A gaming monitor is only as good as the connection it uses. Whether battling enemies in fast-paced shooters or exploring vast open worlds, the right port can make a huge difference in how smooth and crisp your gameplay looks.
But with multiple options—HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, and more—choosing the best one can be confusing.
Each port has its own strengths, supporting different refresh rates, resolutions, and features that can enhance or limit your gaming experience.
This blog explores the different types of ports you can get in a gaming monitor.
HDMI Port and Its Benefits
HDMI is one of the most commonly used ports on gaming monitors, TVs, desktops for gaming, and consoles. It transmits high-quality video and audio through a single cable, making it easy for gamers. Through the years, HDMI has been improved with newer versions that support higher resolutions, faster refresh rates, and better color accuracy.
Moreover, HDMI® Specification HDMI 2.1b is the most recent update of the HDMI® specification and supports a range of higher video resolutions and refresh rates, including 8K60 and 4K120, as well as resolutions up to 10K.
For instance, HDMI 2.1 can support 4K gaming at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz, making it perfect for next-gen consoles such as PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Since almost all gaming systems come with HDMI, it is conveniently compatible across all platforms. Its wide range of compatibility, along with easy setup and the ability to support high-performance gaming, gives it a top position among casual and competitive gamers.
DisplayPort Delivers Better Performance
DisplayPort (DP) is another popular connection for gaming monitors, mainly used for PC gaming. It was developed by VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) and offers higher refresh rates than HDMI.
With support for UHBR20, DisplayPort 2.1 offers a whopping throughput of 80 Gbps over four lanes.
Why DisplayPort is a Great Choice?
- Supports higher refresh rates – DisplayPort 1.4 and 2.0 can handle up to 240Hz at 1080p and 144Hz at 4K, making them ideal for fast-paced games.
- It works well with G-Sync and FreeSync. Adaptive sync technologies prevent screen tearing and improve smoothness.
- Better bandwidth – DisplayPort 2.0 supports up to 80 Gbps, which is almost three times more than HDMI 2.1.
USB-C Port Adds More Flexibility
USB-C is a small but powerful port that is becoming more common in modern gaming monitors. It is known for its ability to carry video, audio, data, and power through a single cable.
USB-C is more compact than its predecessors, reversible in connectivity (vertical orientation doesn’t matter for a USB-C connection), and compatible with a number of connection types like USB-A, HDMI, Thunderbolt™ 3, etc.
Key Features of USB-C in Gaming Monitors
- Supports DisplayPort over USB-C – Many gaming monitors use USB-C to deliver high-resolution video output.
- Allows charging – Some monitors can charge laptops and smartphones while displaying video.
- Great for portable gaming – If you use a gaming laptop, USB-C makes it easy to connect to an external monitor.
Other Ports Found in Gaming Monitors
Besides HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C, gaming monitors also come with additional ports.
- DVI (Digital Visual Interface) – Supports 1080p at 144Hz, mainly found in older gaming monitors.
- VGA (Video Graphics Array) – An outdated analogue connection, not recommended for gaming.
- 3.5mm Audio Jack – Allows direct connection to headphones or speakers.
- Ethernet Port – Available in some high-end monitors for direct internet access.
When selecting a gaming monitor port, the resolution and refresh rate are the most critical determinants of your game quality. The refresh rate describes how many times per second the monitor updates its image. Since the unit of measurement is in Hertz (Hz), a higher refresh rate, such as 120Hz or 144Hz, results in less lag and screen tearing and, hence, smoother motion. Resolution, on the other hand, refers to the sharpness of the image.
Port Capabilities for Refresh Rates and Resolutions
- HDMI 2.1 – Supports 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz (Best for next-gen console gaming).
- DisplayPort 1.4 – Supports 4K at 144Hz and 8K at 60Hz (Ideal for high-performance PC gaming).
- DisplayPort 2.0 – Supports 8K at 120Hz and 16K at 60Hz (Future-proof but not widely available).
- USB-C (with DisplayPort support) – Can handle up to 4K at 120Hz, depending on the device.
- DVI – Limited to 1080p at 144Hz, suitable for older gaming setups.
Refresh Rates and Resolution Matter
Ultra-smooth visuals require a refresh rate of 120Hz or more for fast-paced games like shooters or racing games. If you play single-player games with high graphics, you’ll want to have a higher resolution, 1440p or 4K. Just make sure that your gaming monitor and graphics card support the refresh rate and resolution you want.
Final Thoughts on Gaming Monitor Ports
Choosing the right gaming monitor port is important to get the best performance from your setup. Here’s a quick summary:
- HDMI is more suitable for console gaming – It offers high resolutions and refresh rates.
- DisplayPort is the best for PC gaming, as it has higher refresh rates and adaptive sync support.
- It’s great for flexibility – video, audio, and power can be supported through one cable using USB-C.
So, these ports will provide you with ways to make more out of a gaming monitor. Before purchasing new monitors or any cables, please check the system specifications of the PC, console and monitor to cross-check compatibility first.
Also read: How Gaming Monitors Help Build the Best Battle Station