What is the difference between an HDMI and DisplayPort connection? - Coolblue (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between an HDMI and DisplayPort connection? - Coolblue? ›

The biggest difference between the cables is the bandwidth, which is higher with DisplayPort. This supports a higher resolution and frame rate. An HDMI 1.4 cable only reaches 30Hz in 4K, and a DisplayPort 1.3 cable reaches 120Hz in 4K.

Depending on your use case, you're looking at a different optimal standard. Console gaming: In every case, HDMI 2.0+ is the best option because it's the only output source on the device. Computer gaming: DisplayPort is the better option when supported, but HDMI 2.0+ is likely sufficient.

What are the main differences between Displayport and HDMI? Significant differences include that a Displayport generally supports higher resolutions and refresh rates, making it ideal for gaming, graphic design, and multimedia production.

Contrary to HDMI, DP cannot carry Ethernet signals, nor does it have an audio return signal. However, DisplayPort supports many adapters, to connect a large number of display standards, including a VGA, single-link DVI or HDMI.

HDMI to DisplayPort Conversion

There are two types of conversion adapters that can be used, the first is an active adapter, and the second is a passive adapter type. Most adapters only carry a one-way signal.

It is specifically designed to transmit video and audio signals. But Displayport with high refresh rate to 144hz, higher than HDMI, often appear in the game room or some needed equipment. So it's not widely used.

HDMI 2.0 has a high enough data rate to natively handle 1440p at 144Hz, but not 4K. That is reserved for the latest HDMI 2.1 specification. DisplayPort cables are designed more with high-end desktop computers in mind, so it's no surprise that its cables have been more capable of 144Hz for several generations.

A DisplayPort is a digital audio/video connection standard used to connect computers and other compatible devices. It's most commonly used to transmit video and audio signals from a computer to an external display, like a monitor or projector.

Since the HDMI and DP both work at 144Hz@1080p on this monitor, you can choose both DP and HDMI cable. However, if you have an Nvidia GPU you'll need to use DP though in order to use Adaptive-Sync. Plus, you must make sure you are using the DP 1.2 cable or above version, and HDMI 1.4 cable or above version.

For reasons practical and otherwise, DisplayPort is the first choice for hooking up a monitor to a PC. You won't find these ports on TV sets or non-computer gear, but they are regularly found on modern graphics cards and gaming laptops.

Is it OK to go from DisplayPort to HDMI? ›

With an adapter, yes. an external adapter or adapter cable as some call them. Since DP is a higher performance solution, you will have no problem running them through hdmi adapter. vice versa may be problematic for higher resolutions or refresh rates.

DisplayPort has better support for projectors and enables cool ultra-thin monitors. It supports native fiber optic cable and offers latching connectors, features that are missing from HDMI. Down the road, DisplayPort will allow multi-function monitors with a single cable delivering display, audio, and USB connectivity.

You even don't really need a special adapter anymore, because there are DisplayPort to HDMI^TM cables available on the market. There is normally no loss in quality when using such a dp to hdmi cable. Note however that this simple transition only applies to single-link DVI signals, so up to HD resolution.

DisplayPort cables are typically capable of supporting higher resolutions and refresh rates, while HDMI cables provide additional audio and video features such as multichannel audio and 3D video.

Maximum Video Quality

If you're trying to get the very highest resolutions at the fastest frame rates, HDMI 2.1 wins. That's clear in the data sheets. DisplayPort 1.4 simply cannot match the maximum output of HDMI 2.1.

DisplayPort 1.4 and DisplayPort 1.2 are some of the most useful connectors for bringing together desktop computers and high-end monitors. They're two generations of the same connector type, with DisplayPort 1.4 being the more capable, and in 2023, the more popular choice.