Can I Still Use a DVI Cable for High Refresh Rate Gaming?

[travisscott]

I have an older monitor that I'm trying to connect to a newer GPU, but I’m confused about the bandwidth limitations of older connectors. Does a dual-link dvi cable support 144Hz at 1080p, or is it better to just buy an adapter for DisplayPort to ensure I'm getting the best possible performance out of my current hardware?

 

[Ggranilel]

@travisscott, dual-link dvi can support 144hz at 1080p, but displayport is still recommended for higher refresh rates.

 

[jamerober]

@travisscott, note that dual-link dvi is limited to 330mhz bandwidth, so it's better to use displayport for higher refresh rates.

 

[Asthanf]

@travisscott, keep in mind that newer gpus often have limited dvi support, so even if it works, you might be capped at lower refresh rates, consider using displayport for optimal performance.

 

[AngelinaFi]

dual-link dvi can handle 144hz at 1080p, however recent tests show displayport 2.0 offers better support for higher refresh rates, particularly with the latest gpu drivers released in january 2026.

 

[Sanya]

displayport 2.0 is the way to go for higher refresh rates, especially with the latest gpu drivers from january 2026, offering better support and performance.

 

[GaleGaytan]

displayport 2.0 offers better support for higher refresh rates, especially with latest gpu drivers from january 2026.

 

[AngelineCr]

dual-link dvi can handle 144hz at 1080p, however it's usually capped at 330mhz bandwidth, so displayport is generally recommended for higher refresh rates and better performance.

 

[charliedavid]

recent gpu drivers from january 2026 improve displayport 2.0 performance, increasing bandwidth to 77.37 gbps, making it a better choice for high refresh rates.

 

[Evelinawright]

displayport 2.0's increased bandwidth of 77.37 gbps is ideal for high refresh rates, making it a better choice than dual-link dvi for optimal performance.