DisplayPort vs. HDMI 144Hz – What’s the Differences and Which to Choose?

By: Editorial Team

Most monitors will have an HDMI and/or DisplayPort port. This makes it harder to choose since you have two ports with similar functions.

Your choice should be dictated by daily use. Are you a gamer, regular user, content creator, etc.?

Choosing HDMI over DisplayPort could mean a loss of refresh rates or vice versa.

This is why when looking at DisplayPort vs. HDMI 144Hz; the differences are a great starting point. This article seeks to explain these differences and more.

Connecting with DisplayPort

Currently, there are 5 DisplayPort versions, with the latest being DisplayPort 2.0. It has a max transmission rate of 80Gbps and a max data rate of 77.0Gbps. It can support 8K at 85Hz and 4K at 240Hz.

DisplayPort ports also support Nvidia’s G-Sync and AMD’s FreeSync. It can also drive multiple monitors from a single port.

This means you don’t need multiple ports to drive multiple displays. If you have a dual-monitor setup, DisplayPort 144Hz is ideal for you.

DisplayPort vs HDMI

DisplayPorts tend to have clips to hold them in place once connected.

Another upside is that you can run DisplayPorts for longer than HDMI 144Hz. The latter maxes out at 3 meters while the former starts to experience attenuation problems after 5 meters.

Connecting with HDMI

HDMI cables are available in standard, mini, and micro connector sizes. Most monitors and gaming consoles use the standard connector sizes.

HDMI cables rarely get a significant boost in performance from generation to generation until now.

The new HDMI 2.1 has almost triple the bandwidth of its predecessors. Its maximum transmission bit rate stands at 48Gbps compared to 18Gbps on the HDMI 2.0.

Similarly, its max data rate is 42.6Gbps compared to 14.4Gbps on the HDMI 2.0.

In addition, users can now enjoy higher refresh rates and resolutions on HDMI 2.1. You also get native support for 4K on 144Hz, 5K up to 60Hz, and 8K up to 30Hz.

It also features lossless DSC 1.2, which can handle 10K at 120Hz.

Is DisplayPort Better for FPS?

It doesn’t matter whether you use HDMI or DisplayPort 144Hz; the FPS will remain the same.

Can HDMI run 144Hz?

Yes, HDMI cables can run 144Hz, but it depends on the version and resolution. HDMI 1.4+ can run 1080p at 144Hz while HDMI 2.0+ can run 1440p at 144Hz. For 4K at 144Hz, you need HDMI 2.1.

Can DisplayPort Run 144Hz?

Yes DisplayPort 1.2 can run 1080p and 1440p at 144Hz while DisplayPort 1.4 can run 4K at 144Hz.

Final Thoughts- Which is Better?

If you’re a gamer looking to purchase an HDMI or DisplayPort for your monitor, you have to consider whether you’re using a gaming console or PC.

The latter offers several options, and DisplayPort is the better choice.

If you’re using the latest gaming consoles, either the Xbox Series X or PS5, you’ll have to settle for HDMI 144Hz. These gaming consoles don’t support DisplayPort.

If you prefer VR gaming, DisplayPort will be the obvious choice. Be sure to check if your VR headset supports DisplayPort. The current Oculus Rift doesn’t support HDMI 144Hz.