To connect your monitor, you can choose between DisplayPort and HDMI depends mainly on how you use it. Bandwidth is the deciding factor, and it varies greatly depending on the standard and the port. These two connection standards video have differences significant depending on the signals that they send to your screen.
Which should you choose based on your needs: DisplayPort or HDMI?
The factor that really makes the difference is the bandwidth. The wider it is, the higher you can go in resolution and in refresh rate. Here's a summary based on your needs.
| Use | Recommended port |
|---|---|
| High-Performance Gaming PC | DisplayPort |
| Multi-monitor setup | DisplayPort |
| PS5 / Xbox Series X Console | HDMI 2.1 |
| TV / Home Theater | HDMI |
| Traditional Office Software | Both |
When should you choose a DisplayPort connection?
the DisplayPort shines whenever you need top performance on computer. Sa higher bandwidth This makes it ideal in three specific cases.
- Multi-screen : You can daisy-chain multiple monitors to a single port using the MST, starting with the standard DisplayPort 1.2.
- Gaming PC : You're aiming for high frequencies and resolutions ranging up to the 8K, particularly with versions 2.0 and 2.1. It is also the preferred port for the G-Sync and the FreeSync, which eliminate image tearing.
- Graphic Design the 4K at 120 Hz or the 5K at 60 Hz go smoothly—a real plus for computer-aided design.
To note : the DisplayPort also conveys the’sound, just like the’HDMI. You don't lose any sound quality when you plug in a cable DisplayPort.
See the different screen types and their prices
When should you choose an HDMI cable?
L'HDMI remains the benchmark for devices at the show. It can be found on almost all of the TV, game consoles, and streaming devices. Cable HDMI transmits both the video signals and sound to your screen or TV.
- Home cinema : perfect for connecting TVs, projectors, and soundbars, especially thanks to the’ARC (Audio Return Channel).
- Game consoles the PS5 and the Xbox Series X take advantage of the HDMI 2.1 for high-resolution gaming. Almost all of these consoles use the’HDMI, never the DisplayPort.
- Entertainment : readers Blu-ray, streaming devices, and other home electronics connect via HDMI by default.
For basic office use, go with the one your computer and your screen have in common. The screen size may also influence your choice, as some larger screen sizes require more bandwidth.
Each type of connection has its own specific advantages, depending on requirements in terms of resolution, bandwidth and features such as HDR and ARC support.
See the different screen types and their prices
When to choose a DisplayPort cable?
The standard DisplayPort is available in several versions, which are distinguished by the resolutions covered, the refresh rate and the available bandwidth.
DisplayPort 2.1 connection
- Maximum resolution: up to 8K at 60 Hz
- Refresh rate: up to 240 Hz at a lower resolution
- Bandwidth: up to 80 Gbps (mode UHBR20, (theoretical maximum)
the DisplayPort 2.1 is, above all, a 2.0 Refinement. Both versions share the same maximum bandwidth of 80 Gbps, but not all cables necessarily reach it.
DisplayPort 2.0 connection
- Maximum resolution: 7680×4320 (8K)
- Refresh rate: up to 120 Hz in 8K
- Bandwidth: up to 80 Gbps
DisplayPort 1.4 connection
- Maximum resolution: 7680×4320 (8K) with compression DSC
- Refresh rate: up to 60 Hz in 8K
- Bandwidth: 32.4 Gbps
the DisplayPort 1.4 introduces the DSC (Display Stream Compression), a visually lossless encoding technology for high resolution and HDR.
DisplayPort 1.3 connection
- 4K UHD (3840×2160) : up to 120 Hz
- 8K (7680×4320) : up to 30 Hz
- Bandwidth: 32.4 Gbps
DisplayPort 1.2 connection
- Maximum resolution: 3840×2160 (4K UHD)
- Refresh rate: up to 60 Hz in 4K
- Bandwidth: 17.28 Gbps effective flow rate (21.6 Gbps in total across its four channels)
It was also starting with version 1.2 that the MST (Multi-Stream Transport) allows you to daisy-chain multiple monitors to a single port DisplayPort.
When should you opt for an HDMI cable?
To connect a TV to a home theater system, the’HDMI is a must. It's the only cable that supports the’ARC (Audio Return Channel) : The sound from your TV is sent to your soundbar or amplifier through the same cable, without the need for an additional audio connection. If you encounter a black screen after plugging in a cable HDMI, make sure the cable version matches the port version on your TV or PC.
See the different screen types and their prices
It exists 3 Common Types of HDMI Connections, with very different capabilities.
HDMI 2.1 connection
- Maximum resolution: 4K UHD (3840×2160) to 120 Hz
- Support for the 8K (7680×4320) to 60 Hz
- Bandwidth: 48 Gbps
HDMI 2.0 connection
- Maximum resolution: 4K UHD (3840×2160) at 60 Hz
- Bandwidth: 18 Gbps
HDMI 1.4 connection
- Maximum resolution: 4K UHD (3840×2160) at 30 Hz
- Bandwidth: 10.2 Gbps
In terms of advanced imaging, the HDR didn't happen until the HDMI 2.0a, not with the original 2.0 revision. The DisplayPort he, too, handles the HDR starting from the Version 1.4 thanks to DSC.
The main difference between HDMI and DisplayPort depends on their use. The’HDMI is found in virtually all consumer devices: TVs, game consoles, and home theater systems. the DisplayPort is designed for computers and the game's PC monitors high-frequency. For the games on Gaming PCs or in a multi-monitor setup, the DisplayPort remains the best choice thanks to its significantly higher bandwidth.
Still not sure which screen to choose? Take a look at our Guide to the Best PC Gaming Monitors to find the model that's right for your setup.
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