DisplayPort vs HDMI

DisplayPort and HDMI are the two video interfaces built into nearly every workstation and professional GPU. Each carries digital video and audio over a single cable, but under a different standard. DisplayPort comes from VESA and is the default on multi monitor professional cards. HDMI comes from the HDMI Forum and is more common on TVs and lower end displays.

DisplayPort 1.4 carries 32.4 Gbps and handles 4K at 120 Hz or 8K at 30 Hz with compression. DisplayPort 2.1 raises that to as much as 80 Gbps and adds native support for multiple 4K streams or a single 8K60 display. HDMI 2.1 tops out at 48 Gbps, enough for 4K at 120 Hz or 8K at 60 Hz. It remains the more common connector for TVs and conference room displays.

When specing a multi monitor workstation, DisplayPort's daisy chaining and higher per port bandwidth make it the better default. Keep at least one HDMI capable output or adapter on hand for TVs and projectors that lack DisplayPort inputs.

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Last verified August 29, 2026.