Things get even more complex when you want to convert from HDMI to DisplayPort. We’ll talk about that as well. But how exactly do active and passive adapters work? What makes one better than the other? And which option is best for home use versus professional use? Intel HD4000 and HD5000 series graphics controllers with modern Windows 10 and Windows 11 releases may be limited to 4K 30Hz when using a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter, however may still support 4K 60Hz with a direct DisplayPort connection. This appears to be an issue with the discontinued Intel graphics drivers (last updated by Intel in 2015) and Windows releases after about 2018. As long as they support the same specification, a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter works similarly to an HDMI cable.

On the other hand, DisplayPort, despite being a replacement for DVI, uses completely different technology. It also uses a lower cable voltage, only 3.3 volts instead of HDMI’s 5 volts. So how can a passive adapter even work without added power? Let’s take a look! DisplayPort to HDMI: Easy As Pie

So, where does this leave us? When should you use a passive adapter versus an active adapter? To begin with, passive adapters are the easiest, most affordable solution. Provided your GPU supports DP++, they’re plug and play, so you don’t have to do any extra work. If you can use a passive DisplayPort adapter, you should.

The exception to this would be if you want to use resolutions higher than 1920 x 1200. In that case, you’d either need to downscale the video, or use a dual-link DVI cable. To do that, you need a more complex, active adapter. Another exception is if you need both audio and video. In that case, you’d need to run a separate cable for audio. DisplayPort to HDMI/DVI/VGA conversion is deceptively complex because the two standards use different electrical signaling. DisplayPort comes in two versions —" Dual Mode" DisplayPort ( DP++), which allows the port to actually switch its electrical signaling to a different format , and "pure" DisplayPort ( DP), which is intended for DisplayPort monitors without any conversion. Computers with dual-graphics configurations with Intel HD4000 and HD5000 series graphics may also be limited to 4K 60Hz even if the second graphics card has updated drivers. For example computers with Intel and NVIDIA graphics. This is due to how the two graphics controllers share the output port, the Intel graphics controller generally controls the port and "passes" through video data from the second graphics controller, limitations on Display detection and maximum resolution are set by the Intel graphics driver.All DisplayPort to VGA adapters are active. DisplayPort to HDMI and DisplayPort to DVI adapters can be either active or passive. Active DisplayPort adapters have a chip (semiconductor) to boost the performance of that device. If there is no chip, the adapter is considered passive. Basically, if the adapter includes a little box that houses the conversation chip it is active. If the adapter cable is no bigger than a regular plug, it is most likely passive. How to Connect to Multiple Monitors DVI was a 24-pin connector, and offered 1920 × 1200 video at 60 frames per second. Sadly, it did not carry an audio signal. By adding five more pins and improving the technology, HDMI was able to support 4K video and 32-channel audio. The profile has also been slimmed down to make it easier for consumer use. Furthermore, both standards utilize transition-minimized differential signaling (TMDS) technology. The specifics of this technology aren’t really important for our purposes. The point is that converting from DVI to HDMI is easy, as is converting in reverse. Most Windows notebook computers power management settings will default to putting the computer to sleep with the lid closed, regardless of any external displays, keyboard, or mouse connected to the computer. If this is happening but you would prefer the system to remain active with the lid closed utilizing the external display or displays, these settings can be changed by performing the following: For Windows 10: If your device supports DP++, a passive DisplayPort to HDMI adapter will work just fine. Q: How Do I Know if My DisplayPort Is Dual Mode? Longer cables may not support 4K 60Hz with this adapter due to the limited power output of DisplayPort computer outputs