VGA vs. HDMI vs. Display Port

[Geos54]

I got an HP EliteDesk 800 (https://media.flixcar.com/f360cdn/HP-4611318083-4aa6-9248eeap.pdf)
that I want to use as an HTPC. It has 2 display ports and 1 VGA but no HDMI. I have 3 options: 1. Swap the VGA port for an internal HDMI board (https://www.ebay.com/itm/225144654194), 2. A display port > HDMI adapter, 3. A VGA > HDMI adapter. Which would give the best results?

 

[Tech Junky]

Assuming you'll stream from this box just use RDP to manage it. Then it doesn't matter which cable. You just have to setup the box and get it running and then remotely manage it.

 

[mindless1]

I don't know anything about that HDMI board swap but it seems like the best option, if it supports the resolution, refresh and color you want to run, 4:4:4. I looked at the spec sheet you linked and it lists Displayport 1.2 which should do 4K at 60Hz but it doesn't list the HDMI version, nor did you mention what resolution and refresh rate your display can handle.

For that reason, it might be a safer bet to just try a DP to HDMI2 adapter, or look/ask around in an HP forum in case fellow owners have done this.

 

[mindless1]

Let me rephrase that. The HDMI board is only $12 delivered, so I would go ahead and get that because if it replaces the virtually worthless analog VGA port, I'd get it while the gettin's good as a general system upgrade, then see if it can manage the specs your TV can handle. If it doesn't, you've still made a significant upgrade because HDMI is the far more common interface for TVs and (budget friendly) monitors. The system should have came with it in the first place!

If it doesn't support high enough specs, I'd still keep it but you could sell it, either way then try the DP to HDMI2 (make sure it is an active HDMI2 adapter, not anything lesser. I'd buy that from a US seller because when it comes to tech specs, you can't really be sure that something wasn't lost in the translation about HDMI and DP version support... or just plain lied about. I'd at least want some fellow owner of that system to state they got a specific product and it worked if there isn't an easy product return path if it doesn't.

 

[tcsenter]

Heck they're both apprx. the same price $13 ~ $15. Spend $30 get both an HDMI daughter board and DP to HDMI adapter and try them out. Let us know which is better. If you want to avoid the extra adapter hop get a DP to HDMI male to male cable.

 

[Geos54]

Heck they're both apprx. the same price $13 ~ $15. Spend $30 get both an HDMI daughter board and DP to HDMI adapter and try them out. Let us know which is better. If you want to avoid the extra adapter hop get a DP to HDMI male to male cable.

I got the DP>HDMI adapter and it works great.