How are important are video connections?

[gimmethedonut]

Hi, I am looking into two motherboards:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128840&cm_re=gigabyte_z170-_-13-128-840-_-Product (gigabyte ud3)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157633&cm_re=z170-_-13-157-633-_-Product (asrock extreme4)

I was wondering how important the video connection options are. The asrock has a DisplayPort connection whereas the Gigabyte only has DVI-D and HDMI 1.4 -would this really matter if I wanted to play at 4K 60fps in the future or are there ways around this.

Thanks.

 

[BrandonYoung]

If you plan on using a real graphics card instead of the onboard graphics, it won't matter what graphical outputs the motherboard offer, only what your graphics card offers.

If you want to game at 4k @ 60fps, you will need a real graphics card anyway (perhaps more than one).

 

[bailojustin]

The Video connections really do not matter much, all that you need to know is DVI-D and Displayport are the ones you are after, HDMI cant support 144hz, DVI-D and Displayport both can, also Display port can do up to 3,840x2,160-pixel resolution at 60fps, while DVI-D is nearly the same as Display ports, while HDMI sits back with DVI-i and VGA beneath the rest. HDMI can SUPPORT 4k but only at 30fps, the best atm is Display Port.

 

[gimmethedonut]

So the video options on the motherboard don't mean anything? Would you recommend the motherboard with displayport over the one without it, or does it not make any difference if the graphics card supports DisplayPort? I'd just like to make sure I have the upgrade path in the future.

 

[bailojustin]

So the video options on the motherboard don't mean anything? Would you recommend the motherboard with displayport over the one without it, or does it not make any difference if the graphics card supports DisplayPort? I'd just like to make sure I have the upgrade path in the future.

No the slots on the MOBO do not matter, if you plan on gaming and getting a GPU those are the only plugs that matter, the only reason for the plugs on the MOBO is for onboard graphics. if you dont have a GPU

 

[BrandonYoung]

Your upgrade path in my opinion would be to use a proper graphics card, and avoid the onboard video.

Onboard video is best suited for desktop work, web browsing, and very light gaming. I would not expect to get good detail and resolution at a playable framerate on onboard graphics for any game that has any 3D component.

On a side note, I LOVE my ASRock Extreme4.

Best of luck!

 

[gimmethedonut]

Jeeze, thanks for clearing that up, was getting real worried. On a separate issue, which motherboard would you get? Sorry to keep pestering but seems you guys know your stuff. At least more than I do 😀

 

[bailojustin]

Jeeze, thanks for clearing that up, was getting real worried. On a separate issue, which motherboard would you get? Sorry to keep pestering but seems you guys know your stuff. At least more than I do 😀

The ASROCK Extreme, its a very reliable and highly rated MOBO, it also has a great amount of connections, High speed, and many little added options when you buy it(Software).

 

[MarkW]

Starting next year, which is only a few months away now, All video cards, and even Intel motherboards will only offer DisplayPort (DP) and HDMI ports. IN most cases, it will be a few DP's and 1 HDMI port.

Just as VGA has vanished from cards already, DVI is very quickly dying as well.

These changes were announced by Intel, AMD, and Nvidia 5 years ago. And we have now reached the time frame where this is going to happen. Since new video cards will only have DP and an HDMI port, expect new monitors to start having mostly DP and maybe an HDMI port too. DP is already capable of carrying dual 4K signals. HDMI on the other hand is rapidly updating itself trying to keep up with DP.

We are likely to see the new DP 1.3 next year. That extends DP to carry 8K video signals at 60Hz. HDMI does not yet have this capability.

So yes, which ports your video card and monitors have matters. Now more than ever. Start focusing on DP and HDMI, or somewhere along the road forward, you will find yourself needing to buy adapters, if there are any of those available for where your hardware will be by the time you realize you need them. DVI will never be upgraded beyond the 2560x1440@1440Hz that it can support today. Only DP and HDMI will continue to be updated/upgraded.

 

[BrandonYoung]

Being somewhat bias in favor of ASRock, I would personally recommend the Extreme4. I really enjoy mine. ASRock has served me well for my last 7 motherboard purchases.

I have not had issues with gigabyte either however, I just favor ASRock.