When it comes to choosing a display cable standard for my desktop PCs and laptops, I’ve always been a staunch advocate for DisplayPort. As an avid gamer, I can attest that this connection type offers the best bandwidth, connector type, and feature set for PC use.
DisplayPort’s superiority lies in its ability to deliver smooth frames, crisp visuals, and high refresh rates, making it the perfect choice for gaming monitors. While HDMI 2.1 has been announced with better refresh rates and bandwidth speeds than ever before, DisplayPort still remains the winner in almost every category.
Here’s a comparison of the two:
| Feature | HDMI 2.1 | DisplayPort 2.1 |
| — | — | — |
| Max resolution | 4K@120 Hz, 8K@60 Hz | 16K@60Hz, 8K@120Hz, 4K@240Hz |
| Max bandwidth | 48 Gbps | 77.37 Gbps (at UHBR20) |
| HDR support | Yes, dynamic | Yes, static |
| Audio support | eARC | Up to 8 channels of 24-bit/192kHz |
| Number of displays (per port) | 1 | Up to 4 |
| Adaptive sync | FreeSync and G-Sync (both depend on the monitor) | FreeSync, VRR, G-Sync |
For PC users, DisplayPort is the better choice due to its versatility, compatibility, and features. It’s also more suitable for laptop users, as it can pass DP signals over USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 connectors.
While HDMI has its use cases in home theater applications, I firmly believe that it’s better suited for TVs than PCs. Its limitations, such as not supporting variable frame rates or high refresh rates, make DisplayPort the superior option.
As someone who’s been using DisplayPort since my first custom gaming PC, I can attest to its exceptional performance and reliability. With the launch of new GPUs, such as AMD’s Radeon RX 9070 XT, it’s clear that DisplayPort will remain a staple in my PCs for years to come.
Source: https://www.xda-developers.com/i-dont-use-hdmi-and-i-never-will