By Techy tone 
When I built my first PC, I wasn’t sure where to connect the DisplayPort cable. I learned that if you have a separate graphics card (GPU), always connect it there, not the motherboard. This helps get better performance and makes sure everything runs smoothly.
The DisplayPort should go into the GPU, not the motherboard, if you’re using a dedicated graphics card. This ensures better performance and proper video output. Only use the motherboard if there’s no separate GPU installed.
In this article, we will discuss whether the DisplayPort should be connected to the motherboard or the GPU, why it matters, and how it impacts your PC’s performance.
What is DisplayPort?
DisplayPort is a type of video output connection that allows you to connect your PC to a monitor or TV. It supports high resolutions, fast refresh rates, and can even carry audio. It’s one of the most common ports found on modern GPUs, alongside HDMI.
Understanding the Difference Between Motherboard and GPU
What is a Motherboard?
The motherboard is the central hub of your computer, where all the components are connected. It may have its own display outputs, but these rely on integrated graphics.
What is a GPU?
A Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is a dedicated piece of hardware specifically designed to handle complex graphics tasks. It has its own DisplayPort and HDMI outputs, which are meant to be used when gaming, video editing, or handling other graphics-heavy tasks.
When to Connect DisplayPort to the GPU
If you have a dedicated GPU in your PC, you should always connect the DisplayPort cable to the GPU. The GPU is designed to handle more intensive graphical workloads, so it will deliver much better performance than the motherboard’s integrated graphics. This is crucial for gaming, video editing, or any graphics-intensive work.
When to Connect DisplayPort to the Motherboard
You should only connect your DisplayPort to the motherboard if you don’t have a dedicated GPU. This happens mostly in budget systems that rely on the CPU’s integrated graphics. In these cases, using the motherboard’s DisplayPort is fine but won’t give you the same performance as a dedicated GPU.
How to Check If You Have a Dedicated GPU
If you’re not sure whether your PC has a dedicated GPU, it’s easy to check:
- Open the side panel of your PC.
- Look for a separate card connected to your motherboard with its own ports for DisplayPort, HDMI, or DVI.
- You can also check in the Device Manager under “Display Adapters” to see if your GPU is listed.
Integrated Graphics vs. Dedicated GPU
Integrated Graphics
Integrated graphics are built into the CPU. While they can handle basic tasks like web browsing or watching videos, they are not designed for high-end gaming or 4K video editing.
Dedicated GPU
A dedicated GPU has its own memory (VRAM) and is built specifically for rendering complex graphics. For gaming, video editing, or any heavy graphics work, a dedicated GPU will provide much better performance than integrated graphics.
Performance Differences: Motherboard vs. GPU
When you connect the DisplayPort to the GPU, you’re using its powerful capabilities to drive your display. This means better frame rates, higher resolutions, and the ability to use advanced features like G-Sync or FreeSync. Connecting to the motherboard limits you to integrated graphics, which can significantly reduce performance.
Why It’s Important to Use the GPU for Gaming
For gaming, connecting your monitor to the GPU is a must. The GPU is optimized for rendering the high-quality graphics required in modern games, while the motherboard’s integrated graphics would struggle to maintain a smooth experience.
Impact on Resolution and Refresh Rates
The GPU typically supports higher resolutions (like 4K) and faster refresh rates (120Hz, 144Hz, or even higher). Using the motherboard’s DisplayPort will often limit you to lower resolutions and refresh rates, making your experience less smooth and visually pleasing.
How to Switch Display Output from Motherboard to GPU
If you’ve accidentally connected your DisplayPort to the motherboard, switching to the GPU is simple:
- Turn off your PC.
- Unplug the DisplayPort cable from the motherboard.
- Connect it to the GPU instead.
- Restart your PC, and it should automatically detect the new connection.
Common Issues and Fixes
If your monitor isn’t displaying correctly after connecting to the GPU:
- Make sure the GPU is securely inserted into the PCIe slot.
- Ensure your monitor is configured to the right input source.
- Update your GPU drivers for optimal performance.
Should You Ever Use the Motherboard’s DisplayPort?
There are rare situations where using the motherboard’s DisplayPort makes sense, like troubleshooting a faulty GPU or using a CPU with advanced integrated graphics. However, for most users, especially those with a dedicated GPU, the GPU’s DisplayPort is the way to go.
How to Properly Set Up Multiple Monitors with DisplayPort
When setting up multiple monitors, always connect them to the GPU, not the motherboard. Most modern GPUs support multiple displays and will ensure smooth performance across all of them.
Should I Connect My Monitor to the Graphics Card or Motherboard
Connect your monitor to the graphics card if you have one installed, as it provides better performance. Use the motherboard’s video output only if you’re using integrated graphics and no dedicated GPU is present.
Should I connect HDMI to motherboard or graphics card?
Connect the HDMI to the graphics card for better performance. The graphics card offers superior video output compared to the motherboard. Use the motherboard’s HDMI only if you have no dedicated GPU.Integrated graphics on the CPU rely on the motherboard’s port.
Always prefer the GPU if it’s available for improved visuals.
Should the monitor be connected to the GPU?
Yes, the monitor should be connected to the GPU if your system has a dedicated graphics card. This provides better performance and visuals compared to using the motherboard’s integrated graphics.
How to connect the monitor with a Graphics card?
- Match monitor and graphics card ports (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.).
- Use the correct cable.
- Connect both ends.
- Turn on the PC and monitor.
- Select the input source on the monitor if needed.
How to connect the monitor with a Motherboard
- Find the motherboard’s video ports (HDMI, VGA, DVI, or DisplayPort).
- Use a matching cable.
- Connect the cable to the motherboard and monitor.
- Power on both devices.
- Select the correct input source on the monitor.
Note: The CPU must have integrated graphics for this to work.
What should you do if your monitor doesn’t have the same input as your graphics card?
Use an Adapter: Get an adapter (e.g., HDMI to VGA).
Get a New Cable: Buy a cable with different ends (e.g., HDMI to DisplayPort).
Upgrade Monitor or Graphics Card: As a last option, consider upgrading.
What can happen if you didn’t plug your cable in the right spot?
If you don’t plug your cable in the right spot:
- No Display: The monitor may stay blank.
- Wrong Output: The display might show a different screen or resolution.
- Graphics Card Not Used: The system may use integrated graphics instead of the dedicated card.
- Potential Confusion: You might encounter issues troubleshooting other problems.
Does plugging your monitor to the GPU improve gaming?
Yes, plugging your monitor into the GPU improves gaming performance by providing better graphics, higher frame rates, and reduced latency compared to using integrated graphics.
Is it okay to plug the monitor into the motherboard?
Yes, it’s okay to plug the monitor into the motherboard if the CPU has integrated graphics. However, it may result in lower performance compared to using a dedicated GPU. For gaming or graphic-intensive tasks, it’s better to use the GPU.
Should I plug my second monitor into my GPU or Motherboard?
You should plug your second monitor into the GPU for better performance and graphics quality. This ensures both monitors benefit from the capabilities of the dedicated graphics card.
Should I plug DP into Motherboard or Graphics Card?
You should plug the DisplayPort (DP) cable into the graphics card for optimal performance and better graphics. Plugging it into the motherboard will typically use integrated graphics, which may not provide the same performance.
Should i have my display port in my graphics card or motherboard
You should have your DisplayPort (DP) connected to your graphics card for better performance and graphics quality. Connecting it to the motherboard uses integrated graphics, which may be less powerful.
Can I use a motherboard’s DisplayPort to connect my monitor?
Yes, you can use a motherboard’s DisplayPort to connect your monitor if your CPU has integrated graphics. However, for better performance, especially in gaming or graphic-intensive tasks, it’s recommended to connect the monitor to the graphics card instead.
Display port cable from motherboard to gpu?
You should not connect a DisplayPort cable from the motherboard to the GPU. Instead, connect the monitor directly to the GPU for optimal performance. The motherboard’s DisplayPort will only output from the integrated graphics, not the dedicated GPU.
How to add a displayport to my motherboard?
Check Compatibility: Ensure your motherboard supports a dedicated GPU.
Buy a Graphics Card: Choose one with a DisplayPort.
Power Off and Open Case: Shut down your PC and remove the side panel.
Install GPU: Insert the graphics card into a PCIe slot and secure it.
Connect Power: Plug in any required power connectors.
Close Case and Power On: Replace the side panel and turn on your PC.
Connect Monitor: Use a DisplayPort cable to connect your monitor to the GPU.
Where do I plug in my monitor?
Plug your monitor into the graphics card (GPU) for the best performance. Use the appropriate port (HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, etc.) on the GPU. If you don’t have a dedicated GPU, use the motherboard’s port, but expect lower performance.
Read more: https://techytone.com/usb-3-connector-on-motherboard/
FAQs
Can I connect my monitor to the motherboard if I have a GPU?
No, if you have a GPU, you should connect your monitor to it for better performance.
Will connecting to the motherboard affect gaming performance?
Yes, connecting to the motherboard will lower gaming performance since it uses integrated graphics.
Can I use both the motherboard and GPU DisplayPorts simultaneously?
No, you should only use the GPU’s ports if you have a dedicated graphics card.
What happens if I connect the DisplayPort to the wrong place?
You might experience poor performance or no display at all if you connect to the wrong port.
Is it possible to switch from the motherboard to the GPU without restarting?
No, you generally need to restart your computer to switch from the motherboard to the GPU. After connecting the monitor to the GPU, a restart helps the system recognize the new output source.
Does the DisplayPort go into the GPU?
Yes, the DisplayPort should be connected to the GPU for optimal performance.
Do I plug into the motherboard or GPU?
Plug into the GPU for better performance; use the motherboard only if no GPU is available.
Where does the DisplayPort plug into?
The DisplayPort plugs into the graphics card (GPU).
What happens if you plug a DisplayPort into a motherboard?
If you plug a DisplayPort into a motherboard, it will use the integrated graphics instead of the dedicated GPU, resulting in lower performance and graphics quality.
How to enable DisplayPort on motherboard?
Access BIOS/UEFI: Restart and press the BIOS key (Del, F2, or Esc).
Enable Integrated Graphics: Find and enable the integrated graphics option.
Save and Exit: Save changes and exit.
Connect Monitor: Plug your monitor into the motherboard’s DisplayPort.
Motherboard DisplayPort not working?
Ensure integrated graphics are enabled in BIOS.
Check the monitor’s input source.
Test with a different DisplayPort cable or port.
Update graphics drivers.
Verify all connections are secure.
Monitor plugged into GPU not working?
If your monitor plugged into the GPU isn’t working, first ensure all connections are secure and that the GPU is properly seated in the PCIe slot. Next, check that the monitor is set to the correct input source, such as HDMI or DisplayPort. It’s also a good idea to update or reinstall your graphics drivers. Finally, if the issue persists, try using a different cable, port, or monitor to rule out any hardware problems.
Is DisplayPort better than HDMI?
Yes, DisplayPort is generally better than HDMI for high-performance tasks like gaming and multi-monitor setups. It supports higher resolutions, faster refresh rates, and more monitors with a single cable. However, HDMI is more common and widely supported for general use.
What is DisplayPort input on motherboard?
A DisplayPort input on a motherboard allows you to connect a monitor using integrated graphics from the CPU, if supported. It’s useful when you don’t have a dedicated GPU or for basic display needs.
Can I unplug DisplayPort while PC is on?
Yes, you can unplug a DisplayPort while the PC is on. DisplayPort supports hot-swapping, meaning you can safely connect or disconnect it without shutting down the computer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the DisplayPort should always be connected to the GPU if you have one. This ensures you get the best performance, higher resolutions, and faster refresh rates. Only use the motherboard’s DisplayPort if there’s no dedicated GPU installed.