HDMI vs DP vs DVI: A Gamer’s Guide to Finding the Best Interface

As a gamer, you will be used to having a lot of different cables to deal with. You might have even noticed several different ports in your monitor and wondered what they are all for. After all, how many interfaces does one gaming PC need? 

With so many different types of video connections available, we’re going to break down the big three – HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI. We’ve covered a couple of them before, but this time we’re widening our scope and putting on our gamer lens. We’ll cover what makes them all different, why you would use each, and help you figure out which is best for you. 

HDMI

HDMI, or High-Definition Multimedia Interface, is the most commonly known of the trio. Modern TVs tend to have a swathe of HDMI ports and most gaming monitors will carry at least one. This is because it carries not only video but audio as well. That makes it an ideal choice for multimedia devices and gaming consoles like the PlayStation and Xbox, since an all-in-one connection makes them easy to set up. 

If you are looking for a PC to TV connection option, HDMI is the best one to go for. With cables inexpensive, readily available, and easy to use, you will be thankful for the hassle saved. 

If, however, you are connecting your gaming PC to a monitor, this might not be the one for you. HDMI has its simplicity in exchange for limitations. Namely in the resolution and frame rates you can get. While HDMI 2.0 allows for 4K resolutions at 60fps, most TVs are on HDMI 1.4. This maxes out at 3,820 x 2,160-pixel resolution and 30 frames per second. If you want the best graphical experience for your gaming, you either need to invest in a new TV that makes use of HDMI 2.b or a different connection. 

DisplayPort (DP) 

Like HDMI, DisplayPort (shortened to DP) is capable of carrying both audio and video. This format is intended for computer connection and so is not seen on TVs. If you have a dedicated gaming monitor connected to your PC, you are almost certainly using one of these cables. If not, you should be. Older versions of DP can carry the same 3,820 x 2,160-pixel as HDMI 1.4 at a far more appealing 60FPS. Newer standards deliver higher resolutions and frame rates, even across multiple monitors!

DisplayPort can make use of Multi-Stream Transport (MST) to output to multiple displays. If you’re looking to use multiple monitors, then DP is often a great choice. 

It also offers advantages when it comes to screen-refresh rates, ideal if you have a monitor that uses AMD FreeSync or NVIDIA G-Sync. DP is used by both companies to help with reducing tearing and provides a far more fluid gaming experience. 

DVI 

The next interface we have to talk about is DVI. This stands for Digital Visual Interface and, like DisplayPort, is most commonly found on PC monitors.  

There are several things that set DVI apart from HDMI and DP. Firstly, it does not carry audio like the other two do. Since most monitors do not have internal speakers this should not really be an issue. Secondly, DVI comes in one of five different formats. Which format you have determines the performance it can give. 

The oldest of these is the more-or-less defunct DVI-A, which provides analog signal. Then there is DVI-D (digital signal) and DVI-I (integrated analog and digital signal), both of which have single-link and dual-link versions. This refers to how much bandwidth the cable can carry. Single-link tops out at 1,920 x 1,200 while dual-link climbs to 2,560 x 1,600. 

These numbers are of course not as high as what DP and even HDMI are achieving, so DVI is becoming dated for those after a particularly high resolution. What advantage it does offer is DVI-D can output a 144Hz refresh rate at 1080p. So, if it’s a smooth experience you want over the most polished, DVI is worth some consideration. 

Side Note: USB-C

Increasingly, more gaming monitors are offering USB-C connectivity. This supports video, sound, data, and even power delivery. As such, it is an excellent option for those who want to simplify the cable situation. Plus, with max resolutions currently of 2160p at 60Hz, you can enjoy some smooth gaming on this interface! 

Get a Monitor to Match the Interface 

Now that you have cracked the ideal interface to match your setup, have you got a monitor to take advantage of it? Here at Overclockers UK, we have plenty of dedicated gaming monitors to help you achieve a visually stunning and immersive gaming experience. Check them all out for yourself, as well as these highlighted picks! 

ASUS 27″ TUF Gaming VG27AQ  Widescreen Gaming Monitor

At 27” wide, this ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor is a perfect size for you to play on. This WQHD (2560 x 1440) screen may not be the biggest, but for your needs, it’s one of the best. For starters, it has an ultra-fast 165Hz refresh rate, designed not only for immersive gameplay but for pro gamers too. Couple that with FreeSync and G-Sync technology and a 1ms response time, you can say goodbye to tearing and hello to sharp, high frame rate gaming visuals.   

Buy Now

LG 34″ Ultragear OLED 34GS95QE-B Curved Gaming Monitor

If you’re after a gaming monitor with some wow factor in the mix, then this LG UltraGear monitor is for you. Measuring in at a truly ultra-wide 34”, this Ultra WQHD screen is curved so you can take in all the delicious details from every angle. With its ultra-fast 240Hz refresh rate, nano OLED 0.03ms technology, and a smooth experience through NVIDIA G-Sync Ultimate, you can’t get much more immersive than this. 

Buy Now

Learn More About Monitors

Getting the right monitor for your gaming doesn’t need to be a tricky task. We have plenty of guides to help you through the monitor purchasing process. 

What Interface Do You Use?

Which is your connection of choice and why? Let us know in the comments below!