How To Connect Your PS4 to a DisplayPort Monitor
The PlayStation 4 (PS4) is a fantastic gaming console, but you might find yourself needing to connect it to a monitor that doesn’t have an HDMI port, especially if you prefer using a computer monitor. Connecting a PS4 to a DisplayPort monitor can seem confusing at first, but it’s entirely achievable with the correct approach. This article will explain how to connect your PS4 to a DisplayPort monitor, and address some commonly asked questions.
The Direct Answer: Using an Active Adapter
The most important thing to understand is that the PS4 outputs video via HDMI, and a standard DisplayPort input is fundamentally different. You can’t directly plug an HDMI cable into a DisplayPort input. You will need to use an active adapter.
Here’s how to connect your PS4 to a DisplayPort monitor:
- Acquire an HDMI to DisplayPort Active Adapter: This is the most critical piece of equipment. It’s essential that the adapter is active, not passive. A passive adapter will not work because HDMI outputs a digital signal while DisplayPort has its own signal type. An active adapter contains a chip that converts the HDMI signal to a compatible DisplayPort signal.
- Connect the HDMI Cable: Plug one end of your HDMI cable into the HDMI output port on the back of your PS4.
- Connect to the Adapter: Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI input port of the active adapter.
- Connect the DisplayPort Cable: Plug one end of a DisplayPort cable into the DisplayPort output port of the active adapter.
- Connect to Monitor: Plug the other end of the DisplayPort cable into the DisplayPort input port on your monitor.
- Power Up: Turn on your PS4 and your monitor.
Once everything is powered up, you should see the PS4 display on your monitor. You may need to adjust your monitor’s input settings to select DisplayPort, if it’s not set to auto-detect. It’s also possible you may need to manually adjust the resolution in your PS4 settings if the image isn’t displaying correctly.
Understanding The Technology
HDMI vs. DisplayPort
- HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface): This is the standard connection found in TVs, gaming consoles, and most consumer electronics. It transmits both video and audio through a single cable.
- DisplayPort: This is more commonly found in computers and monitors. DisplayPort is favored for its higher bandwidth capabilities, supporting higher resolutions and refresh rates.
Why An Active Adapter Is Required
The primary reason you need an active adapter is that the conversion between HDMI and DisplayPort isn’t a simple wire-to-wire connection. HDMI is not designed to drive DisplayPort. The adapter needs a chipset inside to actively convert the signal which provides both voltage and the necessary signal conversion. Without this, the signals are incompatible, and you will not see an image on your monitor.
Passive Adapters Won’t Work
Do not confuse an active adapter with a passive adapter. A passive adapter is just a cable with different connectors on each end, simply changing the physical connection but not the signal. While a passive adapter may work going from DisplayPort to HDMI with certain devices, it will not work when connecting HDMI to DisplayPort.
Important Considerations
Audio
Keep in mind that many monitors do not have built-in speakers. If your monitor does not have speakers, you’ll need to set up a separate audio output. You can connect headphones directly to your PS4 controller, or use a separate audio system.
Refresh Rates
While you can connect your PS4 to a DisplayPort monitor, you may not always achieve the highest refresh rates your monitor can support. The PS4 is limited by its HDMI 1.4 output, which doesn’t fully match the capabilities of many modern DisplayPort monitors.
Resolution
The PS4 supports resolutions up to 1080p, though some games on the PS4 Pro support 4K with upscaling. It is important to be sure that your console is outputting a resolution that your monitor can display. Most modern monitors will support 1080p, however, always ensure your console is configured to a compatible resolution for the display.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I connect my PS4 directly to a DisplayPort monitor without any adapters?
No, you cannot connect directly. The PS4 only outputs video through HDMI. A conversion adapter is absolutely required.
2. Why can’t I just use a regular HDMI to DisplayPort cable?
A regular HDMI to DisplayPort cable is likely a passive adapter, which does not actively convert the signal from the HDMI output on your PS4, to a DisplayPort compatible signal.
3. Do I need a specific version of DisplayPort for my monitor?
Most monitors with a DisplayPort input will work just fine, as the active adapter will manage the conversion. However, using a DP1.2 or above will ensure that you are not limited by an older version of DisplayPort.
4. Can I get 120Hz refresh rate on my PS4 using DisplayPort?
No, the PS4’s HDMI 1.4 output does not support 120Hz. Even with a DisplayPort monitor and adapter, your PS4 will not provide higher refresh rates. This is a limitation of the PS4’s hardware, not the monitor or adapter.
5. What is the difference between an active and a passive adapter?
An active adapter has an embedded chip to convert the signal, while a passive adapter simply changes the physical connectors without signal conversion. When going from HDMI to DisplayPort, you must use an active adapter.
6. Will an HDMI to DVI adapter work better than an HDMI to DisplayPort adapter?
An HDMI to DVI adapter might be an option if your monitor has a DVI input, but this method also has its limitations, and DVI does not support audio. An HDMI to DisplayPort adapter is generally a more future-proof solution as DisplayPort is more prevalent than DVI in modern monitors.
7. Why is there no sound when connected to my DisplayPort monitor?
Many monitors do not have built-in speakers. You might need to use headphones connected to your PS4 controller, or an external speaker system.
8. Can I use this same method for a PS5?
Yes, the same approach applies to connecting a PS5 to a DisplayPort monitor. The PS5 also outputs video via HDMI and requires an active adapter. The PS5 uses an HDMI 2.1 port while the PS4 uses HDMI 1.4, so an adapter compatible with this standard should be chosen if you are using this with a PS5.
9. What resolution can I expect when using this setup?
The standard PS4 will primarily display at 1080p. The PS4 Pro can support 4K, but may also use upscaling. Be sure to check that your console is set to an output that is compatible with your monitor.
10. Why is my monitor showing “No Signal” even after connecting everything?
Make sure the adapter is active, and that all cables are firmly connected. Also ensure that your monitor is set to use the correct input for DisplayPort, and your console is outputting a resolution your monitor is compatible with. Try different cables as well to ensure that they are not faulty.
11. Can I play my PS4 without an HDMI screen at all?
Yes, if your monitor has either a DVI or VGA input, you can use an HDMI to DVI or HDMI to VGA adapter, respectively. Ensure that the adapter is directional to convert the signal to the correct input type.
12. Will my monitor’s resolution affect my PS4’s game performance?
The monitor’s resolution will affect the displayed visual resolution. However, it won’t impact the PS4 game’s performance. The PS4 will still run games according to their limitations, and you’ll display the image on the monitor using your chosen adapter.
13. Is DisplayPort always better than HDMI for gaming?
DisplayPort generally offers higher bandwidth and features, making it preferable for high-end gaming with PCs, but for consoles like the PS4, the limitations of the console’s HDMI output make the difference negligible.
14. Will using an adapter add input lag?
A good-quality, active adapter will not introduce noticeable input lag. If you experience it, check your monitor settings, and ensure that you are not using a low-quality adapter.
15. Can I use this setup for multiple monitors?
You cannot use this method to output multiple displays. The PS4 console only has a single HDMI output, meaning only one monitor can be used at a time.
Conclusion
Connecting a PS4 to a DisplayPort monitor is easily accomplished using the correct equipment. By using an active HDMI to DisplayPort adapter, you can bridge the incompatibility between the PS4’s HDMI output and a DisplayPort monitor’s input. While you may not get the highest refresh rates that a dedicated PC gaming setup could achieve, you can certainly enjoy gaming on your PS4 using your chosen monitor. Be sure to take into account audio solutions and ensure that all connections are firm and well-fitted.