Visual Connectors Explained
HDMI
HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is one of the most common connectors on modern monitors, carrying uncompressed audio and video via a single cable. HDMI has gone through various generations, and will now be either HDMI 1.4, 2.0, or the most recent 2.1 - each giving different bandwidth capabilities. This means that the higher the combined resolution and refresh rate, the higher the bandwidth demands, so HDMI 1.4 can only really support 4K up to 24FPS and 8-bit colour. HDMI 2.0 can support 4K at 60Hz, 1080p at 144Hz, and also offers up to 12-bit colour. However, the newest format, HDMI 2.1, is capable of 4K resolution at a 120Hz refresh rate or 8K at up to 60Hz. In addition to this, HDMI 2.1 supports up to 10-bit colour, making it ideal for creators.
DisplayPort
DisplayPort also combines video and audio via a single cable, and can support up to 4K at 144Hz (depending on the version). Just like HDMI, the newer the version, the more support available. DisplayPort 1.4 has more bandwidth to support 4K at 144Hz, ideal for enthusiast gamers.
DVI
DVI (Digital Visual Interface) is less common on modern monitors. These can be slightly confusing as there are a couple of different versions: DVI-D (digital signal) and DVI-I (integrated analogue and digital signal), which are available in both single-link and dual-link. Single-link supports up to 1200p resolution, whereas dual can show up to 1600p, and can display 1080p at 144Hz.
USB-C
USB-C allow you to output video, audio, data, and power. These are primarily seen on Apple monitors, but are becoming more commonplace on smaller or thinner laptops. These are vastly more versatile, with a fully reversible plug and cross-platform compatibility.
VGA
VGA (Video Graphics Array) is almost obsolete on modern monitors, and tops out at 1080p. These connectors tend to be seen only on older monitors and hardware.
