Do I Need to Use DisplayPort for 144Hz?

The short answer is: No, you don’t absolutely need to use DisplayPort for a 144Hz refresh rate, but it’s often the best and most reliable option, especially for gaming. While other connection types like HDMI can also achieve 144Hz, DisplayPort boasts several advantages that make it the preferred choice for many gamers and enthusiasts. Let’s delve into the specifics of why DisplayPort is often recommended and explore other options.

DisplayPort: The Gold Standard for High Refresh Rates

DisplayPort has consistently been at the forefront of display technology, offering ample bandwidth to support high resolutions and refresh rates. Its robust performance and advanced features have made it the go-to connection for demanding applications like high-end gaming.

Why is DisplayPort Often Recommended for 144Hz?

• Higher Bandwidth: DisplayPort generally provides more bandwidth than its HDMI counterparts, particularly older versions. This extra bandwidth is crucial when pushing higher resolutions and refresh rates simultaneously. Newer versions of DisplayPort, like DisplayPort 1.4, can easily handle 144Hz at 1440p and even 4K, often without needing compression techniques.
• Full Support for Adaptive Sync Technologies: G-Sync (NVIDIA) and FreeSync (AMD) are adaptive sync technologies that significantly reduce screen tearing and stuttering during gaming. DisplayPort is designed to fully support these technologies, providing a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. Although HDMI can support these technologies, DisplayPort is usually the preferred and more reliable option.
• Future-Proofing: DisplayPort standards evolve frequently, with newer versions like DisplayPort 2.0 offering significantly higher bandwidth capabilities. Choosing DisplayPort often means you’re better prepared for future upgrades in monitor and graphics card technology.
• Daisy Chaining: DisplayPort allows for daisy-chaining multiple monitors, which can be incredibly useful for multi-monitor setups. This can be achieved using a single connection from the graphics card to the first monitor and subsequently linking the other monitors.

HDMI: A Viable Alternative

While DisplayPort has its advantages, HDMI is a highly capable alternative and definitely can achieve 144Hz refresh rates, especially with HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1. However, certain conditions need to be met.

When Can HDMI Achieve 144Hz?

• HDMI 1.3 or Higher: For 1080p resolution at 144Hz, HDMI 1.3 or higher can handle the bandwidth required. However, earlier versions may struggle, leading to problems such as not reaching the desired refresh rate.
• HDMI 2.0: For 1440p resolution at 144Hz, HDMI 2.0 or higher is necessary to provide adequate bandwidth. This version is common on modern gaming monitors.
• HDMI 2.1: HDMI 2.1 is the latest standard and is ideal for achieving high refresh rates at higher resolutions, including 4K at 144Hz. It boasts significantly increased bandwidth, capable of pushing refresh rates up to 240Hz with compression on compatible monitors.
• Bandwidth Limitations: It’s important to note that even with the correct version of HDMI, factors like cable quality and the specific monitor capabilities can still impact the achievable refresh rate.

The Difference Between HDMI and DisplayPort

The critical difference between the two isn’t that one ‘does’ 144Hz and the other ‘does not’. Both are entirely capable of it. Rather, the difference often comes down to what version and what resolution you are after. DisplayPort generally has had a lead in bandwidth for years meaning, it can more readily support the latest and greatest displays. HDMI has caught up more recently with 2.1. DisplayPort is also more reliable, and is the recommended choice, especially if your goal is to run an adaptive sync solution with high resolution and high refresh.

Other Connection Options

It’s worth mentioning that other connections, like Dual-Link DVI, can also handle 144Hz, although they are becoming increasingly rare. Additionally, USB-C can support high refresh rates using DisplayPort Alternate Mode, which utilizes the USB-C connector to output DisplayPort signals.

Factors Affecting Your Monitor’s Refresh Rate

Before connecting your monitor, it’s important to consider the following which can cause it not to function at the desired refresh rate.

• Cable Quality: A poor-quality or damaged cable can restrict the signal and prevent your monitor from reaching its intended refresh rate.
• Outdated Graphics Drivers: Using outdated graphics drivers may hinder a monitor’s ability to run at the correct refresh rate, even with the correct connection and cable. Be sure to always keep them updated.
• Monitor Settings: Check your monitor’s OSD (On-Screen Display) settings to make sure that the refresh rate is set to 144Hz.
• Computer Display Settings: Check your computer’s display settings to ensure the refresh rate is set to 144Hz.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Connection

While you don’t absolutely need DisplayPort for 144Hz, it often provides the most reliable and highest-performance option, particularly if you’re aiming for higher resolutions and adaptive sync technologies. HDMI is a strong alternative, but you need to ensure you’re using the correct version of HDMI. In the end, the best choice will depend on your specific hardware setup, your monitor’s capabilities, and your needs. If you are unsure, DisplayPort is likely your best bet for high refresh rates at a variety of resolutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use HDMI to DisplayPort for 144Hz?

Yes, but it typically involves a one-way conversion, meaning the source device needs to output DisplayPort to an HDMI input. It will not work the other way around if a standard cable is used. Passive conversion cables can work on dual-mode DisplayPorts.

2. What is the disadvantage of using DisplayPort?

One drawback is that DisplayPort doesn’t support Ethernet data transfer. However, it can support multiple monitors at high resolutions and offers daisy-chaining capabilities, which is an important feature.

3. Is it OK to go from DisplayPort to HDMI?

Yes, with caveats. Standard DisplayPort signals aren’t compatible with HDMI. However, dual-mode DisplayPorts can adapt to HDMI signals when using a passive adapter cable. This can be useful to convert a DisplayPort video output to an HDMI input on a monitor.

4. Do I need DisplayPort for 165Hz?

Not necessarily. HDMI 2.0 or higher can support 165Hz. However, DisplayPort 1.2 and above can also handle this refresh rate. DisplayPort can generally do this more reliably and at a higher resolution, compared to older standards of HDMI.

5. Why is my 144Hz monitor capped at 60Hz?

This can be caused by outdated graphics drivers, a faulty or incompatible cable, or incorrect monitor settings on your computer and/or monitor.

6. What does it mean if my monitor is capped at 60Hz?

A monitor that is capped at 60Hz could be due to several issues such as incompatible hardware, an outdated cable that does not support higher refresh rates, outdated drivers, and improperly set settings in Windows and/or the monitor itself.

7. Why can’t I get 144Hz on my monitor?

Ensure your graphics card supports the monitor’s resolution and refresh rate, update graphics drivers, and make sure that your monitor is set to its native resolution for the best quality.

8. How do I make sure my monitor is running at 144Hz?

Go to your computer’s display settings and select the correct refresh rate from the drop-down menu. The available refresh rates will depend on your monitor and what it supports.

9. Do you get more FPS with DisplayPort or HDMI?

The connection type does not directly affect your FPS (frames per second). However, DisplayPort’s higher bandwidth allows for higher resolutions and refresh rates, which can have an impact on the gaming experience.

10. What is better for 144Hz HDMI or DisplayPort?

Generally, DisplayPort is better for 144Hz due to its higher bandwidth capabilities. HDMI is capable too, especially with HDMI 2.0 or 2.1. However, for maximum performance and reliability, especially when aiming for adaptive sync, DisplayPort tends to be the preferred method.

11. Can HDMI 2.0 do 144Hz at 1440p?

Yes, HDMI 2.0 can support 1440p at 144Hz with 8-bit color depth. However, ultrawide monitors at this resolution might be limited to around 100Hz.

12. Is DisplayPort limited to 60Hz?

No, DisplayPort is not limited to 60Hz. The limitations depend on the version of DisplayPort. For instance, DisplayPort 1.2 can support 4K at 60Hz, while DisplayPort 1.4 can support 8K at 60Hz and HDR.

13. Should I run my monitor at 144Hz or 165Hz?

If given the option, 165Hz is often preferable to 144Hz, since the panels that support this rate are generally of higher quality and feature improvements in areas such as color accuracy and responsiveness.

14. Do you have to use HDMI and DisplayPort at the same time?

No, you don’t have to. You can freely combine HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI as needed for different monitors. Many people run multiple monitors using a combination of the available ports on their devices.

15. Can DisplayPort cause input lag?

The cable type itself doesn’t introduce input lag. However, the quality and version of the cable can affect the overall display quality, and some older standards or poorly made cables could cause problems, which could be perceived as input lag. Always use high-quality cables that match your required needs.