Almost all modern monitors have two main connectors: HDMI и DisplayPort, however, many users, without hesitation, use the first option. Both technologies are actively developing and provide excellent bandwidth, but gamers still have the question: which is better HDMI or DisplayPort?
In the guide, we will analyze both cables in detail, compare them with each other and tell you what to choose.
What is HDMI
HDMI stands for "High Definition Multimedia Interface", is the first and one of the most popular connectors. This type of connection is universal, used for both games and multimedia consumption. Such connectors consist of 19 pins, transmit video, audio and Ethernet data. HDMI has 4 different cables, which differ in their characteristics and are used for different purposes:
- Standard – Suitable for 1080i gaming.
- Standard + Ethernet - the same as the first, but supports Ethernet.
- High speed – Suitable for resolutions above 1080p.
- High Speed + Ethernet – gaming cable for resolutions above 1080p that supports Ethernet.
The latter type is an extremely reliable gaming option that supports FreeSync technology and reproducing the image in the range of 1080p-10K. In addition, this type of connection provides an Ethernet connection.
Of the minuses can be identified lack of G-Sync support and low performance for cables having a length of more than 2 meters.
What is DisplayPort
DisplayPort - a popular analogue of HDMI, which is often used in personal computers. Externally, DisplayPort is similar to HDMI in its form factor, but it has a blocking mechanism and more contacts.
DP is the most popular gaming connector on the market because supports both FreeSync and G-Sync. It is suitable for multi-monitor use, 240Hz gaming at low resolutions, and 144Hz output at 4K resolution.
Comparison of HDMI and DisplayPort
For comparison, it is worth going through the technical characteristics of the various versions of HDMI and DisplayPort.
Version | Max. permission | HDR | FreeSync | G-sync |
HDMI 1.3-1.4b | 1080p at 144Hz
1440p at 75Hz 4K @ 30 Hz |
No | Monitor dependent | No |
DP 1.2-1.2a | 1080p at 240Hz
1440p at 165Hz 4K @ 75 Hz |
No | Yes | Yes |
HDMI 2.0-2.0b | 1080p at 240Hz
1440p at 144Hz 4K @ 60 Hz 8K not supported |
Yes | Monitor dependent | No |
DP 1.3-1.4a | 1080p at 360Hz
1440p at 240Hz 4K at 120Hz (240Hz*) 8K at 30Hz (120Hz*) |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
HDMI 2.1 | 4K at 144Hz (240Hz*)
8K at 30Hz (120Hz*) |
Yes | Yes | No |
DP 2.0 | 4K @ 240 Hz
8K @ 85Hz |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
Additional data under "*" is transmitted with compression, thanks to Display Stream Compression 1.2
In addition to the characteristics from the table above, HDMI and DisplayPort have a number of other differences:
- The DP has a connector lock on the plastic part. Despite the absence of such a mechanism in HDMI, it is unlikely to be pulled out by accident.
- The cable length is often longer for HDMI (up to 10 meters), while for DP it is only up to 3 meters.
- Adapters to other connectors: HDMI connects only to DVI, while DisplayPort can be connected to all existing ones (USB Type-C, VGA, DVI).
- HDMI can only communicate with one output device, while DisplayPort can connect up to 6 monitors. All you need is to buy a splitter.
- The bandwidth of DP is much higher: 21,6 - 64,82 Gb / s versus 4,9 - 48 Gb / s for HDMI.
- In terms of image refresh rate, HDMI also loses, all other things being equal, DP has more Hz at the same resolution.
- Universality - HDMI is used on all the latest devices (monitors, TVs), DP is not so multitasking and it will not work to connect it, for example, to a console.
What is better HDMI and DisplayPort for a monitor in games
When using a normal monitor instead of a gaming monitor, DisplayPort may simply not be. For models with a refresh rate of 60-75Hz and a resolution of 1080p or 1440p, it will be enough HDMI. Do not forget that in this case it will not be possible to use G-Sync technology, since it requires DP.
For a gaming monitor with 144-360Hz specifications and high resolution, you should use DisplayPort if the PC has enough performance.
Read on:
I only have HDMI and VGA, DP is needed only by major gamers.
They are both bad, DVI is better, because the number of colors is greater. Switching between cables noticeably how the picture fades and darkens.