A quick way to check whether you can use a passive adapter is to see if the displayport or mini displayport source has the dp symbol above it.
Displayport to hdmi cable vs adapter.
Supports up to 8k at 60hz.
Hdmi tmds signals operate at 5v.
This makes the passive dp to hdmi adapter even more mysterious making the translation.
These adapters are powered by pin 20 in the displayport receptacle and can only be used right at the source device if they are used with a.
When deciding between a displayport vs hdmi cable for 4k screens the main thing to pay attention to is the monitor refresh rate.
An external adapter allows a dual mode displayport output to send tmds signal and also bumps the voltage up to the standard hdmi 5v.
If you re unfamiliar with the term the refresh rate is the number of times the display changes the image onscreen.
Both standards are capable of delivering a good gaming experience but if you want a great gaming experience right now displayport 1 4 is generally better than hdmi 2 0 hdmi 2 1 beats dp 1 4.
Supports up to 4k at 60hz some 1 2a ports may also support amd s freesync.
Supports up to 4k at 120hz or 8k at 30hz.
If you re looking to connect a computer to a tv or monitor your choices are hdmi displayport dvi and vga.
The symbol is a d with a p inside of it with two signs to the left one on top of the other.
Usb c connectors also output video over the displayport standard which makes it easy to output video from a laptop or android phone with an adapter to the typical dp plug or hdmi.
Passive adapters are less expensive since they do not need to include additional chips.
Which connection to choose.