Bi-directional USB-C DisplayPort cables

If you search Amazon or another major retailer for USB-C -> DisplayPort adapters, there are dozens to choose from. >99% are single direction with the source/host PC intended to be connected via USB-C and the destination/monitor to be connected with DisplayPort.

What if you need to go the other way? For example, suppose you have a USB-C-only monitor. How do you connect that to a PC that only has DisplayPort?

Get the right cable that supports bi-directional signaling. These cables are considerably more expensive than typical cables since they have several integrated circuits inside to handle both directions. For example, the Startech cables combine a Via VL170 , a Chrontel CH7213C , and a TI TUSB544 .

DP 1.4 cables/adapters

• Startech CDP2DP142MBD 8K30 (2m length)
• Startech CDP2DP141MBD 8K30 (1m length)
• Moshi 99MO084102 5K60 (1.5m length)
• Club 3D CAC-1557 8K60 (2m length)

DP 1.2 cables/adapters

• Startech CDP2DP2MBD 4K60 (2m length)
• Startech CDP2DP1MBD 4K60 (1m length)
• VisionTek 901288 (2m length)
• Wacom Link adapter ACK42719 (combines miniDisplayPort + USB-A into USB-C – single direction only)
• DeLock DP -> USB-C adapter 63928 (single direction only)

What about HDMI?

• Wacom Link Plus adapter ACK42819 (combines miniDisplayPort or HDMI + USB into USB-C – (single direction only)
• Visiontek 900822 HDMI -> DP
  • This does not have USB-C but you may be able to combine this with a DP-> USB-C adapter. I would not recommend this since connecting adapters/cables in series rarely yields good results.)

Let me know in the comments if you know of any other brands of cables/adapters implementing bi-directionality and what you’re using them for.

Resources:

• https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/lg-ultrafine-4k-yes-you-can-connect-it-to-windows-computers-via-dp.2227756/