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Video Interface Reference Guide

A quick reference to common video connectors and interfaces you may see on PCs and monitors.

PC video interfaces overview

1. USB-C​

  • Type: Connector/interface (can carry video, data, power)
  • Video Support: Uses DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt for video
  • Max Resolution: Up to 8K@60Hz (depends on version and protocol)
  • Other Uses: Charging, data transfer, audio

2. DisplayPort (DP)​

  • Type: Digital video/audio interface
  • Max Resolution: Up to 16K (with DP 2.1)
  • Main Use: PC monitors, especially high refresh rate displays
  • Supports: Daisy-chaining monitors (Multi-Stream Transport)

3. HDMI​

  • Type: Digital video/audio interface
  • Max Resolution: Up to 10K (with HDMI 2.1)
  • Main Use: TVs, projectors, home entertainment
  • Supports: ARC/eARC (for audio return), CEC (device control)

4. Thunderbolt​

  • Type: High-speed interface (carries video, data, power)
  • Max Resolution: Varies (Thunderbolt 3/4 can support dual 4K or single 8K)
  • Video Protocol: Uses DisplayPort internally
  • Main Use: Professional setups, external GPUs, docking stations

5. VGA​

  • Type: Analog video
  • Max Resolution: Up to 1080p, but quality degrades
  • Main Use: Legacy monitors and projectors
  • Outdated: Yes, being phased out

6. DVI​

  • Type: Digital (DVI-D), Analog (DVI-A), or both (DVI-I)
  • Max Resolution: Up to 2560×1600 (dual-link DVI)
  • Main Use: Older PCs and monitors
  • Outdated: Mostly, replaced by HDMI/DP