HDMI 2.1 excels in home entertainment with 48Gbps bandwidth, supporting 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz without compression, ideal for gaming consoles and AV receivers. DisplayPort 1.4 offers 32.4Gbps with Display Stream Compression (DSC), enabling 8K@60Hz for professional monitors and multi-display setups. Choose HDMI 2.1 for TV-based systems and DisplayPort for PC-centric, high-refresh workflows requiring adaptive sync precision.
i7 vs i9 for Gaming: Making the Right Choice
Table of Contents
Top 5 Mini PCs in 2025
| Rank | Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEEKOM Mini IT12 (Best Performance) | Intel i5-12450H (8C/12T) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | $379.00 | Check Price |
| 2 | GMKtec N150 (1TB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD | $191.99 | Check Price |
| 3 | KAMRUI GK3Plus (Budget Pick) | Intel N95 (3.4GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB M.2 SSD | $169.99 | Check Price |
| 4 | ACEMAGICIAN N150 (Cheapest 16GB) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | $139.99 | Check Price |
| 5 | GMKtec N150 (512GB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe SSD | $168.99 | Check Price |
What are the key technical differences between HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4?
HDMI 2.1 provides 48Gbps bandwidth and Dynamic HDR, while DisplayPort 1.4 uses DSC for 8K/10K compression. HDMI supports eARC for immersive audio, whereas DP prioritizes daisy-chaining monitors. Both include VRR but differ in implementation—HDMI 2.1’s QFT reduces gaming lag, while DP 1.4 leverages Adaptive-Sync.
HDMI 2.1’s 48Gbps bandwidth (up from 18Gbps in HDMI 2.0) allows uncompressed 10K resolution at 120Hz, but most devices currently utilize 4K@120Hz or 8K@60Hz. DisplayPort 1.4, while capped at 32.4Gbps, employs DSC 1.2—a visually lossless compression—to achieve similar resolutions. For example, an 8K monitor using DP 1.4 with DSC can run at 60Hz without perceptible quality loss. Pro Tip: Enable DSC in GPU settings when using DP 1.4 for 8K; NVIDIA Control Panel and AMD Software allow toggling this feature. However, what happens when you mix HDMI 2.1 and DP 1.4 in multi-monitor setups? Ensure your GPU has sufficient lanes—high-res arrays may require dual GPUs or Thunderbolt docking.
| Feature | HDMI 2.1 | DisplayPort 1.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Bandwidth | 48 Gbps | 32.4 Gbps |
| Compression | None (up to 10K) | DSC 1.2 |
| Audio | eARC (up to 32 channels) | 8-channel, 24-bit |
Which standard supports higher resolutions and refresh rates?
HDMI 2.1 achieves 8K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz natively, while DisplayPort 1.4 reaches 8K@60Hz using DSC. HDMI’s 48Gbps enables 10K@120Hz theoretically, whereas DP 1.4 maxes at 8K@60Hz compressed. For 144Hz+ gaming, HDMI 2.1 is preferred for TVs, DP 1.4 for monitors.
While HDMI 2.1’s bandwidth advantage is clear, DisplayPort 1.4’s DSC implementation makes it versatile for professional workflows. Take the LG UltraFine 32EP950 OLED monitor: it uses DP 1.4 with DSC to deliver 4K@120Hz in 10-bit color for video editing. Pro Tip: For gaming, prioritize HDMI 2.1 if your display supports it—PS5 and Xbox Series X utilize HDMI 2.1’s 120Hz mode. But can DP 1.4 handle HDR at high refresh rates? Yes, but only at 4K@98Hz with HDR10 due to bandwidth limits. Transitioning to multi-monitor setups, DP 1.4’s MST (Multi-Stream Transport) allows daisy-chaining without splitters, reducing cable clutter.
| Use Case | HDMI 2.1 | DisplayPort 1.4 |
|---|---|---|
| 4K@144Hz HDR | Yes (native) | Yes (with DSC) |
| 8K@60Hz | Yes | Yes (compressed) |
| 10-bit Color + 120Hz | 4K/8K | 4K only |
How do HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 differ in device compatibility?
HDMI 2.1 is ubiquitous in TVs, soundbars, and consoles, while DisplayPort 1.4 dominates PCs and pro monitors. Most GPUs include DP 1.4, but HDMI 2.1 ports are limited to newer RTX 30/40 series and RX 6000/7000 cards. Older devices may not support HDMI 2.1’s full bandwidth.
Practically speaking, if you’re connecting a gaming PC to an LG C2 OLED TV, HDMI 2.1 is essential for 4K@120Hz. Conversely, a Dell UltraSharp 32 4K monitor paired with a MacBook Pro will likely use DisplayPort via USB-C. Pro Tip: Check your GPU’s output specs—NVIDIA’s RTX 3080 has one HDMI 2.1 port, while AMD’s RX 7900 XTX includes two. But what if your laptop only has USB-C? Use a DP 1.4 Alt Mode adapter to connect high-refresh monitors. For example, the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Dock enables DP 1.4 8K@60Hz on M2 MacBooks.
Which is better for gaming: HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4?
HDMI 2.1 is optimal for console/4K TV gaming with ALLM and QFT, while DisplayPort 1.4 suits high-refresh PC monitors. HDMI’s Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) works with both FreeSync and G-Sync, whereas DP 1.4 offers tighter Adaptive-Sync integration for tear-free gameplay.
For PS5 or Xbox Series X users, HDMI 2.1 unlocks 4K@120Hz modes in titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. PC gamers with 1440p@240Hz monitors, however, benefit from DisplayPort 1.4’s higher refresh ceiling. Pro Tip: Enable G-Sync Compatible mode in DP 1.4 setups—it reduces stutter in GPU-bound scenarios. But how does latency compare? HDMI 2.1’s Quick Frame Transport (QFT) cuts display latency by 33% at 120Hz, crucial for competitive play. Take the ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQX: its HDMI 2.1 port delivers 4K@144Hz with 2ms response, while DP 1.4 achieves 240Hz at 1440p.
How do audio capabilities compare between HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4?
HDMI 2.1 supports eARC for Dolby Atmos/DTS:X up to 32 channels, while DisplayPort 1.4 transmits 8-channel PCM via USB-C Alt Mode. HDMI is preferred for home theaters; DP handles basic surround sound but lacks advanced audio formats.
When using an LG SN11RG soundbar with an NVIDIA Shield, HDMI 2.1’s eARC ensures lossless Atmos from streaming apps. DisplayPort, however, relies on USB-C’s audio capabilities—for instance, a Razer Blade 15 laptop can output 7.1 surround via DP-to-HDMI adapter. Pro Tip: For studio-grade audio, use DP’s direct connection to avoid HDMI’s EDID handshake delays. But what about gaming headsets? Both standards support USB audio, but HDMI 2.1’s eARC simplifies AVR setups by separating audio/video pathways.
Which standard is more future-proof: HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4?
HDMI 2.1 future-proofs home theaters with 8K/10K readiness, while DisplayPort 2.0 (unrelated to 1.4) offers 80Gbps for next-gen GPUs. Currently, DP 1.4 is sufficient for 4K@240Hz, but HDMI 2.1 will dominate TV markets until DP 2.0 adoption increases.
Considering upcoming 8K OLED TVs from Samsung and Sony, HDMI 2.1 remains critical. However, PC enthusiasts eyeing AMD’s RDNA 3 or NVIDIA’s Lovelace architectures should wait for DP 2.0 monitors. Pro Tip: Invest in HDMI 2.1 cables/ports now for console gaming—Sony’s PS5 Pro is rumored to push 8K@60Hz. But does DSC impact longevity? Yes, as native HDMI 2.1 bandwidth avoids compression artifacts in future 16K content. For now, DP 1.4 with DSC handles prosumer needs, but HDMI’s roadmap aligns closer with consumer AV trends.
Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
For 4K@120Hz on TVs, yes. However, DP 1.4 remains superior for multi-monitor setups and 1440p@240Hz due to Adaptive-Sync precision and MST support.
Do I need new cables for HDMI 2.1?
Yes—Ultra High Speed HDMI cables (48Gbps) are mandatory for 8K/4K@120Hz. Older High Speed cables max out at 18Gbps, limiting 4K to 60Hz.
Is DisplayPort 1.4 obsolete with HDMI 2.1?
No—DP 1.4 still outperforms HDMI 2.1 in DSC efficiency and daisy-chaining. DP 2.0’s 80Gbps will further extend its lead in professional markets.