Is DisplayPort Really Better Than HDMI for Gaming? 2024 Update

When it comes to gaming, every detail matters, and the connection between your gaming rig and your monitor is no exception. Gamers often wonder: Is DisplayPort better than HDMI for gaming? In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know to help you make the best decision for your setup.

Table of Contents

What Are DisplayPort and HDMI?

DisplayPort and HDMI are both video and audio transmission interfaces, but they serve slightly different purposes and have unique strengths. Here’s a quick breakdown of each:

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) was first introduced in 2002 and is widely used in home entertainment systems, TVs, consoles, and some gaming monitors. It’s known for its simplicity and compatibility with a wide range of devices.
DisplayPort, on the other hand, was launched in 2006 and is primarily designed for computer monitors. It excels at delivering higher bandwidth, higher refresh rates, and is often seen in high-performance gaming setups.

Though both interfaces can transmit both audio and video, their performance varies based on the version you’re using and what you’re trying to achieve—particularly when it comes to gaming.

Key Differences: DisplayPort vs. HDMI

The differences between DisplayPort and HDMI are essential for gamers, as they directly affect your gaming performance. Let’s break down the key technical differences:

Feature	DisplayPort 1.4+	HDMI 2.1
Max Resolution	Up to 8K @ 60Hz	Up to 10K @ 120Hz
Max Refresh Rate	1440p @ 240Hz, 4K @ 144Hz	1440p @ 240Hz, 4K @ 144Hz
Bandwidth	32.4 Gbps (DP 1.4)	48 Gbps (HDMI 2.1)
Adaptive Sync	G-Sync & FreeSync	FreeSync & VRR
Daisy-Chaining	Yes (MST Supported)	No

Why Refresh Rates and Resolution Matter in Gaming

When choosing between DisplayPort and HDMI for gaming, one of the biggest factors is the refresh rate and resolution. If you’re a competitive gamer or someone who enjoys playing fast-paced games, these specs are critical.

Refresh Rate: The refresh rate is the number of times per second your monitor refreshes the image on the screen. Higher refresh rates (120Hz, 144Hz, and beyond) make games look smoother, which is especially important in fast-paced games like FPS (First-Person Shooters).
Resolution: Resolution refers to the clarity and detail of the image. If you’re gaming at 1440p (QHD) or 4K (UHD), you’ll want a connection that can handle the higher pixel count without sacrificing frame rates.

DisplayPort tends to be the better choice for high refresh rates at high resolutions. For instance, with DisplayPort 1.4, you can easily get 240Hz at 1440p or 144Hz at 4K—ideal for high-performance gaming setups.

On the other hand, HDMI 2.1 offers competitive performance with support for 4K at 120Hz and even 144Hz with Display Stream Compression (DSC), making it a good choice for gamers with newer equipment.

Adaptive Sync: Smooth Gameplay with DisplayPort

Adaptive sync technologies such as G-Sync (for NVIDIA GPUs) and FreeSync (for AMD GPUs) have become must-haves for modern gaming. These technologies prevent screen tearing and stuttering by synchronizing the frame rate between your graphics card and your monitor.

Here’s how the two interfaces compare when it comes to adaptive sync:

DisplayPort: Supports both G-Sync and FreeSync natively, making it the better choice for gamers using NVIDIA or AMD graphics cards. G-Sync in particular works best with DisplayPort, and many monitors that support FreeSync over HDMI may have limited performance compared to DisplayPort.
HDMI: With HDMI 2.1, you get support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and FreeSync, but there’s limited support for G-Sync, and some features may be less stable than on DisplayPort. However, for gamers who use a console or TV for gaming, HDMI 2.1 is often the default option.

Bandwidth and Performance: Why It Matters for Gaming

Another critical factor to consider when deciding between DisplayPort and HDMI for gaming is bandwidth. Bandwidth refers to the amount of data the cable can transmit at one time. The higher the bandwidth, the better the performance, especially when it comes to high-resolution gaming with high refresh rates.

DisplayPort 1.4 offers a bandwidth of 32.4 Gbps, which allows you to easily game at 1440p (Quad HD) resolution with a 240Hz refresh rate, or even 4K resolution at 144Hz. This makes DisplayPort the preferred option for gamers who prioritize smooth gameplay and are using high-end gaming monitors.
HDMI 2.1, which is the latest version of HDMI, comes with 48 Gbps of bandwidth, meaning it also supports 4K at 120Hz and even 144Hz using Display Stream Compression (DSC). With this kind of bandwidth, HDMI 2.1 has leveled the playing field for console gamers or those using TVs as their display.

Important Note: If you’re using an older version of HDMI (like HDMI 2.0), you might run into bandwidth limitations, such as being capped at 4K 60Hz. In contrast, even DisplayPort 1.2 (an older version of DisplayPort) supports 1440p at 144Hz and 4K at 60Hz, giving DisplayPort more flexibility for mid- to high-end gaming setups.

Multi-Monitor Gaming: DisplayPort’s Advantage

For gamers with multi-monitor setups, DisplayPort clearly stands out as the better option due to its Multi-Stream Transport (MST) feature. MST allows you to daisy-chain multiple monitors using a single DisplayPort connection, simplifying your cable management and enabling seamless transitions between screens.

This is especially beneficial for gamers who like to use two or more monitors for streaming, productivity, or immersive gaming experiences (e.g., racing simulators or expansive open-world games).

HDMI, in contrast, does not support daisy-chaining. This means that if you want to use multiple monitors with HDMI, each monitor will require its own HDMI port on your graphics card, which can limit your setup options depending on your hardware.

Audio and Video Quality: A Comparison

Both DisplayPort and HDMI provide high-quality video and audio output, but there are a few differences to consider, especially for gamers who care about integrating their setup with other entertainment systems.

DisplayPort: Primarily designed for computer monitors, DisplayPort excels in video quality and high refresh rate support. While it also supports multi-channel audio, its focus is on high-performance video output, making it a perfect choice for gaming-centric setups. DisplayPort can handle 4K HDR gaming without issue, but for more complex home theater systems, HDMI might have an edge.
HDMI: Designed with home entertainment in mind, HDMI is more commonly used for TVs, sound systems, and gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. HDMI 2.1 also supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and eARC (enhanced audio return channel), making it more versatile for connecting gaming systems to a full home theater setup.

For gamers primarily using a monitor, DisplayPort may be the better option for pure gaming performance. However, if you’re using a TV and want to integrate high-end audio and video systems, HDMI could be more convenient.

Real-World Scenarios: Which Interface Is Best for You?

Now that we’ve explored the key technical differences between DisplayPort and HDMI, let’s look at real-world gaming scenarios to help you decide which interface suits your setup.

Competitive FPS (First-Person Shooter) Gamers: If you’re into fast-paced games like Call of Duty, Valorant, or Apex Legends, where every frame counts, DisplayPort will likely offer better performance due to its higher refresh rate and bandwidth capabilities. The support for adaptive sync technologies like G-Sync and FreeSync also means smoother gameplay with minimal tearing or stuttering.
Console Gamers: If you’re gaming on a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, HDMI 2.1 is your best bet. These consoles are designed to work optimally with HDMI, supporting 4K at 120Hz and offering features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and HDR for stunning visual quality.
Multi-Monitor Gamers: For gamers using multiple monitors in their setup—whether for immersive experiences or productivity—DisplayPort is the clear winner. Its support for MST makes managing multiple monitors easier and ensures smooth performance across the board.

Cable Length and Signal Integrity: What You Should Know

Another important factor to consider when choosing between DisplayPort and HDMI is the length of the cable and how it affects signal quality. Cable length can be a deciding factor, especially if your gaming setup requires longer connections between your PC or console and your monitor.

HDMI: Generally, HDMI cables are designed to maintain signal quality over longer distances, with typical lengths ranging from 3 meters (9 feet) to 15 meters (50 feet) without a significant drop in performance. This makes HDMI a more practical choice for setups where the monitor or TV is farther away from the gaming source, such as home theaters or large living rooms.
DisplayPort: While DisplayPort cables are excellent for short distances, signal quality can degrade more quickly over longer lengths compared to HDMI. Most DisplayPort cables perform best at up to 3 meters (10 feet), but beyond that, you may need an active DisplayPort cable to maintain signal integrity over distances longer than 5 meters.

Recommendation: If your gaming setup involves longer cable runs (more than 10 feet), HDMI might be more practical for maintaining signal quality. However, if your setup is more compact (PC near the monitor), DisplayPort is usually the better option for high refresh rates and resolutions.

Compatibility and Hardware Considerations

Choosing between DisplayPort and HDMI also depends on the compatibility of your gaming hardware. While both interfaces are widely supported, certain features may only work with specific hardware setups, especially when considering refresh rates, adaptive sync, and resolution.

Monitors and Graphics Cards: Most modern gaming monitors and graphics cards support both DisplayPort and HDMI. However, some monitors are optimized for DisplayPort, especially if they feature G-Sync or FreeSync. If your graphics card is NVIDIA-based, and you want to use G-Sync, DisplayPort is the preferred connection.
Gaming Consoles: If you’re gaming on a console, such as the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, HDMI is your only option. Both of these consoles are built to work best with HDMI 2.1 and support features like VRR and 4K at 120Hz when connected to compatible HDMI 2.1 displays.
TVs: HDMI is the standard for TVs, and most modern gaming TVs support HDMI 2.1 for enhanced gaming features like ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and HDR. If you’re gaming on a large TV, HDMI is typically the better choice.

Important Consideration: When shopping for gaming monitors or TVs, be sure to check the port specifications. Some monitors may offer multiple HDMI ports but only one DisplayPort. Similarly, some gaming TVs may have only one HDMI 2.1 port, so you’ll need to ensure it’s connected to your primary gaming device.

Future-Proofing Your Setup

When investing in gaming equipment, future-proofing is always a concern. As gaming technology continues to evolve, it’s important to choose a connection that can handle future games and hardware upgrades.

DisplayPort 2.0: The next generation of DisplayPort (released in 2019) offers incredible bandwidth of up to 80 Gbps, which supports 16K resolution at 60Hz and 10K at 60Hz without compression. While DisplayPort 2.0 isn’t widely available yet, it will become more common in next-gen gaming monitors, making it a great option for future-proofing your setup.
HDMI 2.1: As of 2024, HDMI 2.1 has become the standard for most new gaming consoles and TVs, offering enough bandwidth (48 Gbps) to support 4K at 144Hz and 8K at 60Hz. HDMI 2.1 is likely to remain the standard for home entertainment systems and consoles for years to come.

Which Is Better for Future-Proofing?

If you’re building a high-end gaming PC and plan to upgrade to future monitors with higher refresh rates and resolutions (like 8K or 10K), DisplayPort 2.0 is the way to go.
If you’re primarily gaming on a console or using a TV, HDMI 2.1 is more than sufficient for current and upcoming console games, as it supports all the necessary features like HDR, VRR, and eARC.

Summary of Cable Length, Compatibility, and Future-Proofing

Cable Length: HDMI is better for longer distances, while DisplayPort is ideal for shorter, high-performance setups.
Compatibility: DisplayPort is better for PC gaming, especially if you’re using NVIDIA G-Sync or multi-monitor setups. HDMI is the go-to for console gamers and TV users.
Future-Proofing: DisplayPort 2.0 will be the standard for next-gen PC gaming monitors, while HDMI 2.1 will dominate for consoles and TVs.

Final Recommendations: DisplayPort or HDMI for Your Gaming Setup?

Now that we’ve broken down the technical differences, real-world applications, and future-proofing considerations, let’s sum up which connection is right for your specific gaming needs.

1. Competitive Gamers (High Refresh Rate, Low Latency)

If you’re a competitive gamer who plays fast-paced titles like FPS (First-Person Shooters) or eSports games, where every millisecond and frame matters, DisplayPort is the clear winner. Here’s why:

Higher Refresh Rates: DisplayPort 1.4 (and future versions) support 144Hz to 240Hz at 1440p or even 144Hz at 4K, providing smooth visuals.
G-Sync and FreeSync: These adaptive sync technologies are best supported via DisplayPort, ensuring you get minimal screen tearing and stuttering for the smoothest gameplay possible.

Best choice: DisplayPort for high-end gaming monitors with G-Sync or FreeSync and ultra-high refresh rates.

2. Console Gamers (PlayStation, Xbox)

For console gamers, HDMI 2.1 is the only real option, as consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are designed around the HDMI standard. These devices are optimized to work with 4K TVs or monitors, and HDMI 2.1 provides everything you need for an optimal gaming experience:

4K 120Hz: This is the sweet spot for modern console gaming, delivering a balance of resolution and smooth frame rates.
HDMI 2.1 Features: Supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and HDR, all of which enhance visual quality and responsiveness on gaming TVs.

Best choice: HDMI 2.1 for console gamers using 4K TVs or monitors with support for modern gaming features.

3. Multi-Monitor Setups (PC Gaming, Sim Racing, Productivity)

If you’re running a multi-monitor setup—whether for sim racing, flight simulators, or productivity tasks that involve gaming—DisplayPort is the superior option because of its ability to daisy-chain monitors using Multi-Stream Transport (MST).

Daisy-Chaining: DisplayPort makes it easy to manage multiple monitors with a single cable, reducing cable clutter and simplifying your gaming or work setup.
Higher Bandwidth: Supports multiple high-resolution displays without compromising refresh rate, making it ideal for complex multi-monitor setups.

Best choice: DisplayPort for multi-monitor setups due to its MST support and bandwidth efficiency.

4. TV-Based Gamers (Home Theater and Gaming Combo)

If you’re gaming on a large TV or using your gaming rig as part of a home theater system, HDMI is the better choice, especially if you’re using a TV with Dolby Vision, HDR10, or Dolby Atmos sound.

Compatibility: HDMI is universally supported by TVs, home theaters, and soundbars, making it the go-to for gamers who also want their setup to integrate with a home theater system.
Enhanced Audio and Video: HDMI 2.1 supports eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), providing better audio synchronization and quality when connecting to external sound systems.

Best choice: HDMI 2.1 for gamers using a TV with an integrated home theater setup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can HDMI support 144Hz gaming?
- Yes, but only HDMI 2.0 and above can support 144Hz at 1080p, and HDMI 2.1 can support 144Hz at 4K with Display Stream Compression (DSC).
Does DisplayPort support HDR?
- Yes, DisplayPort 1.4 and above support HDR (High Dynamic Range), which enhances the contrast and color accuracy of your games, similar to HDMI.
What’s better for VR gaming: HDMI or DisplayPort?
- For VR gaming, DisplayPort is often the better option because of its higher bandwidth and lower latency, crucial for delivering a smooth VR experience.
Can I use both HDMI and DisplayPort simultaneously?
- Yes, if your gaming monitor or graphics card has multiple ports, you can use both HDMI and DisplayPort for different devices. For example, you could use DisplayPort for your PC and HDMI for a console.

Conclusion: Which Connection Is Right for You?

To sum up, the choice between DisplayPort and HDMI depends on your specific gaming setup and goals:

DisplayPort is ideal for PC gaming, multi-monitor setups, and gamers looking for high refresh rates with G-Sync or FreeSync.
HDMI 2.1 is the go-to option for console gamers, TV-based setups, and those wanting to integrate their gaming experience with a home theater system.

By understanding your unique gaming needs—whether it’s ultra-fast refresh rates, stunning 4K visuals, or smooth gameplay across multiple screens—you can confidently choose the connection that will give you the best gaming experience.

Now that you know which connection is best for you, it’s time to optimize your setup and take your gaming to the next level!
For more informative and interesting articles, stay tuned with DO YOU COMPARE? or comment below if you want any specific comparison.

Thanks for the read.