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DisplayPort vs HDMI for Gaming: Which is Better?

When connecting your gaming monitor to your system, you may have wondered which port to use. On a modern gaming monitor, you will typically find at least these two options: HDMI and DisplayPort. Depending on the device you are connecting to, you may have one or the other, or even both. When it comes to a PC graphics card, you will often see both available, depending on the model you have. So, which one should you use? Which one is better? Let's find out.

High Refresh Rate should be your priority

When you buy a gaming monitor like the CORSAIR XENEON 27QHD240 OLED with a 240Hz refresh rate, you want to make sure everything is connected correctly. This is important because substandard cables or the wrong connection can lead to lower frame rates or even distorted images.

In most cases, you will have DisplayPort(s) on your graphics card. If this is available, you will want to use it to connect to your main gaming display. As a rule of thumb, for a gaming PC, use the DisplayPort 1.4 input on your monitor for the highest refresh rate, full native resolution, and HDR capability.

If you chose a monitor that supports HDMI 2.1 inputs and your video card supports HDMI 2.1 outputs, you can also use HDMI 2.1 to take full advantage of your monitor. Make sure the cable you use is HDMI 2.1 compliant, however, as substandard cables will only work with reduced functionality.

What about consoles?

Gaming consoles use HDMI. To take full advantage of variable refresh rates up to 120Hz and 4K gaming with a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, you need a monitor with an HDMI 2.1 input. HDMI 2.0 connections are possible, but will limit games to Full HD at 120Hz or 4K at 60Hz. Again, make sure the cable you use is HDMI 2.1 compliant.

Which one is better in terms of picture quality?

Both DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 are designed to deliver the highest refresh rates, full native resolution, and HDR capability. You won't notice a visual difference between the two connection options if you're using a modern graphics card or console.

Which should you use when you have both available?

For a PC, use the DisplayPort connection whenever possible. This frees up the HDMI input for other devices that do not support DisplayPort. Of course, if you're not planning on connecting anything else to your monitor, and your HDMI 2.1 cable is the right length, but your DisplayPort cable isn't, you can always use HDMI.