What is the difference between DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort?
A version of the DisplayPort interface introduced by Apple in 2008. Mini DisplayPort uses a smaller plug and socket than the full-size DisplayPort. Also used on some Windows PCs, the Mini DisplayPort (Mini DP) was the foundation for the Thunderbolt interface.
Mini DisplayPort is a passive technology with its sole function to deliver audio/video signals from a source to a display. DisplayPort 1.2 technology is known for outstanding performance capabilities with support for uncompressed full-color 4K video at 60 Hz, multi-channel audio and 3D stereo.
Mini DisplayPort - DisplayPort adapter cables are often used to connect a Mac to a regular monitor with DisplayPort input. However, the cables also have many other uses and can normally be used in both signal directions.
- MacBook Pro introduced in late 2008 through 2010.
- MacBook Air introduced in late 2008 through 2010.
- Mac mini introduced in 2009 and 2010.
- iMac introduced in 2009 and 2010.
- Mac Pro introduced in 2009 through 2012.
If you want to know how to connect two monitors together via DisplayPort, you need several monitors equipped with both a DisplayPort In and DisplayPort Out port. Many monitors only come with a single DisplayPort In port, but you also need a DisplayPort Out for the “middle of the chain” monitors.
The JDA146 mini DisplayPort to Dual DisplayPort Adapter allows you to connect up to two DisplayPort monitors from a single Mini DisplayPort output. The JDA146 utilizes multi-stream transport (MST) protocol, supporting up to 2 displays independently at up to 4k @ 30Hz each with DP 1.2.
Mini DisplayPort is Dead
But as technology keeps improving, computer connections and the ports they use change to keep up. As a result, your devices perform faster, look better, sound crisper, and cost less.
DisplayPort/mini DisplayPort
DisplayPort is a digital display connection used to output video and audio from your laptop to a video display, such as a monitor. While some TVs come with DisplayPort connections, it is more commonly found on PCs and PC monitors.
DisplayPort cables can achieve a higher bandwidth than HDMI cables. If there's a higher bandwidth, the cable transmits more signals at the same time. This mainly has an advantage if you want to connect multiple monitors to your computer.
HDMI is supported on more devices, but DisplayPort, which was designed for computers, has a few technical advantages. Overall, if you're looking to connect your computer to a new monitor, use DisplayPort if it's an option. If not, HDMI is an almost equally good choice.
Is Mini DisplayPort better than HDMI?
Laptop dock with multiple monitors: DisplayPort is the better option for two or more external screens. HDMI is usually sufficient for a single screen. Workstation with three or more displays: DisplayPort is the better option because it may be the only way to connect all those screens to your device.
If you're using a Mini DisplayPort cable with your display, use a USB-C to Mini DisplayPort cable, such as the mophie USB-C Cable with Mini DisplayPort Connector.
Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 are not the same as Mini DisplayPort . They have the same shape, but use different symbols on the cable and port. However, this port does support Mini DisplayPort for video output, so you can use a Mini DisplayPort cable to connect a Mini DisplayPort display.
To do this on a Windows machine, unplug the device from the DisplayPort on your monitor and press the Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B keys. You should hear a beep. Once you hear the beep, plug the DisplayPort cable back in and check to see if the issue has been resolved.
You can freely combine HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI. One monitor can be HDMI, the other DisplayPort and so forth. Video connections are one thing, but remember your extra monitors won't run themselves.
Yes, you can absolutely use an HDMI and DisplayPort at the same time. What is this? However, you will need to ensure your motherboard or GPU supports a dual monitor setup.
Verify that the video or graphics card (GPU) on your personal computer supports DisplayPort 1.2 MST. Connect your personal computer to the DisplayPort In connection on the first monitor. Connect DisplayPort Out connection on the first monitor to DisplayPort In connection on the second monitor (Figure 2).
You can run dual monitors with one HDMI port by using an adapter or an HDMI splitter.
For a digital signage or video wall application, use two MST Hubs with a video card that supports multiple Mini DisplayPort outputs. This setup will provide enough video ports to support up to 6 monitors independently.
DisplayPort 1.3 and 1.4 can daisy chain DisplayPort monitors up to 4K resolution, though only two of them at the highest resolution and only at 60Hz (even though DisplayPort does support higher refresh rates). They could do up to six 1080p daisy chain monitors, however.
Is HDMI being phased out?
The HDMI 2.0 standard was phased out by the group in 2017, and display manufacturers should continue to use HDMI 2.1 in the future — even if it lacks some of the essential features of the newer standard.
| Production history | |
|---|---|
| Designed | October 2008 |
| Manufacturer | Apple Inc. |
| Produced | 2008–present |
| Superseded | Micro-DVI, Mini-DVI, DVI |
At a glance: Choose DisplayPort for 144Hz up to 4K – supports audio and video. Choose DVI if DisplayPort isn't available – supports video only. Choose HDMI 2 if DisplayPort isn't available or if you require audio over 144Hz (as DVI doesn't support audio)
DisplayPort doesn't just deliver the highest display performance available. Combined with the USB Type-C connector's high-speed data transfer and power delivery functions, DisplayPort over USB-C also enables single-port devices to deliver docking, charging, and data-transferring capabilities simultaneously.
Thunderbolt and USB-C cables and ports are not the same, but they look almost identical and perform nearly the same functions. On most devices, the cables and ports are compatible so you can connect either cable to either port. But Thunderbolt connectors transfer data much faster than USB-C.
You only need to get an HDMI cable, connect one of its ends to your laptop, and the other end to the screen. Before you purchase an HDMI cable though, be sure to check your monitor's display inputs first. Confirm that you have an HDMI port, as it looks (and functions) much like the DisplayPort input.
If you're hooking up your PC to a TV, HDMI is usually required, as there aren't many TVs that have a DisplayPort input. You can do 4K at 60 Hz on both standards without DSC, so it's only 8K or 4K at refresh rates above 60 Hz where you actually run into limitations on recent GPUs.
DisplayPort is quickly becoming the interface of choice because it delivers the highest resolution support, highest refresh rates and deeper color depth, ensuring nothing is missed. DisplayPort also allows users to drive multiple monitors through a single cable, creating an immersive experience without the clutter.
All DisplayPort cables support the same features. The primary difference between them is transmission speed. Resolution, color depth, number of monitors, refresh rate are all dependent on how much data the cable can transmit.
How do I tell my version of DisplayPort? Unfortunately there's no way to tell from the hardware itself what version of DisplayPort it will support. Check the original specifications of your device, or contact the manufacturer.
How do I connect two monitors to my computer?
- Select Start , then open Settings .
- Under System , select Display . ...
- Use the dropdown list next to the image of your desktop to choose how your screen will project across your displays.
- Once you've chosen your setup, select Apply.
If your monitor and laptop or PC have one or two HDMI ports, you just need a single HDMI cable. If you want to connect two monitors but only have one HDMI port, use an HDMI splitter. Be sure that the splitter has the same refresh rate as the HDMI cable.
So, which connector is best suited for gaming? Without a doubt, it's the DisplayPort! DisplayPort is the best gaming connector in the market because of its optimized versatility aimed at gamers. Its support for both FreeSync and G-Sync allows a wide variety of gamers to enjoy adaptive sync technology.
A standard DisplayPort cable, including older cables, will work for any DisplayPort configuration including 4K and multi-stream capabilities. All certified DisplayPort cables support HBR2 (High Bit Rate 2), which can support 4K at 60Hz, or up to four 1080p displays using multi-stream.
Yes. Just like in standard DisplayPort connectors and cables, DisplayPort over USB-C can take advantage of the four high-speed data lanes in the USB-C connector and cable to provide 4K display resolutions and beyond on supported products.
Just like not all USB-C ports feature DisplayPort Alt Mode functionality, not all USB-C ports feature Thunderbolt 3 functionality. Thunderbolt 3 functionality must be explicitly designed into a device's USB-C port by its manufacturer in order for the USB-C port to be able to support Thunderbolt 3 connections.
Is DisplayPort Backward Compatible? Yes, both DisplayPort cables and the actual DisplayPorts are all backward and forward compatible.
For Mac computers with Mini DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, or Thunderbolt 2: You can connect up to two displays.
Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 are not the same as Mini DisplayPort . They are the same shape, but have different symbols on the cable and port. However, this port does support Mini DisplayPort for video output, so you can use a Mini DisplayPort cable to connect a Mini DisplayPort display.
Power Cycle Everything
Power cycling your equipment can be a helpful step in getting your DisplayPort to HDMI connection working properly. Power cycling means turning off your computer, monitor, or TV, unplugging them from the power source for a few seconds, then plugging them back in and turning them back on.
Can a HDMI cable go into a DisplayPort?
Connecting HDMI to DisplayPort is a useful trick to connect an HDMI-compatible device to a DisplayPort-compatible device, being that you can hook up a PC to a television, or a newer graphics using DP card to an older monitor which uses HDMI.
Most modern PCs will have multiple ports that can output to a display. All you need is the proper cables to connect the ports on both your PC and monitor. Do not worry if you need a different port or cable to set up dual monitors. All display connections can be used with most cables thanks to adapters.
This setup requires only one DisplayPort output for two monitors. Daisy chaining also reduces the need for higher-specification laptops with multiple signal output connectors, and for additional cables and peripherals, reducing both cost and clutter.
Mini DisplayPort is a smaller version of the DisplayPort connection interface specified by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). Despite its small size, Mini DisplayPort has a full 20 pins and can support up to a 30-inch display with a 2560 by 1600 screen resolution.
