If building your setup, whether for console or PC, it pays to know which connection is best for gaming: HDMI or DisplayPort.
Both allow for high-definition gaming and high refresh rates, but is one more suited to your current setup than the other?
Here's what we think.
HDMI vs DisplayPort
To pick which one is best, it's worth knowing the difference between the two first.
What is HDMI?
HDMI or high-definition multimedia interface is basically a cable that allows both audio and video transfer to a display.
There are two commonly used versions at the moment. HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1, the latter having more bandwidth.
While there are older HDMI connections, you don't really need to concern yourself with them as most modern-day gaming requires either HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1.
As mentioned, there is a difference in bandwidth, which means there's a difference in just how much data can be transfered at one time.
HDMI 2.0 makes 4K/ 60hz possible at 18 Gbps, while HDMI 2.1 makes 8K/ 60hz and 4K/ 120hz possible at a whopping 48 Gbps.
What is Displayport?
DisplayPort on the surface is a lot like HMDI, in the way that it also transfers video and audio data to your chosen commpatible display.
Again, there are multiple versions of this, but the most common you'll run across right now is DisplayPort 1.4.
There is a DisplayPort 2.0 that offers more bandwidth, but you won't find it commonly supported.
DisplayPort 1.4 makes 4K/ 144hz possible at 32.4 Gbps, while the less common DisplayPort 2.0 can offer 16K / 60hz at 80 Gbps.
As you can see, there are some stark differences between HDMI and DisplayPort, but which is better for gaming?
Which Is Better For Gaming?
So for gaming you first have to think about whether you're playing on console or PC first, so let's break it down.
For Console
Consoles like PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch all have HDMI ports as standard and that's something you're likely to see on any product designed for the masses.
Next-gen consoles support HDMI 2.1 connections, which as we've mentioned, is what you need for 4K at 120hz, but you'll need either an HDMI 2.1 monitor or one of the best 120hz TVs to take advantage of it.
You won't find DisplayPort connections on these and many more consoles, so HDMI is the only contender here.
Whether they'll introduce DisplayPort into the next-generation of consoles, like the rumoured PS5 Pro, is still yet to be seen...
For PC
PC's do have DisplayPort connections and as you've seen, DisplayPort 1.4 allows for an impressive 4K at 144hz, making it an obvious choice for those looking to get the most out of their rig.
The good news is that many of the best gaming monitors are compatible with DisplayPort, so you'll have little difficulty finding one for your setup.
If you're on the hunt, we'd say check out our top HDMI 2.1 gaming monitor picks here, as many of them are 144hz and 4K.
It also allows you to connect multiple displays, so if you're building a setup for racing games, for example, you'll only be able to with DisplayPort.
If you're looking for a new cable, be sure to check out our top DisplayPort cables here and our