Displayport vs hdmi 2.0: DisplayPort Vs. HDMI: Which Is Better For Gaming?

Differences Between HDMI vs DisplayPort — Which is Best?

HDMI and DisplayPort are two standards for connecting devices like computers, laptops, and game consoles to TVs and monitors. Each with advantages and disadvantages; there’s no outright winner when comparing the two. Power users will find what DisplayPort offers more appealing, but HDMI is the king of compatibility.

These competing display connection standards transmit both video and audio singles over a single male/male cable to respective female ports on the display and source device. They’re both physically sturdy and easy to connect, sporting backward and forward compatibility. HDMI uses standard and mini- connectors. DisplayPort uses DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort/Thunderbolt, and USB 3 connections.

Specifications (Resolution, Refresh Rate, and Bandwidth)

DisplayPort wins the spec war over HDMI. Not all ports and cables are the same for HDMI and DisplayPort, as both have several version revisions. Performance scales to the lowest supported revision between the source device, display, and connector cable.

HDMI has four revision groups as of 2021:

  • 1.0-1.2: 4.95 Gbps of data bandwidth that supports 1080p at 60 Hz.

  • 1.3-1.4: 10.2 Gbps of data bandwidth that supports 1080p up to 144 Hz and 4K at 30 Hz.

  • 2.0: 18.0 Gbps of data bandwidth that supports 1080p at 240 Hz, 4K at 60 Hz, and HDR.

  • 2.1: 48 Gbps of data bandwidth that supports 4K at 144 Hz and 8K at 30Hz.

DisplayPort has five revision groups as of 2021:

  • 1.0-1.1: 10.8 Gbps of data bandwidth that supports 1080p at 144 Hz and 4K at 30 Hz.

  • 1.2: 21.6 Gbps of data bandwidth that supports 1080p at 240 Hz, 4K at 75 Hz, and 5K at 30 Hz.

  • 1.3: 32.4 Gbps of data bandwidth that supports 1080p at 360 Hz, 4K at 120 Hz, 5K at 60 Hz, and 8K at 30 Hz.

  • 1.4: 32.4 Gbps of data bandwidth that supports up to 8K at 60 Hz and HDR.

  • 2: 80.0 Gbps of data bandwidth that supports up to 16K at 60 Hz with HDR on and up to 10K with HDR off at 80 Hz.

If you’re using a 4K 120 Hz display, you’re only able to use half the refresh rate with an HDMI 2.0 connection while you’d get the maximum refresh rate over DisplayPort 1.3. If you’re using a single 4K 60 Hz monitor, you won’t be able to tell the difference between HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2.

Multi-Display Support

An HDMI port can only connect to one screen, but DisplayPort features Multi-Stream Transport (MST) for multiple screens and daisy-chaining. DisplayPort can connect to four screens at once. However, DisplayPort splits bandwidth between the displays. Results will vary depending on the setup.

Compatibility

Outright, more devices support HDMI than DisplayPort. If you’re trying to connect your source device to a TV, HDMI is pretty much the only way to go. Higher-end monitors support both, while budget screens usually only have HDMI. Notable outliers are modern Apple monitors, which only have DisplayPort.

Gamers will be pleased to know that both HDMI and DisplayPort support Variable Refresh Rate (however, NVidia G-SYNC requires HDMI 2.1). VRR means the display adjusts its refresh rate to match the frame rate of the source device. VRR prevents screen tearing, which is when the screen shows data from two frames at once.

Adapters

If you run into a situation where one device supports HDMI and the other supports DisplayPort, you’re in luck because there are adapters that handle both situations. HDMI-to-DisplayPort and DisplayPort to HDMI require different adapters. In either case, you’re going to be stuck with the lowest output specs of the connected devices.

Note that you will lose support for daisy-chaining when outputting to HDMI with a standard dongle adapter. If you want to output to multiple monitors, use a DisplayPort to HDMI hub.

Which Works Better for My Use Case?

Depending on your use case, you’re looking at a different optimal standard.

  • Console gaming: In every case, HDMI 2.0+ is the best option because it’s the only output source on the device.

  • Computer gaming: DisplayPort is the better option when supported, but HDMI 2.0+ is likely sufficient.

  • Connecting a laptop to a projector or large TV: You may not know the hardware in advance when presenting on your laptop, but it’s a safe bet the display supports HDMI.

  • Laptop dock with multiple monitors: DisplayPort is the better option for two or more external screens. HDMI is usually sufficient for a single screen.

  • Workstation with three or more displays: DisplayPort is the better option because it may be the only way to connect all those screens to your device.

  • Apple monitors: DisplayPort because these devices don’t support HDMI.

In the end, it’s not “better” if you’re using HDMI or DisplayPort. The connection you are using must have enough bandwidth to get the best experience out of your connected device and displays.

DisplayPort 1.2 vs HDMI 2.0: What’s the Difference, Is One Better?

© CHAILUK CHALATHAI / Shutterstock.com

When it comes to transmitting audio and video signals from your computer to a display device, DisplayPort and HDMI are two popular choices. DisplayPort 1.2 offers the highest transmission rate of 21.6 Gbps with a data rate of 17.28 Gbps. This enables 4K resolution at 75 Hz and 5K resolution at 30 Hz.

In comparison, HDMI 2.0 has a maximum transmission rate of 18.0 Gbps with a data rate of 14.4 Gbps which supports 4K resolution at 60 Hz, as well as 8K resolution at 30 Hz. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. So, which one best suits your needs depends on individual requirements.

DisplayPort 1.2 vs HDMI 2.0: Side-by-Side Comparison

Specification DisplayPort 1.2 HDMI 2.0
Max Transmission Rate 21.6 Gbps 18.0 Gbps
Max Data Rate 17. 28 Gbps 14.4 Gbps
Resolution/Refresh Rate Support (24 bpp) 1080p @ 240 Hz 1080p @ 240 Hz
Variable Refresh Rate Support Yes Yes
Best Use Case Computer gaming and workstation with three or more displays Console gaming and connecting a laptop to either a projector or large TV

DisplayPort 1.2 vs HDMI 2.0: What’s the Difference?

If you’re trying to decide between DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 2.0 for your display needs, it’s essential that you comprehend the distinctions between these two technologies. By understanding the features and capabilities of each, you can decide which is most suitable for your specific use case. The following section will compare and contrast key differences between DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 2.0.

Max Data Rate and Resolution/Refresh Rate Support

DisplayPort 1.2 can transmit data at a maximum rate of 17.28 Gbps, while HDMI 2. 0 only offers 14.4 Gbps. This difference means DisplayPort 1.2 is capable of supporting higher resolutions and refresh rates than HDMI 2.0. For instance, 4K resolution at 75 Hz or 5K resolution at 30 Hz compared to only 4K at 60 Hz for HDMI 2.0. However, it should be noted that if using one single 4K 60 Hz monitor, the difference will not be apparent.

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GPU manufacturers have had a major role in shaping these standards’ resolution and refresh rate capabilities. For example, AMD’s HD 6000 series GPUs and NVIDIA’s Kepler GPUs can handle 1080p at 240 Hz on DisplayPort 1. 2, while AMD’s HD 5000 series and Kepler GPUs support 1440p at 75 Hz on HDMI 1.3-1.4b.

Multi-Display Support

DisplayPort supports Multi-Stream Transport (MST) technology, which enables you to connect multiple displays using a single DisplayPort connection. MST creates virtual connections over an individual physical cable and divides bandwidth among them. You can therefore connect up to four displays using DisplayPort 1.2 simultaneously at different resolutions and refresh rates.

HDMI does not support MST, meaning you can only connect one display per HDMI port. To connect multiple displays using HDMI, you’ll either need an HDMI splitter or use multiple ports. Unfortunately, using an HDMI splitter duplicates the signal across all displays — meaning all will have the same resolution and refresh rate.

Compatibility

HDMI is a more commonly adopted standard than DisplayPort, meaning that it’s more likely to be supported by devices. Most TVs only feature HDMI ports and do not support DisplayPort. Similarly, most laptops and graphics cards come with HDMI ports, while high-end gaming monitors typically feature DisplayPort connections.

Apple monitors are unique in that they only feature DisplayPort ports and no HDMI connections. Fortunately, DisplayPort to HDMI adapters are easily available so you can connect an HDMI device to a DisplayPort monitor or vice versa. However, keep in mind that when using an adapter the output will only be limited by the lowest specification of both connected devices.

Gaming-wise, both DisplayPort and HDMI support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology which synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with that of your graphics card to reduce screen tearing. However, NVIDIA G-SYNC requires HDMI 2.1 compatibility. So, if you own an NVIDIA G-SYNC compatible graphics card, then HDMI 2.1 is required to take advantage of this advanced feature.

Audio and Video Quality

DisplayPort 1.2 offers more bandwidth than HDMI 2.0 when it comes to audio and video quality. It supports 4K resolution at 60Hz with 10-bit color depth and a maximum resolution of 4096 x 2160 pixels. Furthermore, DisplayPort 1.2 can handle uncompressed audio up to 8 channels at 24-bit 192kHz – equivalent to a 7.1 surround sound setup.

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On the other hand, HDMI 2.0 supports 4K resolution at 60Hz with 8-bit color depth and a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. It also handles uncompressed audio up to 8 channels at 24-bit 192kHz – equivalent to a 7. 1 surround sound setup.

Although its color depth is lower than DisplayPort’s, HDMI 2.0 boasts High Dynamic Range (HDR), improving color accuracy and contrast ratio. DisplayPort 1.2 offers superior audio and video quality compared to HDMI 2.0 thanks to its higher color depth, higher resolution support, and ability to handle uncompressed audio with more channels.

Cable Length

Another important distinction between DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 2.0 is their cable length restrictions. HDMI 2.0 only permits a maximum cable length of 10 meters (32 feet), which may be too far for some setups. Beyond 10 meters, signals may degrade, leading to visual artifacts, image distortion, or loss of signal altogether. This restriction makes connecting devices far apart difficult.

DisplayPort 1.2 can support cable lengths up to 15 meters (50 feet) without any signal loss or degradation. Beyond 15 meters, however, a DisplayPort repeater or amplifier may be necessary in order to boost the signal strength. DisplayPort’s longer cable length makes it ideal for setups where devices are far apart, such as conference rooms, lecture halls, or classrooms.

Hot Plug Detection

Hot plug detection is the ability of a connector to detect when a cable is connected or disconnected and adjust its signal accordingly. DisplayPort 1.2 supports hot plug detection, meaning it can detect when cables are connected or disconnected and adjust their signal accordingly. This feature comes in handy when frequently connecting and disconnecting devices, like when using your laptop with an external monitor.

HDMI 2.0 also supports hot plug detection, though it has its limitations. Although HDMI can detect when a cable is connected or disconnected, it may not always adjust the signal accordingly, resulting in blank screens or distorted images. This issue becomes particularly prominent when using longer HDMI cables, which may lead to signal degradation and even loss of signal altogether.

DisplayPort 1. 2 has the edge over HDMI 2.0 when it comes to hot plug detection. This is because it can detect cable connections and disconnections and adjust the signal accordingly, making it more reliable for frequent usage.

DisplayPort 1.2 vs HDMI 2.0: 7 Must-Know Facts

  1. DisplayPort 1.2 has a maximum transmission rate of 21.6 Gbps, while HDMI 2.0 offers 18.0 Gbps.
  2. With DisplayPort 1.2, you can get up to 17.28 Mbps data rate and 1080p resolution at 240 Hz with its maximum data rate.
  3. HDMI 2.0 supports up to 14.4 Mbps at 1080p resolution with its maximum transmission rate.
  4. DisplayPort 1.2 supports 4K at 75 Hz, while HDMI 2.0 offers the same resolution at 60 Hz.
  5. DisplayPort 2.0 offers 4K at 240 Hz and 8K at 85 Hz; on the other hand, HDMI 2.1 offers 4K resolution at 144 Hz (240 with DSC) and 8K at 30 Hz (120 with DSC).
  6. DisplayPort supports Multi-Stream Transport (MST) for multiple screens and daisy chaining, while HDMI only permits connection to one display.
  7. Although HDMI is more widely supported, higher-end monitors typically support both technologies.

DisplayPort 1.2 vs HDMI 2.0: Which One Is Better?

Your specific needs must be considered when choosing between DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 2.0. Both options should work similarly for single 4K 60Hz monitors.

Multi-display support is enhanced with DisplayPort’s MST feature, which permits daisy chaining up to four screens simultaneously. However, results may vary depending on your setup; HDMI remains the go-to choice for TVs and budget monitors.

Gamers will be pleased to know that both DisplayPort and HDMI support Variable Refresh Rate, which helps prevent screen tearing. Unfortunately, NVIDIA G-SYNC requires HDMI 2.1 for compatibility.

When connecting devices with different output ports, adapters are available; however, keep in mind that the lowest output specs of the connected devices will determine their output quality.

HDMI has the advantage of wider compatibility and is more common, but DisplayPort offers a superior option in certain use cases, such as connecting multiple displays or Apple monitors. Before making your decision between DisplayPort 1.2 or HDMI 2.0, consider your needs and the hardware you have available.

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    06/27/2023 09:30 pm GMT HDMI 1.4 HDMI 2.0 HDMI 2. 1 DP 1.2 DP 1.3 DP 1.4 DP 2.0 1080p@120Hz + + + + + + + 4k at 30 Hz + + + + + + + 4k @ 60Hz — + + + + + + 4k @ 120Hz — — + — + + + 8k at 30 Hz — — + — + + + 8k @ 60Hz — — + — — + + 8k @ 120Hz — — + — — — + HDR — + + — — + +

    Technically, the recent release of HDMI 2. 1 surpasses the capabilities of DisplayPort 1.4, but 2.1 monitors are still rare. When comparing DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort excels in every way. DisplayPort 2.0 was also announced and its maximum bandwidth is higher than HDMI 2.1.

    Winner : DisplayPort

    Multi-Stream Transport (MST)

    First introduced in DisplayPort 1.2, Multi-Stream Transport or MST allows you to connect multiple displays to a single DisplayPort port on your computer. While the total bandwidth cannot exceed the maximum bandwidth of the port you are using, in theory this technology allows you to run up to 63 individual displays on a single port. This chain of devices can be implemented in a manner known as «daisy chaining» or via an external hub.

    HDMI does not natively support MST, but similar results can be achieved using DisplayPort to HDMI hubs. This still requires a DisplayPort connection on the source device.

    Winner : DisplayPort

    Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)

    • HDMI — only supports FreeSync
    • DisplayPort — supports G-Sync and FreeSync

    There are two main VRR technologies on the market today, so it’s important that the connector you choose matches your needs. If you want to connect a PC with an AMD or Xbox One graphics card, you’ll need a FreeSync-enabled display. FreeSync is supported for both HDMI and DisplayPort so you don’t have to worry about it. G-SYNC, NVIDIA’s VRR technology, is currently only supported over DisplayPort, so if you have an NVIDIA graphics card, it’s best to use a DisplayPort connection.

    Winner : DisplayPort

    USB-C ALT Mode

    Supported primarily on compact 2-in-1 PCs and some phones, Alt-Mode USB-C can send video through the USB-C port. DisplayPort has supported this capability since 2014 and, depending on the bandwidth required by the display, it also allows data to be transferred over the same cable, so if your monitor has built-in USB ports, you can control the display and USB ports from with one cable. It also allows you to use the USB Power Delivery mode, powering your computer with a single cable. HDMI also supports Alt-Mode USB-C but requires a more complex cable as the signal must be converted from DisplayPort to HDMI.

    Winner : DisplayPort

    Other Technologies

    This is just a summary of the main technologies supported by DisplayPort and HDMI. HDMI supports other technologies including ARC and eARC and Ethernet-Over-HDMI. With very few exceptions, these technologies are primarily designed for TVs and are not supported on the vast majority of monitors, so they are outside the scope of this article.

    Physical differences between DisplayPort and HDMI

    HDMI :

    • 19-pin connector
    • friction latch

    DispalyPort :

    • 20-pin connector
    • mechanical latch

    HDMI and DisplayPort are physically very similar. HDMI uses a 19 pin cable while DisplayPort has 20 pins. Both connectors look very similar, but most DisplayPort cables have a physical latch that prevents them from being accidentally disconnected. Although not officially part of the DisplayPort standard, most DisplayPort cables have a locking mechanism. On the other hand, very few HDMI cables have latches.

    Winner : Draw

    Maximum cable length

    HDMI :

    • 30 m for 1080p signals
    • 10 m for 4K signals
    • Active cables can be used for longer distances
    • Supports other cable types, including HDBaseT, for distances greater than 100 meters

    DisplayPort :

    • Official: 3 meters
    • Longer cables available, but maximum resolution may be reduced
    • Long distances require expensive extensions

    Standard HDMI cables are available over 30 meters for 1080p signals or 10 meters for 4k signals. The use of active cables or other transmission methods such as HDMI over HDBaseT allows HDMI cables to be used over 100 meters.

    DisplayPort, on the other hand, has a maximum length of about 3 meters according to the official standard. Longer cables are available, but the maximum resolution and refresh rate may decrease with longer cables.

    Winner : HDMI

    DisplayPort and HDMI Compatibility

    Originally designed for HDTVs, HDMI is now supported by virtually every home audio/video device, including computers, home theater systems, game consoles, and more. HDMI is also supported by the vast majority of displays on the market, from small portable displays to the largest 8K TVs.

    The

    DisplayPort, although designed to replace DVI and VGA connectors, was designed for use on a computer. There are currently no consumer TVs that support DisplayPort, and we don’t know when they will. None of the major gaming consoles support DisplayPort, and neither do most cable/satellite boxes or streaming devices.

    Winner : HDMI

    Conclusion — DisplayPort vs. HDMI

    DisplayPort and HDMI cables provide very similar performance, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. HDMI is supported on more devices, but DisplayPort, which was designed for computers, has several technical advantages.

    In general, if you want to connect your computer to a new monitor, use DisplayPort if possible. Otherwise, HDMI is almost as good a choice. If your monitor has limited inputs, using DisplayPort will also leave your HDMI ports free, which is great if you want to connect a game console or other device.

    What to use for computer monitor?

    Which monitor is right for your computer?

    Before buying, there are many factors to consider, but one of the main ones is the availability of ports. Different ports have different capabilities and compatibility, so look at the back of your computer to see what you’re dealing with.

    If you’re looking to connect a new monitor to your gaming PC, you’ll probably notice two ports that look very similar. There are HDMI and DisplayPort ports to choose from. But what is the difference between them, and does it really matter which one you use?

    The answer, as always, is the same: «it all depends on the situation. »

    It all depends on what you want to do: play games, edit photos or just connect your MacBook to work. Even if your monitor supports both connection types, only certain versions of each may be supported. It depends on the screen resolution, refresh rate and other characteristics.

    Here’s what you need to pay attention to first

    HDMI: for PC and TV

    First, let’s talk about the HDMI connector, which you are probably the most familiar with. HDMI is most commonly used in televisions, carrying high-definition video and audio signals over a single cable for a simple and fast connection. There are several versions of HDMI, each better than the last.

    On modern monitors, you will find any combination of the following ports:

    — HDMI 1.4: Supports up to 4K (4096 by 2160) at 24Hz, 4K (3840 by 2160) at 30Hz, or 1080p at 120Hz.

    — HDMI 2.0: Supports up to 4K at 60Hz, and later versions (HDMI 2.0a and 2. 0b) include HDR support.

    — HDMI 2.1: Supports resolutions up to 10K at 120Hz, as well as enhanced HDR with dynamic metadata, and enhanced audio return channel (eARC) that allows Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio to be passed from the display to the receiver. The standard also includes Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) similar to FreeSync, although there are many HDMI 2.0 monitors that also support this feature.

    These are somewhat simplified descriptions of each version of HDMI, as there are other enhancements in each standard that are exactly what most PC users care about. If you want to take full advantage of these specifications, you will also need an HDMI cable with the appropriate bandwidth.

    For example, if you’re running 4K at 60Hz with HDR, you’ll need a cable labeled Premium High Speed ​​or 18Gbps (or better). High refresh rate 8K may require even more bandwidth, so check the description and reviews of any cable you plan to buy.

    Lower quality cables may work at certain settings, but they may glitch, add «snow» to the picture, or not reproduce surround sound correctly. If you have problems, check the cable — it may be of poor quality.

    In addition, all modern HDMI ports must support AMD’s FreeSync technology, which eliminates screen tearing in games by matching the monitor’s refresh rate to the graphics card’s output frame rate (newer versions of HDMI support FreeSync at higher refresh rates). However, Nvidia’s similar G-Sync technology doesn’t always work over HDMI — many monitors only support it over DisplayPort.

    DisplayPort: For PC

    DisplayPort is similar to HDMI, but this connector is more common on computers than TVs. It still allows high-definition video and (in many cases) audio, but its standards are slightly different. On modern monitors, you will most likely find one of the following connectors:

    — DisplayPort 1.2: Supports up to 4K at 60Hz, some 1.2a ports may also support AMD’s FreeSync.

    — DisplayPort 1.3: Supports up to 4K at 120Hz or 8K at 30Hz.

    — DisplayPort 1. 4: Support up to 8K@60Hz and HDR

    — DisplayPort 2.0: Supports 16K with HDR at 60Hz and 10K without HDR at 80Hz.

    When purchasing a DisplayPort cable, I recommend choosing from a list of certified DisplayPort cables to ensure it meets the advertised specifications.

    In addition, DisplayPort has several other useful features.

    First, it supports AMD’s FreeSync and Nvidia’s G-Sync, so you’ll be able to play without tearing regardless of the brand of card you’re using (as long as your monitor supports it, of course).

    You can also control multiple monitors through a single DisplayPort connection instead of using multiple ports, which is very convenient.

    Laptops can even transmit DisplayPort signals through the USB-C port. Many DisplayPort cables also have clips to secure them into the monitor, which is both a plus and a minus as they can sometimes be hard to get out!

    Which cable to choose?

    It is impossible to say unequivocally which of the cables is better, each of them has its own purpose.