I'm setting up a dual monitor setup and will receive my second monitor tomorrow. My computer has one HDMI 2.1b port and three DisplayPort 2.1b ports. Since I only have one HDMI port, do I need to get a DisplayPort cable to connect the new monitor, or is there a different cable I should use?
5 Answers
The simplest way to connect your new monitor is by using a DisplayPort cable. Most monitors have at least one DisplayPort input and they often include a cable in the box. If your new monitor only has an HDMI input, you can easily get a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter to make it work.
If both of your monitors have DisplayPort, you can daisy chain them from one DP port as well. That can help save some space and cables on your setup!
Definitely use a DisplayPort cable! If your monitor only supports HDMI, then get a DisplayPort to HDMI cable. But I bet yours probably has a DisplayPort input. Also, make sure to connect via the GPU ports instead of the motherboard ones if you have a dedicated graphics card; it's the better option.
Using DisplayPort is usually the way to go for monitors. I only use HDMI for connecting my TV, as DisplayPort cables tend to provide better performance.
Make sure to double-check the ports on both monitors and what cables they come with. It's a critical step to ensure everything matches up!
I plan to use the HDMI for my main monitor and get a DisplayPort to DisplayPort for the second one.