Background: Got a 4K Dell 28" monitor that I've been using in 1440p mode so I can have the 60hz refresh instead of 30hz. However, the AMD Catalyst graphics driver will sporadically give out DisplayPort Linkage Failures, and limit the refresh rate or max resolution to 1080p. That, or with the slightest touch, the monitor will stop being recognized and enter sleep mode unless I power cycle the computer. Started tearing my hair out trying to figure out what was the problem: the monitor, or my computer.

Turns out neither: it's the damn cable they supply. Replaced the cable with an Accell DP 1.2 cable for $13 on Amazon and all my problems went away. If anything, screen looks sharper now in 1440p mode. (1.2 more or less doubles DP bandwidth over 1.1 standards)


Quick google search, and apparently this is a common enough issue- with some users reporting the cable being able to cause BSODs. (in theory, DP qualifies as a plug/play peripheral, so I guess it could affect an OS that way)


TL;DR- if you're having trouble with Dell DisplayPort monitors, check your cable.