The majority of individuals utilize HDMI cables to connect their televisions or monitors. While this connection serves as an excellent standard for viewing films or conducting routine work activities, it falls short for those engaged in advanced gaming technology.
What constitutes this limitation? If you possess a high-performance graphics processing unit (GPU) driving a 4K 240Hz gaming monitor, the HDMI cable can act as a considerable bottleneck. Consequently, it becomes essential to switch to a DisplayPort (DP) to fully leverage your gaming equipment. This guide will explore the reasons why a DisplayPort is necessary for gaming.
DisplayPort lets you play up to 4K 240Hz
Frames per second, abbreviated as FPS, is a critical factor for gamers. But what does FPS signify in the context of gaming? It denotes the number of individual images rendered each second during gameplay. A higher FPS is typically advantageous, as it contributes to a more fluid and responsive gaming experience.
This is the reason why 4K displays with refresh rates of 165Hz or more are now available for purchase. To fully utilize this capability, a graphics processing unit (GPU) that is compatible with at least DisplayPort 2.0 is required. This necessity arises because HDMI 2.1, the most recent iteration of the HDMI standard, can transmit a maximum bandwidth of only 48 Gbps. Consequently, HDMI 2.1 restricts gaming to a maximum resolution of 4K at 144Hz.
In contrast, DisplayPort 2.0 and its subsequent versions provide a maximum bandwidth of 80 Gbit/s. By opting for DisplayPort, gamers can experience 4K gaming at an impressive frame rate of up to 240Hz. This substantial enhancement in frame rate offers a notable competitive edge, particularly in fast-paced games, ensuring a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.
Many GPUs have multiple DisplayPort ports
While numerous gamers find satisfaction with a single monitor, utilizing multiple displays offers considerable advantages. This setup not only enhances the field of view, enabling a broader perspective of the game, but also allows for the simultaneous operation of additional applications on the other screens.
For instance, game streamers can utilize an extra monitor to manage streaming controls, whereas gamers who are mastering new titles can refer to a secondary display for gameplay guidance.
When examining the ports on most mid-range and high-end graphics cards, one will typically find a single HDMI port accompanied by several DisplayPort ports. This configuration facilitates the direct connection of multiple displays using the provided DisplayPort cables, eliminating the need for purchasing adapters to convert DisplayPort to HDMI. Such an arrangement simplifies the process of connecting multiple monitors and enhances the flexibility for gamers seeking to expand their visual workspace.
DisplayPort supports MST
What if you possess a gaming laptop rather than a gaming desktop? Historically, prior to the widespread adoption of USB-C, most mid-range and high-end gaming laptops were equipped with only one HDMI port and a Mini DisplayPort.
This raises the question: how can you connect multiple monitors to your gaming laptop? Fortunately, there exists a solution that enables the connection of two or more monitors to a single DisplayPort utilizing Multi-Stream Transport (MST), commonly referred to as multi-stream transport.
This innovative technology facilitates the daisy-chaining of up to three or more monitors to a single DisplayPort, thereby negating the necessity for multiple DisplayPort connections on the device itself. With monitors that support MST, it is unnecessary to connect each monitor directly to your computer; instead, you can link them in a daisy chain configuration using MST.
The capability for daisy chaining was introduced with DisplayPort 1.2, which provided a bandwidth of 21.6 Gbit/s, sufficient for displaying one 4K monitor at 60Hz or four Full HD monitors at 60Hz. The advancement to DisplayPort 2.0, which boasts a maximum bandwidth of 80 Gbit/s, theoretically allows for the connection of up to 16 Full HD monitors at 60Hz using this technology.
Moreover, with the incorporation of DisplayPort over USB-C, laptops lacking dedicated DisplayPort connections but featuring a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode can also take advantage of this technology. Thanks to MST and the advancements in DisplayPort, it is now feasible to connect multiple monitors to your gaming laptop via a single DisplayPort or through USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate support.
DisplayPort UHD
One significant advantage of opting for DisplayPort as a gamer is the simplicity involved in selecting the appropriate cable. When connecting a high-resolution, high-refresh-rate monitor via HDMI 2.1, it is essential to ensure that the cable is compatible. I previously encountered difficulties while attempting to set up a 4K gaming monitor at 165Hz with an HDMI 2.0 cable. Although the monitor functioned intermittently, I faced numerous issues that necessitated multiple reboots of my computer.
Ultimately, I discovered that the root of the problem was the use of an incorrect HDMI cable. Once I switched to the HDMI 2.1 cable included in the package, all issues were resolved. The primary challenge was the lack of clarity in identifying the correct cable. I had to rely on trial and error to diagnose the issue. By choosing DisplayPort, you can avoid such complications. This is due to the fact that DisplayPort Ultra High Bit Rate (UHBR) streamlines the DisplayPort standard.
Rather than dealing with a variety of unlabeled cables, DisplayPort mandates that UHBR cables clearly indicate their speed capabilities. Consequently, when searching for a cable or sifting through your collection, you can quickly identify a suitable DisplayPort cable that will effortlessly transmit the 4K 240Hz signal from your gaming PC. You will be spared the frustration of troubleshooting a malfunctioning 4K monitor only to discover that the issue stemmed from an incompatible cable.
You can easily convert DisplayPort to HDMI
DisplayPort and HDMI represent two distinct standards characterized by different signal architectures. Consequently, utilizing a passive DisplayPort cable on an HDMI port is not feasible unless your computer is equipped with Dual-Mode DisplayPort support. If your computer’s port features a DP++ symbol, it indicates that the DisplayPort can recognize an HDMI display connected through a passive adapter. In such cases, the port will automatically adjust to deliver HDMI-compatible output.
Should your computer lack this capability, an active DisplayPort to HDMI converter cable will be necessary. Although these cables tend to be more costly, they are readily available in the market. Additionally, one of the advantages of DisplayPort over HDMI is its ability to split its signal into two or three separate HDMI outputs. By employing a DisplayPort to HDMI MST (Multi-Stream Transport) hub, multiple monitors can be connected to a single DisplayPort port.
This feature is particularly beneficial for users who wish to utilize existing HDMI monitors as secondary displays. The MST hub allows for the establishment of a multi-monitor system without the need to invest in new, expensive DisplayPort monitors. It is essential to understand that when using a DisplayPort to HDMI converter cable, whether active or passive, converting HDMI signals for a DisplayPort monitor is not possible.
While there are alternatives for employing either a passive cable or an active DisplayPort to HDMI converter, it is important to note that a DisplayPort cable cannot facilitate the conversion of HDMI signals to a monitor equipped with DisplayPort. Ensuring compatibility between your cables and ports is crucial for the proper connection and functionality of your devices.
