Not all DisplayPort cables are guaranteed to support 4K resolution. While DisplayPort 1.1 and higher can technically support 4K, there are a few factors that affect whether a cable can properly deliver 4K resolution at the desired refresh rate or color depth. Here's a breakdown:

1. DisplayPort Versions

DisplayPort 1.1: While DisplayPort 1.1 supports 4K resolution (3840x2160) at 30Hz, it’s not ideal for smooth gaming or high-frame rate content at 4K. The lower bandwidth of 1.1 makes it less suitable for high-refresh-rate displays.

DisplayPort 1.2: Supports 4K at 60Hz, which is the minimum for smooth gaming and high-quality video at 4K. DisplayPort 1.2 can also handle 1440p at higher refresh rates (up to 144Hz).

DisplayPort 1.4: This version can handle 4K at 120Hz or even 8K at 60Hz, with better support for HDR (High Dynamic Range) and higher color depths (10-bit color).

DisplayPort 2.0: The latest version supports 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 240Hz (with HDR and high color depth).

2. Cable Quality

Basic Cables: Some cheaper or older DisplayPort cables (especially those labeled for DisplayPort 1.1) may not support the full bandwidth required for 4K at 60Hz or higher refresh rates. These cables may struggle with the signal integrity at higher resolutions, particularly for longer lengths.

Certified High-Bandwidth Cables: To ensure you get full 4K at 60Hz (or higher) performance, you’ll need a high-quality DisplayPort 1.2 or 1.4 cable. Some cables are specifically labeled as "high-speed" or "4K compatible", which usually indicates that they can handle the required bandwidth for 4K at 60Hz or higher.

Active Cables: For longer distances, active DisplayPort cables (which have an embedded signal booster) may be required to maintain the signal quality for 4K or higher resolutions.

3. Cable Length

Shorter Cables (under 6 feet/1.8 meters): These will typically have no issue supporting 4K at 60Hz with a DisplayPort 1.2 or higher cable. You can generally use most DisplayPort cables of this length for 4K gaming or content creation without problems.

Longer Cables (6 feet or more): Longer cables may experience signal degradation, especially if the cable quality is poor. For 4K at 60Hz or above, you may need higher-quality cables or active cables to prevent signal loss over longer distances.

4. DisplayPort Cable Ratings

Some DisplayPort cables are explicitly rated for specific resolutions. For example, a cable labeled as "DP 1.2" or "DP 1.4" is likely to handle 4K at 60Hz or higher, but cheaper cables may not mention these details, so they could be underperforming.

In Summary:

DisplayPort 1.1 cables might not support 4K at 60Hz, and they may be limited to 30Hz at 4K or lower resolutions.

DisplayPort 1.2 and higher cables should generally support 4K at 60Hz, but you should confirm the cable’s specifications.

If you're looking to run 4K gaming at 120Hz or higher refresh rates, you will need at least a DisplayPort 1.4 cable, especially if you want to take full advantage of high-bandwidth features like HDR.

Always check the version of DisplayPort on the cable and ensure it matches or exceeds the requirements of your display and GPU.

So, not all DisplayPort cables are 4K-capable—the version and quality of the cable matter in determining whether it can handle 4K resolution at the desired refresh rate and color depth.