Up to 30Hz	Not supported	Some monitors cap at 60–120Hz depending on firmware/bandwidth limits
HDMI 2.0	Up to 240Hz	Up to 144Hz	Up to 60Hz	Not supported	Widely supported; solid choice for most high-refresh 1080p/1440p setups
HDMI 2.1	Overkill	Overkill	Up to 144Hz	Up to 60Hz	Supports VRR, ALLM, DSC; bandwidth depends on FRL level (e.g. 40–48Gbps)

VGA

VGA (Video Graphics Array), also called D-Sub, is the analog dinosaur of the cable world. It technically maxes out around 1920×1200 at 75Hz, though with a short, high-quality cable you might squeeze out 2048×1536 at 85Hz. But honestly? You’ll notice image degradation long before you get there.

VGA isn’t supported on most modern GPUs or monitors anymore. It’s fine for legacy systems, but if you’re after anything close to crisp or high refresh, it’s time to move on.

DisplayPort

DisplayPort is a go-to for high-performance monitors and graphics cards, and for good reason. Even the older DisplayPort 1.2 version supports 240Hz at 1080p, 165Hz at 1440p, and up to 75Hz at 4K.

Newer versions crank things up:

• DisplayPort 1.3 / 1.4: Offer the bandwidth for 240Hz at 1440p, 120Hz at 4K, 60Hz at 5K, and 30Hz at 8K.
• DisplayPort 1.4 adds DSC (Display Stream Compression), which allows 4K at 144Hz, 5K at 120Hz, or 8K at 60Hz—compressed, but visually lossless.
• DisplayPort 2.0/2.1: Massive upgrade with up to 3x the bandwidth of 1.4—enables 4K at 240Hz, 8K at 120Hz, 10K at 60Hz, or even 16K at 60Hz with DSC.

Mini DisplayPort (often found in older MacBooks and laptops) offers the same bandwidth as its full-size counterpart. So, for example, Mini DP 1.2 also supports 240Hz at 1080p or 4K at 75Hz.

Here’s a quick overview:

DisplayPort Version	1080p	1440p	4K (UHD)	5K	8K
1.2	Up to 240Hz	Up to 165Hz	Up to 75Hz	Not supported	Not supported
1.3 / 1.4	Up to 240Hz	Up to 240Hz	Up to 120Hz	Up to 60Hz	Up to 30Hz
1.4 (with DSC)	Up to 240Hz	Up to 240Hz	144Hz (with DSC)	120Hz (DSC)	60Hz (DSC)
2.0/2.1	Overkill	Overkill	Up to 240Hz	Up to 180Hz	Up to 120Hz

DVI

DVI (Digital Visual Interface) is still kicking around in some older monitors and graphics cards, but it’s a bit of a mixed bag.

• Single-Link DVI: Tops out at 1920×1200 at 60Hz.
• Dual-Link DVI-D: More capable, supporting 1080p at 144Hz or 1440p at 75Hz.

If you’re using DVI, make sure it’s Dual-Link and not VGA-compatible (those tend to be lower bandwidth). Still, with DisplayPort and HDMI more widely supported and more flexible, DVI’s best days are behind it.

USB (USB-C / Thunderbolt)

USB-C is more than just a charging port—it’s also a powerhouse for display output, especially with DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt 3/4/5.

Here’s what’s possible with the latest implementations:

• USB-C w/ DP Alt Mode: Up to 4K at 144Hz, or 10K at 60Hz, depending on the version.
• Thunderbolt 3 / 4: Can drive two 4K displays at 60Hz or a single 8K display at 30Hz.
• Thunderbolt 5 (coming in hot): Supports up to 80Gbps bi-directionally, with a Bandwidth Boost of 120Gbps—enough for two 8K displays at 60Hz or three 4K displays at 144Hz.

Factors Influencing PC Cable Performance

It’s easy to assume that once you’ve picked the right cable type—HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.—you’re good to go. But in reality, several other factors can significantly impact how well your cable performs:

Cable Version and Bandwidth

Not all cables within the same category are built equally. For example, an HDMI cable might look the same physically, but a 1.4 version can’t handle nearly the same bandwidth as 2.1. The certified version dictates the maximum data rate, which directly affects HDMI cable Hz limit and how much resolution it can push.

• HDMI 2.1 supports up to 48Gbps, enabling 4K at 144Hz or 8K at 60Hz.
• DisplayPort 2.1 pushes up to 80Gbps with UHBR, supporting even 16K with compression.

Cable Quality and Build

Even if your cable supports the right spec, its build quality plays a huge role. Poorly shielded or cheap cables can result in:

• Signal degradation over longer distances
• Intermittent display flickers
• Failure to achieve advertised refresh rates

Cable Length

This one’s often overlooked: longer cables = more signal loss. Beyond certain lengths, even high-quality cables can struggle to maintain performance:

• HDMI: Over 3 meters (~10 feet), you may start seeing drops in performance unless the cable is active or very high quality.
• DisplayPort: Best kept under 2 meters (~6.5 feet) for high-bandwidth signals like 4K at 144Hz.

GPU and Monitor Compatibility

Your cable’s only as good as what it’s connected to. Both your graphics card and monitor must support the desired resolution and refresh rate via the cable version in use.

• Some monitors limit HDMI inputs to 60Hz, even if the cable and GPU support more.
• Likewise, some GPUs restrict higher refresh rates to DisplayPort only.

Adapters and Converters

Using adapters (e.g., DisplayPort to HDMI, or USB-C to DisplayPort) can introduce limitations. Not all adapters support high refresh rates or proper signal conversion.

• Passive adapters often cap out at 60Hz or lower resolutions.
• Active adapters are better but vary in quality—check manufacturer specs carefully.

Interference and EMI

Especially with analog cables like VGA, or poorly shielded digital cables, electromagnetic interference (EMI) from other electronics or power sources can degrade signal quality. This may manifest as visual noise, flickering, or failure to reach higher Hz values.

How to Choose the Right PC Cable for Your Needs

With so many cable types, specs, and compatibility quirks, choosing the right one can feel tricky. Here’s how to make sense:

Know Your Refresh Rate and Resolution Goals

Before you even think about cable types, figure out what you’re trying to achieve:

• Casual use / Office work: 1080p at 60Hz is more than enough.
• High refresh gaming: Look for 1080p at 144Hz, 240Hz, or 1440p at 144Hz+.
• Content creation / Pro work: You’ll likely need 4K at 60Hz or higher, sometimes even HDR support.

Once you know the resolution and refresh rate you want, you can reverse-engineer which cable type and version supports it.

Match Cable Type to Your Ports

Check what ports your monitor and graphics card support. Here’s a quick guide:

Your Goal	Best Cable Type
1080p at 144Hz or 240Hz	DisplayPort 1.2+, HDMI 2.0+
1440p at 144Hz	DisplayPort 1.3+, HDMI 2.0
4K at 60Hz	DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0+
4K at 120Hz or 8K	DisplayPort 2.0+, HDMI 2.1
USB-C Monitor Setup	USB-C w/ DP Alt Mode, Thunderbolt 4+

If your monitor and GPU both support DisplayPort 1.4, for example, that’s your best bet for high refresh rates and broad feature support.

Choose the Right Version and Certification

A cable is only as good as the version and spec it supports. Look for official certifications:

• Premium High Speed HDMI for HDMI 2.0
• Ultra High Speed HDMI for HDMI 2.1
• VESA Certified DisplayPort for DP 1.4 and 2.0 cables

Don’t Skimp on Build Quality

Even if you’ve got the right cable type and version, cheap construction can ruin performance. To prevent signal loss or screen flickering, look for quality cables with:

• Thick, braided design
• Gold-plated connectors
• Triple or quad shielding

Factor in Cable Length

Longer isn’t always better. Higher resolutions and refresh rates require more bandwidth, and signal degradation becomes an issue as cable length increases:

• Keep HDMI under 3 meters (~10 ft) unless it’s active/fiber.
• DisplayPort should be under 2 meters (~6.5 ft) for best performance.
• For USB-C, length matters even more—especially for Thunderbolt connections.

Think About the Future

If you’re buying a new monitor or GPU soon, consider future-proofing with a higher-spec cable—even if your current setup doesn’t use all the bandwidth yet. It saves you from needing to buy a new one later.

Conclusion

So, back to the big question: how many Hz can a PC cable run? The short answer—it depends. HDMI and DisplayPort are your best bet for higher refresh rates, especially if you’re pushing 1080p at 240Hz or 4K at 120Hz. VGA and older DVI cables? They’re not built for today’s displays.

Remember, don’t just look at the port—look at the version, the length, and what your monitor and GPU can actually handle. Picking the right cable means your hardware can actually do what it’s supposed to—no weird flickering, no capped refresh rates, and no wasted potential.

FAQs

Can an HDMI cable run 144Hz?

Yes, an HDMI cable can run 144Hz, but it depends on the version and resolution. HDMI 1.4 supports 144Hz at 1080p on some monitors, though many cap it at 120Hz. HDMI 2.0 is more reliable for 144Hz at 1080p or 1440p, while HDMI 2.1 can handle 144Hz at 4K. Just make sure both your monitor and graphics card support the correct HDMI version.

What is the maximum Hz for a PC?

There’s no universal max refresh rate for PCs—it all depends on your graphics card, monitor, and cable. Modern gaming setups can reach up to 360Hz at 1080p, 240Hz at 1440p, or 144Hz at 4K. With high-end gear and the right cable, even 8K at 60Hz is possible.

Can an HDMI cable run 165Hz?

Yes, but it depends on the HDMI version and the resolution you’re targeting. At 1080p, some monitors can push 165Hz over HDMI 1.4, but it’s hit or miss. HDMI 2.0 is a better fit for 165Hz at 1080p or even 1440p, and HDMI 2.1 can easily handle it with room to spare.

How many Hz can USB-C do?

USB-C can support high refresh rates, but only if it includes DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt support. Many USB-C connections handle 4K at 60Hz, while newer standards like USB4 and Thunderbolt 4/5 can deliver 4K at 144Hz or even 8K at 60Hz. Always check your device specs to confirm video support over USB-C, as not all ports are display-capable.