Not sure how to connect a new monitor to your computer using HDMI or DisplayPort? Different ports have different capabilities and compatibility. Here’s what you need to know.
Differences between HDMI and DisplayPort cables
To correctly answer the question of which monitor is right for your computer, There are many factors to consider before making a purchase. But what is important is the availability of screen ports. Different ports have different capabilities and compatibility. Then take a look at the back of your PC to see what video connection ports you have.
If you want to connect a new monitor to your computer You may notice two ports that look very similar, namely HDMI and DisplayPort, but what are the differences between the two and does it matter which one you use?
The answer, as always with computer hardware buying advice, is “it depends.” For example, each of you will have different needs. It depends on whether you’re playing games, editing photos, or just want to connect your Mac to something that works. Even if your monitor supports both connections, however, they may only support certain versions. The port version determines resolution, refresh rate, and other features. that the monitor can support And this is what you should know when choosing the monitor and connection best suited to your use.
HDMI: for PC and TV
Let’s start by talking about HDMI, which is the standard you’re probably most familiar with. HDMI is commonly used on televisions and transmits high-definition video and audio over a single cable for a clean and easy setup. There are several versions of HDMI. Each version has improvements over the most recent version. On modern monitors you will find a combination of the following ports.
- HDMI 1.4: Supports up to 4K (4096 x 2160) at 24 Hz, 4K (3840 x 2160) at 30 Hz, or 1080p at 120 Hz.
- HDMI 2.0: Supports up to 4K at 60Hz, and later versions (HDMI 2.0a and 2.0b) also support HDR.
- HDMI 2.1: Supports resolutions up to 10K at 120Hz, including improved HDR with dynamic metadata and an improved audio return channel (eARC) that allows Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio to be output from the display to the receiver HDMI 2.1 offers variety of refresh rates, such as FreeSync, although some HDMI 2.0 monitors also support this feature. Newer versions (HDMI 2.1a) add source-based tone mapping (SBTM).
This is a fairly simple explanation of each version of HDMI. Due to improvements in other features in each standard But these are things that will interest most PC users. If you want to take full advantage of these requirements, you will also need an HDMI cable with the correct bandwidth.
For example, if you’re using 4K at 60Hz with HDR, you’ll need a cable labeled Premium High Speed or 18Gbps (or better) for 8K with high refresh rates. More bandwidth may be required. We therefore invite you to check the description and reviews of the cable you intend to purchase.
Lower spec cables may still work in some situations. But they can be tricky, causing “snow patches” in the image or not routing surround sound properly. If you have ever encountered a problem Check your HDMI cable for problems. You may find that the cable isn’t powerful enough.
In addition to the above, all modern HDMI ports should support AMD’s FreeSync technology, which reduces tearing in games by matching your monitor’s refresh rate to your video card’s output frame rate (with newer HDMI versions supporting it , FreeSync at higher refresh rates). , Nvidia’s similar G-Sync technology doesn’t always work with HDMI (on many monitors only DisplayPort is used).
DisplayPort: for PC
DisplayPort is similar to HDMI, but is a more common connector on PCs than on televisions. They still support high definition video and audio (in many cases), but the standards are a little different. On modern monitors you will find the following standards:
- DisplayPort 1.2: Supports up to 4K at 60 Hz. Some 1.2a ports may support AMD’s FreeSync.
- DisplayPort 1.3: Supports up to 4K at 120 Hz or 8K at 30 Hz.
- DisplayPort 1.4: Supports up to 8K at 60Hz and HDR.
- DisplayPort 2.0: Supports 16K with HDR at 60Hz and 10K without HDR at 80Hz.
- The new DisplayPort 2.1 replaces this version and adds USB4 compatibility.
When purchasing a DisplayPort cable, we recommend choosing one from our list of DisplayPort certified cables to ensure that it works as advertised and also has other useful features. A few more things First off, it supports both AMD’s FreeSync and Nvidia’s G-Sync, so you can experience tear-free gaming regardless of what brand of card you’re using (as long as your monitor supports the technology, of course).
You can also drive multiple monitors from a single DisplayPort connection, instead of having to use multiple ports, which is very convenient. Notebooks can send DisplayPort signals via the USB-C port. Many DisplayPort cables also feature a clip to keep them securely attached to your monitor. This is both a plus and a minus because it can sometimes be difficult to remove.
What type of cable should you choose?
One cable is not necessarily better than another. But each line has a place in the market based on its low price. If you have a choice between DisplayPort 1.4 (or 1.4a) and HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort is the better choice. In other cases, if your monitor only gives you a choice between HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI may be the way to go. HDR support as long as all your devices support HDMI version
Now comes the final step. The port you choose depends on the capabilities of your monitor and video card. If you want to use the features of HDMI 2.1, you need a monitor with an HDMI 2.1 port and a video card with an HDMI 2.1 port. If one of them uses HDMI 2.0, you will not be able to take advantage of these new features.
The best choice you can make is what works best for your specific setup. Check each device connector on your computer before purchasing any cables. It is better so that you can choose the best combination for maximum performance as you want.
Source: pcmag, nyrius
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