Picking out the right HDMI cable for gaming needs isn’t as simple as buying the most expensive cables or those advertised as premium. The ever-changing demands of gaming require a bit more thought into picking the right cables.
Why The Wrong Cable Won’t Do
There’s such a wide range of quality among HDMI cables. Grabbing any old cable off the shelf, gamers will get varied results. Cheaply-made cables are less durable, and even expensive cables can be cheaply made.
Gaming often requires durable cables that can stand up to being moved as gamers rearrange or transport consoles.
Bandwidth Concerns
Bandwidth, the amount of information a cable can carry at once, is one of the biggest issues for gaming cables. Low bandwidth leads to apparently minor issues that can add up in effect, like flickering, discoloration, and distortions.
Especially with 4K gaining traction, getting an HDMI cable with sufficient bandwidth is of paramount importance.
Standard HDMI Cables
The first generation of HDMI, standard HDMI, is long outdated and mostly unavailable in stores. Gamers using these old cables can struggle to achieve even 1080p, full HD, with some cables meant for 1080i and 720p.
Unless a cable is years old and still in use, it’s unlikely to be a standard HDMI cable. These cables offer the lowest available quality.
High-Speed HDMI Cables
With a boost from 4.95 to 10.2 Gbps, high-speed HDMI more than doubles the bandwidth of standard HDMI. Once believed to be able to handle any challenges arising in the future, today, these cables struggle with 4K over 30 frames per second.
Anyone watching movies in 1080p or gaming on older consoles won’t notice, but these cables aren’t suitable for the latest consoles.
Premium High-Speed HDMI Cables
At last, premium high-speed HDMI 2.0 cables are suitable for gaming on the modern generation of consoles. Nearly doubling the bandwidth of high-speed HDMI cables, they handle 4K at 60 frames per second easily.
Though not every gamer will need a premium high-speed HDMI cable, some will appreciate features and support that come exclusively with this level cable.
Ultra-High Speed HDMI Cables
Ultra-high speed cables, or HDMI 2.1, offer over double the bandwidth of premium high-speed. This means they handle up to 8K at 60 frames per second. These cables stand up to even the most demanding uses.
The massive resolution and frame rate capabilities of HDMI 2.1 make it the premier choice in cables, at least for now.
HDMI cables can make-or-break the gaming experience. A low-quality HDMI cable can ruin gameplay. Shop the best HDMI cables in Canada at PrimeCables.ca. Use them on gaming consoles, home theater systems, and more.