When connecting a 4K gaming monitor to a computer or gaming console, users must choose between an HDMI or a DisplayPort connection. Using the wrong connection type for a gaming monitor will result in low refresh rates or no audio signal from the monitor. While many users treat HDMI and DisplayPort cables as interchangeable, each of these cables were created for a specific purpose and for connecting to specific types of devices.
HDMI cables were originally created for home theater systems. Devices like Blu-ray players and sound receivers connects to TVs through HDMI connections to transfer video, audio, and control signals from the device to the TV screen. The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) created DisplayPort cables for computer monitors.
HDMI or DisplayPort: Which to Use for 4K Gaming
These cables are designed to allow data from computer hardware to travel at a very fastly rate from the computer to the monitor. Gaming consoles and TVs uses HDMI connections, making it the standard for home theater setups. Similarly, computers use DisplayPort connections, making it the standard for computer monitors.
Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that a cable can transfer from one device to another. As a monitor’s bandwidth increases so does it’s maximum resolution and refresh rates. The newer versions of both HDMI and DisplayPort cables can provide high bandwidth to support 8K monitors and high refresh rates.
However, DisplayPort cables tend to offer higher bandwidth so that fast-moving games on high-end computers displays smooth. Another benefit of DisplayPort is its ability to daisy-chain monitors to one computer. HDMI cables does not have this feature, meaning that every monitor will require its own HDMI port on the computer.
Similarly, DisplayPort cables can carry many channels of lossless audio. Using DisplayPort to connect a TV to a soundbar or sound receiver will deliver high-quality audio to the speakers in the home theater system. However, DisplayPort audio is limited to connecting to monitor speakers.
It is not intended to connect to complex surround sound systems in a home theater. HDMI cables have three physical connection sizes: full, mini, and micro. HDMI cables of all sizes can be used to connect computers, TVs, and audio device.
DisplayPort cables also have a latching connection that holds the cable in the monitor or computer port. Additionally, DisplayPort cables also come in mini size. USB-C connections can handle either HDMI or DisplayPort signals.
Additionally, USB-C data ports can also supply power to the devices. Using uncertified HDMI and DisplayPort cables could lead to monitor malfunctioning at high refresh rates. High-speed data transfer is required for gaming monitors, and uncertified cables may not have the same capability.
Therefore, to ensure smooth gaming performance with high resolution and high refresh rates, users should always use certified HDMI and DisplayPort cables. HDMI and DisplayPort cables can both handle 1080p and 1440p monitors. However, at 4K resolutions, the capability of the cables become more important.
DisplayPort cables have a broad range of support for technologies such as FreeSync and G-Sync to eliminate screen tearing on fast-paced 4K games. HDMI monitors also support variable refresh rates, but only on newer versions of gaming consoles and televisions. Depending on a user’s purpose for connecting the monitor to the computer or console, there are guidelines for the type of connection that should of been used.
For PC gamers, using a DisplayPort connection will provide the best experience for high-end PCs with 4K monitors with high refresh rates. Additionally, DisplayPort connections have the best support for multi-monitor computer configurations. For those looking to connect a gaming console or set up a home theater system, however, a user should use an HDMI connection.
HDMI connections are designed to deliver audio signals to audio-receiver systems. Finally, whatever cables are purchased for a users monitor should have the official certification of the manufacturer of the monitor. Manufacturer certifications ensures that the HDMI and DisplayPort cables will support the bandwidth required for the monitors 4K gaming display.