Hey everyone! I'm looking for some advice on connections for my 4K 160Hz monitor (KTC M27P6) that supports both HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4. I also have a 5070 Ti graphics card. Should I go with HDMI or DisplayPort for the best performance?
4 Answers
It really depends on the monitor. A monitor being HDMI 2.1 doesn't always mean it's capable of everything it suggests. Thankfully the KTC M27P6 is a solid one, and both HDMI and DP can handle its max specs without issue. So honestly, you can't go wrong with either.
There's no contest here – you want the connection that gives the best quality without any compression or adjustments. Online calculators show that at 4K 160Hz, DisplayPort 1.4 relies on DSC. So go for HDMI 2.1; it’s the better option hands down!
I personally lean towards DisplayPort, but honestly, either choice is fine. Just don't stress too much about it!
For your monitor, HDMI actually gives you a slight edge in quality. DP 1.4 can’t manage 4K at 160Hz without using lossy DSC compression, which might be noticeable if you're inspecting closely. HDMI 2.1 can handle it seamlessly without any compression.

The thing is, HDMI 2.1 has a higher bandwidth than DP 1.4, which allows it to handle more native refresh rates without needing compression. That's something to consider.