Whatever you do, don't buy cheap DisplayPort cables for your PC - here's why
Cheap DisplayPort cables can cause serious damage to PCs due to a manufacturing defect known as the 'Death Pin' or Pin 20 Problem. This issue occurs when the 20th pin, which should be disconnected, creates an unintended electrical connection that can lead to short circuits, power backfeeding, and hardware failure. To avoid this, users should choose VESA-certified DisplayPort cables from reputable manufacturers.
- ▪The DisplayPort 'Death Pin' refers to Pin 20 being incorrectly wired to carry power in passive cables.
- ▪When Pin 20 is connected end-to-end, it can create electrical feedback between the GPU and monitor, leading to system damage.
- ▪VESA mandated in 2013 that Pin 20 must be disconnected in passive DisplayPort cables to prevent malfunctions.
- ▪Symptoms of a faulty cable include boot loops, GPU fans running after shutdown, and screen flickering.
- ▪Using VESA-certified cables from brands like Dell, Lenovo, and Anker helps prevent the Pin 20 issue.
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Home & Office Home Home & Office Home Entertainment TVs Whatever you do, don't buy cheap DisplayPort cables for your PC - here's why The smallest manufacturing error can cause big issues with your PC. Here's how to prevent it from happening in the first place. Written by Taylor Clemons, Staff WriterStaff Writer May 4, 2026 at 10:32 a.m. PT Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.ZDNET's key takeawaysDisplayPort cables are designed to transfer power to monitors.With cheaper options, misaligned pins may cause power failures.You can avoid this by opting for a VESA-certified DisplayPort cable.The DisplayPort "Death Pin" -- officially recognized as the Pin 20 Problem -- is a notorious manufacturing oversight where the final pin on a cable is wired to…
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