Mini DisplayPort and DisplayPort sound almost the same, and both are used to send video from a computer to a display. That is why many people assume they are the same port.
They are related, but they are not identical. Mini DisplayPort is the smaller connector. DisplayPort usually refers to the full-size DisplayPort connector found on many monitors, graphics cards, and desktop PCs.
If you are connecting an older MacBook, iMac, PC, monitor, or projector, this difference matters. The wrong cable may not fit, even if the signal type is similar.
What is Mini DisplayPort?
Mini DisplayPort, often called Mini DP, is a smaller version of the DisplayPort connector. Apple helped popularize it on older MacBook, iMac, and Mac mini models, but it also appeared on some PCs, Microsoft Surface devices, monitors, and projectors.
The connector is smaller than full-size DisplayPort, which made it useful on laptops and compact devices. It can carry video, and on supported devices it can also carry audio.
You may find Mini DisplayPort on:
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Older MacBook models
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Older MacBook Pro models
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iMac
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Mac mini
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Some Microsoft Surface devices
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Some PC laptops
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Some monitors and projectors
If the port is a small rectangular video port with a DisplayPort-style icon nearby, it may be Mini DisplayPort.
What is DisplayPort?
DisplayPort is a digital audio and video interface used on computers, monitors, graphics cards, workstations, and docking stations.
The standard DisplayPort connector is larger than Mini DisplayPort. It is common on desktop monitors, dedicated graphics cards, and professional setups. Depending on the DisplayPort version supported by the device, it can handle high resolutions, audio, and multi-monitor setups.
You will often see DisplayPort on:
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Desktop PCs
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Graphics cards
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Monitors
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Workstations
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Docking stations
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Some projectors
If the port is the larger DisplayPort shape, you need a standard DisplayPort cable, not a Mini DisplayPort cable.
Mini DisplayPort vs DisplayPort: key differences
The biggest difference is physical size.
| Feature | Mini DisplayPort | DisplayPort |
| Connector size | Smaller | Larger |
| Common name | Mini DP | DP or DisplayPort |
| Common devices | Older MacBooks, iMacs, Surface devices, some laptops | Monitors, graphics cards, desktop PCs, workstations |
| Signal type | DisplayPort signal | DisplayPort signal |
| Audio support | Supported on compatible devices | Supported on compatible devices |
| Cable type | Mini DisplayPort cable or adapter | DisplayPort cable |
| Physical fit | Does not plug directly into a full-size DP port | Does not plug directly into a Mini DP port |
In terms of signal, Mini DisplayPort and DisplayPort are closely related. In terms of the plug, they are different.
That is the part that usually causes confusion. A Mini DP cable and a full-size DisplayPort cable are not physically interchangeable.
Are Mini DisplayPort and DisplayPort compatible?
Usually, yes at the signal level. But they use different connector sizes, so you need the right cable or adapter.
If your computer has Mini DisplayPort and your monitor has full-size DisplayPort, use a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable or adapter.
Most Mini DP to DisplayPort connections are used for:
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Mini DisplayPort laptop to DisplayPort monitor
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Mini DisplayPort computer to DP display
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Older Mac or Surface device to a DisplayPort monitor
Before buying any cable or adapter, check both ends of the connection. One side is the source device, such as a laptop or desktop. The other side is the display, such as a monitor, TV, or projector. Direction matters with some adapters, especially when converting to HDMI, VGA, or DVI.
Mini DisplayPort to HDMI, VGA, DVI, or DisplayPort
Mini DisplayPort can connect to more than just DisplayPort displays. With the right adapter or cable, it can connect to HDMI, VGA, DVI, or full-size DisplayPort.
Common options include:
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Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort
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Mini DisplayPort to HDMI
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Mini DisplayPort to VGA
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Mini DisplayPort to DVI
Each option has different limits.
HDMI is common on TVs and many monitors. VGA is older and analog, so it is mostly found on older projectors and displays. DVI is common on older computer monitors. DisplayPort is more common on modern monitors and professional setups.
If you need audio, pay attention to the source device and adapter. Mini DisplayPort can carry audio on supported devices, but not every older device or adapter handles audio correctly.
Which port do you have?
Start with the port size. Mini DisplayPort is smaller. Full-size DisplayPort is wider and is more common on monitors and graphics cards.
Then check the icon near the port. Both may use a DisplayPort-style symbol, so size is often the easiest clue.
The device model can also help. Older MacBook, iMac, Mac mini, and some Surface models are more likely to have Mini DisplayPort. Desktop graphics cards and monitors are more likely to have full-size DisplayPort.
If you are still unsure, check the device manual or official specifications. Do not rely on shape alone, because Mini DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 1 or Thunderbolt 2 ports look very similar.
Conclusion
Mini DisplayPort and DisplayPort are related, but they are not the same physical connector. Mini DisplayPort is the smaller version, while DisplayPort usually means the full-size port.
Both can carry DisplayPort video signals, but the plugs are different. If one device has Mini DP and the other has full-size DP, you need the correct Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable or adapter.
Before choosing a cable, check the port on the computer, the port on the display, the connection direction, and whether you need audio, a certain resolution, or a specific refresh rate.
