I decided on a monitor...quick question on connections (DVI vs HDMI vs DisplayPort)

[Starbuck1975]

I am currently trying to decide between the Dell U2414H and P2414H. The main difference between the two monitors is the U2414H appears to have better out of the box color calibration, has a slight edge on response time and offers more forward compatible connections. I will primarily use the monitor for home office, gaming, light video and photo editing.

The U2414H offers DisplayPort, HDMI and USB3.0 connectors.

The P2414H offers DisplayPort, DVI and USB2.0 connectors.

My video card has DVI and a mini-HDMI connector.

I prefer the U2414H but I am worried about connectors. I've always heard that using adapters to convert signals ultimately degrades performance, but I don't otherwise have a compelling reason to upgrade my GPU just to increase my connection options.

If I go with the U2414H, can I go mini-HDMI to HDMI, point to point, without sacrificing anything in terms of image quality? Alternatively, can I go DVI+HDMI converter to HDMI and similarly not sacrifice image quality?

If not, I may just go with the P2414H and stick with DVI to DVI.

 

[Ben90]

You can go directly from Mini HDMI to full HDMI without any problems. The same can be said for digital DVI (any modern LCD) to HDMI except you don't have the option to carry sound through the cable. The actual video signal will be unaffected.

There can be some weird driver issues with HDMI because that interface is absolutely retarded, but once you get that straitened out you can have a perfect video signal. I wouldn't let the interfaces of these monitors factor into the buying decision from what you have said about your usage case. They will both work fine.

 

[Starbuck1975]

Thanks Ben. I was looking through the cables that came with my video card, and it has a mini HDMI to HDMI conversion cable. Although the connections issue got me looking at video cards, and it looks like starting with the 660s, you start seeing DisplayPort and full HDMI connections on GPUs.

I also have a PSU limitation of 500W, so I may get the better Dell monitor, try the mini HDMI to HDMI, and if I have problems with the signal, maybe upgrade my video card one step up.