DisplayPort vs HDMI: which one is better for gaming

Cables are required to connect a PC or console to an external display. DisplayPort and HDMI are the main connectors to help you do this effortlessly.

But both have certain pros and cons, and their effectiveness also depends on how you use them. So, if you are into gaming and don’t know what to choose, you should read the Displayport vs HDMI comparison below to choose the best option for you.

HDMI and DisplayPort have evolved to provide users with higher bandwidth and refresh rates, enhancing their gaming experience. But it’s also important to choose a compatible cable for your devices.

So, let’s compare these two from all possible aspects and try to choose one based on your needs.

Content:

• 1 DisplayPort vs. HDMI Features Comparison
  • 1.1 Resolution and bandwidth
  • 1.2 Audio transmission
  • 1.3 PC and console compatibility
  • 1.4 Connecting to multiple monitors
• 2 DisplayPort vs. HDMI – which one is better for gaming?
• 3 Conclusion

Display Port vs. HDMI Features Comparison

HDMI and DisplayPort cables may look the same, but if we take a closer look at the appearance, we can see that the former has 19 pins and the latter has 20 pins.

HDMI can carry video, audio, and Ethernet data, but DisplayPort can only carry video and audio.

Apart from these two differences, there are some other things that can be compared with their performance, such as refresh rate, bandwidth, and compatibility. This comparison will surely help you choose the best option for your device.

Resolution and Bandwidth

Bandwidth is the speed at which data is transferred, and is an important point to consider in the context of DisplayPort and HDMI, or when choosing any particular connector. If you have a higher bandwidth connector, your movements and reflexes will be quite good in the game.

Another important thing for games is the refresh rate, which determines how many times the display displays images per second, and if the screen resolution and refresh rate are at the right level, you will play the game better.

HDMI has undergone many upgrades to provide more bandwidth and support for better resolutions and refresh rates. HDMI 1.4 provides a bandwidth of 10.2 Gbps and supports 3840×2160 (4K UHD) resolution at a refresh rate of 30Hz, which is much lower.

HDMI 2.0 can support 3840×2160 (4K UHD) resolution at 60Hz refresh rate and transfer data at 18Gbps.

You can get the maximum bandwidth of HDMI 2.1 which is 48Gbps and also supports the highest resolution than other versions of HDMI which is 3840×2160 (4K UHD) at 120Hz or 7680×4320 (8K) at 120Hz. 120Hz refresh. Refresh rate 60 Hz.

On the other hand, DisplayPort 1.2 offers a bandwidth of 17.28Gbps and can support 3840×2160 (4K UHD) resolution at 60Hz, which is good considering the version.

DisplayPort 1.3 provides a bandwidth of 32.4 Gbps and supports 3840×2160 (4K UHD) at 120Hz or 7680×4320 (8K) at 30Hz.

DisplayPort 1.4 can transmit up to 32.4Gbps and delivers 7680×4320 (8K) resolution at 60Hz refresh rate.

The maximum bandwidth you get with DisplayPort 2.0 is 80Gbps. It’s the best to date and supports 7680×4320 (8K) resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Audio transmission

Sound is another important factor in gaming; you would like to receive audio without delay. There isn’t much difference between DisplayPort and HDMI cables when it comes to audio transmission. But you should be aware that HDMI cables come with a back channel device that allows audio to pass in both directions, but DisplayPort doesn’t.

Compatible with PC and consoles

If you are buying a PC or console cable, you must be aware of its compatibility, otherwise it will not be of any use.

The latest version of HDMI is the latest version 2.1 fully compatible with PS5 and Xbox Series X/S and none of them support DisplayPort.

However, DisplayPort will be the best option if you are a PC user and you will definitely get better gaming performance as it offers higher bandwidth and refresh rate. But you must first check if your computer supports DisplayPort 2.0 or not.

Connecting to multiple monitors

Connecting multiple monitors may require multiple cables, but you can do it with just one DisplayPort cable. This is one of the best features of DisplayPort, helping your setup look well organized.

On the other hand, you’ll need multiple HDMI cables depending on the number of monitors you want to connect to, which can be inconvenient and clutter.

Display Port vs. HDMI – which one is better for gaming?

Both Displayport and HDMI have their advantages and disadvantages. But for games, you always need to choose the most suitable one.

Play Station 5 and Xbox Series X do not support DisplayPort and come with HDMI 2.1. So, if you play games on consoles, then HDMI will be the best option. But you also need to make sure the monitor connected to the consoles supports HDMI 2.1.

PCs will have DisplayPort outputs and you must use a cable. DisplayPort 2.0 will provide higher bandwidth and higher refresh rates than HDMI cables.

DisplayPort has other advantages, such as connecting multiple monitors with a single cable, while multiple monitors require multiple HDMI cables. You will also find it more convenient to connect to a monitor even if you are playing on PC.

Conclusion

Now you know which is better in the battle of DisplayPort and HDMI. You’d be better off asking yourself what works best for your setup. If you still have any doubts feel free to ask them in the comments below.