Introduction
Mini PCs have become increasingly popular due to their compact size and versatility. One crucial aspect of these small form factor computers is their display connectivity. In this blog post, we’ll compare three leading display interface standards: DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, and HDMI 2.1, to help you determine which is best suited for your mini PC needs.
Overview of DisplayPort 1.4
DisplayPort 1.4 is a display interface standard developed by VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association).
Key features:
- High bandwidth for 8K resolution support
- Display Stream Compression (DSC) for efficient data transfer
- Support for HDR (High Dynamic Range)
Technical specifications:
- Maximum data rate: 32.4 Gbps
- Maximum resolution: 8K (7680×4320) at 60Hz with DSC
Overview of HDMI 2.0
HDMI 2.0 is the predecessor to HDMI 2.1 and is still widely used in many devices.
Key features:
- 4K resolution support at 60Hz
- HDR support
- HDMI-CEC for device control
Technical specifications:
- Maximum data rate: 18 Gbps
- Maximum resolution: 4K (3840×2160) at 60Hz
Overview of HDMI 2.1
HDMI 2.1 is the latest version of the High-Definition Multimedia Interface standard.
Key features:
- Ultra-high bandwidth for 8K and 10K resolution support
- Dynamic HDR for enhanced color and contrast
- eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) for high-quality audio
Technical specifications:
- Maximum data rate: 48 Gbps
- Maximum resolution: 10K at 120Hz
Detailed Comparison
Bandwidth and Resolution Support:
- HDMI 2.1: Highest bandwidth (48 Gbps), supports 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz without compression
- DisplayPort 1.4: High bandwidth (32.4 Gbps), supports 8K@60Hz with DSC
- HDMI 2.0: Lowest bandwidth (18 Gbps), supports 4K@60Hz without compression
Refresh Rates:
- HDMI 2.1: Up to 120Hz at 4K, 60Hz at 8K
- DisplayPort 1.4: Up to 240Hz at 4K, 60Hz at 8K (with DSC)
- HDMI 2.0: Up to 60Hz at 4K
HDR Support:
- HDMI 2.1: Dynamic HDR
- DisplayPort 1.4: HDR10
- HDMI 2.0: HDR10
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR):
- HDMI 2.1: HDMI Forum VRR
- DisplayPort 1.4: Adaptive-Sync (compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync)
- HDMI 2.0: Limited VRR support
Audio Capabilities:
- HDMI 2.1: eARC, up to 32 channels of audio
- DisplayPort 1.4: Up to 8 channels of audio
- HDMI 2.0: ARC, up to 8 channels of audio
Considerations for Mini PCs
Space Constraints:
- DisplayPort connectors are generally smaller, which can be advantageous in mini PCs.
- HDMI connectors (2.0 and 2.1) are more common and may be easier to find in compact designs.
Typical Use Cases:
- Productivity: All three standards are suitable for office work.
- Gaming: HDMI 2.1 has an edge for high-end gaming, followed by DisplayPort 1.4. HDMI 2.0 is sufficient for 4K@60Hz gaming.
- Media Consumption: HDMI 2.1 and 2.0 have an advantage due to wider TV compatibility.
Power Efficiency:
- All three standards are relatively power-efficient, crucial for mini PCs with limited thermal headroom.
Compatibility
Monitor and TV Support:
- HDMI (both 2.0 and 2.1) is more widely supported, especially in TVs.
- DisplayPort 1.4 is common in computer monitors but rare in TVs.
- HDMI 2.0 is still more prevalent than HDMI 2.1 in current devices.
Adapters and Converters:
- DisplayPort to HDMI adapters are common and work well.
- HDMI to DisplayPort conversion is less common and may have limitations.
- Adapting between HDMI versions is generally straightforward.
Future-proofing
- HDMI 2.1 offers the most future-proof solution with its high bandwidth.
- DisplayPort 1.4 remains competitive due to its efficient compression technologies.
- HDMI 2.0, while still widely used, may become outdated for high-end applications in the near future.
Pros and Cons Summary
DisplayPort 1.4: Pros: Smaller connector, widespread in computer monitors, efficient compression Cons: Less common in TVs, slightly lower bandwidth than HDMI 2.1
HDMI 2.1: Pros: Highest bandwidth, universal compatibility, eARC for audio Cons: Larger connector, full 2.1 features not always implemented in devices
HDMI 2.0: Pros: Wide compatibility, sufficient for 4K@60Hz, common in current devices Cons: Limited bandwidth compared to newer standards, may become outdated for high-end use
Recommendations for Different Scenarios
Office/Productivity: Any of the three standards will work well; choose based on your monitor’s inputs.
Gaming: HDMI 2.1 for high-end setups, DisplayPort 1.4 for most other gaming scenarios, HDMI 2.0 for budget 4K gaming.
Media Centers: HDMI 2.1 or 2.0 for better compatibility with TVs and audio systems.
Comparison Table
Here’s a detailed comparison of the three connector types, structured in an Excel table format:
| Feature/Specification | HDMI 2.1 | HDMI 2.0 | DisplayPort 1.4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | Up to 48 Gbps | Up to 18 Gbps | Up to 32.4 Gbps |
| Max Resolution | Up to 10K | Up to 4K | Up to 8K |
| Max Refresh Rate | 4K at 120Hz, 8K at 60Hz | 4K at 60Hz | 4K at 120Hz, 8K at 60Hz |
| HDR Support | Dynamic HDR | Basic HDR | Yes |
| Audio Features | eARC | ARC | Yes |
| Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) | Yes | No | Yes |
| Multi-Stream Transport (MST) | No | No | Yes |
| Display Stream Compression | No | No | Yes |
| Latency | Low | Moderate | Low |
| Gaming Suitability | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Compatibility | Very High | Very High | High |
| Availability | Increasing | Very High | High |
| Cable Cost | Higher | Moderate | Moderate |
Conclusion
For mini PC users, the choice between DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, and HDMI 2.1 depends on specific needs and connected devices. HDMI 2.1 offers the highest performance but may be overkill for many users. DisplayPort 1.4 provides excellent capabilities, especially for monitor connections. HDMI 2.0, while older, remains a solid choice for many current setups.
Many mini PCs come equipped with multiple port types, giving you the flexibility to choose based on your specific setup. When selecting a mini PC, consider your current and future display needs to ensure you have the right connectivity options.
