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Why you shouldn't buy cheap DisplayPort cables - the 'Death Pin' can put your GPU at serious risk

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Why This Matters

The 'Death Pin' issue in cheap DisplayPort cables poses a significant risk to GPUs by potentially causing electrical damage, emphasizing the importance of choosing VESA-certified cables. Protecting high-value graphics cards from such faults is crucial for consumers and the industry alike, especially as GPU prices soar. Ensuring proper cable quality can prevent costly hardware failures and maintain system reliability.

Key Takeaways

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ZDNET's key takeaways

DisplayPort 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" issue, or more formally known as the Pin 20 Problem, is a well-known manufacturing defect in which the last contact pin on a DisplayPort cable is wired incorrectly.

This creates a direct electrical connection between your monitor and graphics card, allowing power to flow freely between them and causing severe damage. And in a time where GPU prices regularly top $1,500, it's best to take every precaution to protect your Nvidia or AMD card from becoming a very expensive paperweight.

Also: 3 tiny gadgets I trust to block electrical surges, data-stealing software, and more

Fortunately, the best solution is as easy as selecting the right DisplayPort cable. But there are a few things we need to understand first in order to see how the Death Pin can wreak havoc on your gaming PC or workstation.

What is Pin 20?

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