Which should you use if your monitor or panel supports both DisplayPort and HDMI? It’s critical to recognize when to utilize DisplayPort and HDMI because these connectors have various features and functions.
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DisplayPort vs. HDMI Versions
Depending on how you use them, DisplayPort and HDMI each have significant advantages and disadvantages because they were each created for a certain purpose. It can be difficult to choose which port to use, but your monitor or display will typically dictate this. The most recent HDMI specification as of this writing is HDMI 2.1a. 8K at 60 Hz and 4K at 120 Hz are supported. Additionally, it can display dynamic HDR formats up to 48Gbps and 10K content. You must purchase an Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable, such as the Highwings High-Speed HDMI Braided Cord, if you want to take full advantage of HDMI 2.1.
Similar to that, DisplayPort 2.0 is the most recent DisplayPort specification. HDR-10, 10K, and 8K resolutions at 60Hz are all supported by this standard. Compared to HDMI 2.1, it provides a greater maximum bandwidth, almost triple DisplayPort 1.4’s at 77.73Gbps. The problem is that there aren’t many affordable HDMI 2.1 monitors, and there aren’t many DisplayPort 2.0 monitors either. Users frequently choose high-performance HDMI 2.0 monitors or monitors that support DisplayPort 1.4 as a result. HDMI 2.0, however, lags behind DisplayPort 1.4 in that it only offers 4K at 60 Hz and HDR, as opposed to DisplayPort 1.4’s support for 4K at 120 Hz, 8K at 60 Hz, and HDR.
DisplayPort vs HDMI Compatibility
HDMI does not natively support MST. However, you can use a DisplayPort hub with an HDMI adapter to daisy-chain multiple HDMI monitors through the DisplayPort on your computer.
Lastly, HDMI cables are much more flexible in terms of their length. It’s possible to find a 50-foot HDMI cable that’s capable of delivering 4K resolutions at 60Hz, however, DisplayPort cables rarely exceed 10 (according to the official standard) or 15 feet. Longer cables may exist, but they will likely cause the maximum resolution and refresh rate to deteriorate.
DisplayPort vs HDMI Connectors
In addition to differences in compatibility and functionality, DisplayPort and HDMI connectors have unique features. The 20-pin connector for DisplayPort has an asymmetrical design. The majority frequently have a mechanical lock to stop the cables from being unintentionally detached. The 19-pin HDMI connector has a symmetrical design. The majority of HDMI cables lack latches or locking features, in contrast to numerous DisplayPort cables. As a result, HDMI cables may gradually start to snag.
DisplayPort vs HDMI – Which Is Better?
Both DisplayPort and HDMI are often used connectors, however based on the application, you should pick the appropriate one. Because DisplayPort is incompatible with household equipment like Blu-ray players and TVs, HDMI is the sole choice, and it’s definitely not a bad one.
But DisplayPort does have a few more technological advantages over HDMI, particularly for multi-monitor or gaming setups. The only problem is that it can take some time until the most recent DisplayPort standard is offered on displays, and when it is, the monitors will probably cost significantly more. However, if your computer has a DisplayPort port on the rear, it’s absolutely worth choosing it over HDMI.