PC GPMI vs. HDMI vs. DisplayPort vs. USB-C: The Cable Showdown August 20, 20251 view0 By IG Share Share The world of tech connectivity is a battleground of standards. For years, HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C have ruled their respective domains, from the living room to the office. Now, a powerful new challenger—GPMI—has entered the ring, promising a revolutionary single-cable solution for video, data, and unprecedented power. But can this new contender truly dethrone the kings? We dive deep into the specs, interactive charts, and head-to-head comparisons to find out which cable is right for you. GPMI vs. HDMI vs. DisplayPort vs. USB-C | The Ultimate Cable Showdown | Faceofit.com Faceofit.com Reviews Guides Comparisons About The New Contender: Is GPMI the One Cable to Rule Them All? A deep dive into the GPMI standard and how it stacks up against the titans of connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort, and the versatile USB-C. Note: If you buy something from our links, we might earn a commission. See our disclosure statement. The Dream of a Single Cable For years, we've juggled a mess of cables behind our desks and TVs. One for video, one for power, another for data. The new General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI) standard aims to end this chaos. Born from a consortium of over 50 tech giants, GPMI proposes a true "one-cable" solution, combining ultra-high-definition video, data, control, and unprecedented power delivery into a single, unified connection. But can it dethrone the reigning kings? The Old Way HDMI / DP Power Cable USB Data The GPMI Future One GPMI Cable Video, Power, Data & Control GPMI by the Numbers Peak Bandwidth (Gbps) Max Power Delivery (Watts) Meet the Titans: A Profile of the Incumbents HDMI: King of the Living Room The global standard for consumer electronics. Its universal presence on TVs, consoles, and soundbars, plus the critical eARC feature for high-quality audio, makes it the undisputed champion of home entertainment. DisplayPort: The PC Powerhouse The choice for high-performance PC gaming and professional workstations. Features like Multi-Stream Transport (MST) for daisy-chaining monitors and mature Adaptive Sync make it the top pick for enthusiasts. USB-C: The Universal Connector The master of versatility. While the connector is universal, its capabilities (video, data, power) vary. With protocols like Thunderbolt, it enables the "single-cable solution" for modern laptops and docking stations. Specification Showdown Feature GPMI Type-B GPMI Type-C HDMI 2.2 DisplayPort 2.1 USB-C (TB5) Max Bandwidth 192 Gbps 96 Gbps 96 Gbps 80 Gbps 80 Gbps (120 Boost) Max Power Delivery 480 W 240 W None None 240 W Key Audio Feature Bidirectional Bidirectional eARC Output Only Output Only Multi-Monitor Mesh Networking Mesh Networking None MST (Daisy-Chain) Daisy-Chain Connector Proprietary USB-C HDMI Type A DisplayPort / USB-C USB-C The Two Faces of GPMI Type-B: Maximum Performance This is the no-compromise version using a new proprietary connector. It's designed for the most demanding professional and future-proof consumer applications. ●192 Gbps Bandwidth: Unmatched throughput for multiple 8K streams or extreme refresh rates. ●480W Power Delivery: Enough to power a high-end gaming PC or workstation directly through the display cable. ●Target Use: Pro AV, digital signage, complex video walls, and ultimate enthusiast setups. Type-C: Broad Compatibility This version cleverly uses the familiar USB-C connector to lower the barrier to entry and accelerate mass-market adoption. ●96 Gbps Bandwidth: Still doubles HDMI 2.1, making it a top-tier performance option for the mainstream. ●240W Power Delivery: Aligns with the USB-C EPR spec, perfect for single-cable laptop docking solutions. ●Target Use: Laptops, monitors, smart TVs, and mobile devices. The 'Why' Behind GPMI: A Strategic Play GPMI isn't just a technical upgrade; it's a strategic move. Developed by the SUCA consortium—a group of over 50 Chinese tech giants like Huawei, Hisense, and TCL—it represents a push for technological sovereignty. The goal is twofold: Technological Leap: To create a true "one-cable" solution that fixes the fragmentation of current standards. Economic Independence: To build a domestic standard, reducing reliance on Western-controlled bodies like the HDMI Forum and VESA, thereby avoiding licensing fees and gaining full control over the technology's future. This state-supported initiative aims to establish a self-reliant tech ecosystem, a powerful driver for GPMI's development and guaranteed adoption within China's massive domestic market. Key Drivers Unified Standard Consolidate video, power, and data. Technological Sovereignty Reduce reliance on foreign standards. Under the Hood: A Technical Deep Dive GPMI's Core Architecture: The Data Highway GPMI is built on a sophisticated link-layer structure. The Main Link (ML) is the data superhighway, with up to eight channels running at 24 Gbps each. Its key innovation is flexible bidirectionality, allowing it to dynamically shift bandwidth. For example, it can run in an 8+0 configuration (192 Gbps downstream) for streaming 8K video, or a 6+2 configuration (144 Gbps down, 48 Gbps up) for interactive uses like cloud gaming that need significant upstream data. Security & Control: The ADCP Protocol GPMI forgoes the standard HDCP for its own homegrown content protection: Advanced Digital Content Protection (ADCP). This is another strategic move, using China's national SM3/SM4 cryptographic algorithms for a fully self-reliant security stack. ADCP is claimed to offer faster authentication and more secure frame-level encryption, protecting content even in complex multi-device mesh networks. Explainer: The USB-C Jungle It's crucial to understand that USB-C is just the connector shape. The port's capabilities depend on the protocol it supports. A USB-C port might only support basic data transfer, or it could support DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode) for video output, and/or Thunderbolt for the highest performance (video, data, and PCIe). The GPMI Type-C standard adds another powerful protocol to this mix. Always check your device's specifications to know what its USB-C port can actually do! Which Cable is Right for You? Select a use case to see our top recommendations. All 🖥️ PC Gaming 🎮 Console Gaming 🎬 Home Theater 💼 Pro Workstation 💻 Laptop Docking GPMI (Projected) The future-proof powerhouse. Unmatched bandwidth and power delivery make it a theoretical beast for high-end PC gaming and professional multi-monitor setups. 🏆 Best for: Ultimate PC Gaming Rigs Complex Pro Workstations Next-gen Laptop Docks HDMI 2.1/2.2 The undisputed king of the living room. Its mandatory support on consoles and the essential eARC feature make it the only choice for home theater. 🏆 Best for: PS5 & Xbox Series X Home Theater (eARC) AV Receivers & Soundbars DisplayPort 2.1 The professional's and PC gamer's choice. Mature Adaptive Sync and Multi-Stream Transport (MST) for daisy-chaining monitors keep it on top for now. 🏆 Best for: High-Refresh PC Gaming Multi-Monitor Setups Creative Professionals USB-C / Thunderbolt The champion of convenience. The single-cable solution for modern professionals, connecting laptops to monitors, power, and peripherals with ease. 🏆 Best for: Single-Cable Docking Mobile Professionals External GPUs & Storage The Road Ahead: GPMI's Battle for Adoption The Ecosystem Challenge GPMI's biggest hurdle is the billions of HDMI and DisplayPort devices already in use. Lack of direct backward compatibility creates a classic "chicken-and-egg" problem for manufacturers and consumers. The Geopolitical Factor GPMI's strong backing in China guarantees a large domestic market. However, it may be perceived as a "national standard" elsewhere, potentially facing political headwinds and slower adoption in Western markets. A Catalyst for Evolution The threat from GPMI's superior specs may force the HDMI Forum and VESA to innovate faster. This competition could lead to new versions of HDMI and DP that incorporate features like high-wattage power delivery. Our Recommendations For Consumers & Professionals A "watch and wait" approach is best. The current HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 ecosystems are mature and will serve all high-performance needs for the foreseeable future. Keep an eye on GPMI, especially if you work in Pro AV, as it may offer compelling solutions in 3-5 years. For Manufacturers A dual-interface strategy is key. For global products, supporting the latest HDMI and USB-C standards is essential. For products targeting the Chinese domestic market, GPMI support will likely become mandatory. Integrating GPMI-C is a lower-risk entry point to test the new standard. The Verdict: Evolution or Revolution? GPMI is an audacious and technologically impressive standard. Its all-in-one architecture could radically simplify complex setups in professional environments and for high-end enthusiasts. However, it faces a monumental challenge in overcoming the massive ecosystem of its rivals. For now, the choice remains clear: HDMI for the living room, DisplayPort for the high-end gaming PC, and USB-C for the mobile professional. But GPMI is a powerful catalyst. Its very existence will force the established players to innovate faster, pushing them to integrate features like high-wattage power delivery. The battle for the future of connectivity has just begun, and the ultimate winner will be the consumer. 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The New Contender: Is GPMI the One Cable to Rule Them All? A deep dive into the GPMI standard and how it stacks up against the titans of connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort, and the versatile USB-C. Note: If you buy something from our links, we might earn a commission. See our disclosure statement. The Dream of a Single Cable For years, we've juggled a mess of cables behind our desks and TVs. One for video, one for power, another for data. The new General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI) standard aims to end this chaos. Born from a consortium of over 50 tech giants, GPMI proposes a true "one-cable" solution, combining ultra-high-definition video, data, control, and unprecedented power delivery into a single, unified connection. But can it dethrone the reigning kings? The Old Way HDMI / DP Power Cable USB Data The GPMI Future One GPMI Cable Video, Power, Data & Control GPMI by the Numbers Peak Bandwidth (Gbps) Max Power Delivery (Watts) Meet the Titans: A Profile of the Incumbents HDMI: King of the Living Room The global standard for consumer electronics. Its universal presence on TVs, consoles, and soundbars, plus the critical eARC feature for high-quality audio, makes it the undisputed champion of home entertainment. DisplayPort: The PC Powerhouse The choice for high-performance PC gaming and professional workstations. Features like Multi-Stream Transport (MST) for daisy-chaining monitors and mature Adaptive Sync make it the top pick for enthusiasts. USB-C: The Universal Connector The master of versatility. While the connector is universal, its capabilities (video, data, power) vary. With protocols like Thunderbolt, it enables the "single-cable solution" for modern laptops and docking stations. Specification Showdown Feature GPMI Type-B GPMI Type-C HDMI 2.2 DisplayPort 2.1 USB-C (TB5) Max Bandwidth 192 Gbps 96 Gbps 96 Gbps 80 Gbps 80 Gbps (120 Boost) Max Power Delivery 480 W 240 W None None 240 W Key Audio Feature Bidirectional Bidirectional eARC Output Only Output Only Multi-Monitor Mesh Networking Mesh Networking None MST (Daisy-Chain) Daisy-Chain Connector Proprietary USB-C HDMI Type A DisplayPort / USB-C USB-C The Two Faces of GPMI Type-B: Maximum Performance This is the no-compromise version using a new proprietary connector. It's designed for the most demanding professional and future-proof consumer applications. ●192 Gbps Bandwidth: Unmatched throughput for multiple 8K streams or extreme refresh rates. ●480W Power Delivery: Enough to power a high-end gaming PC or workstation directly through the display cable. ●Target Use: Pro AV, digital signage, complex video walls, and ultimate enthusiast setups. Type-C: Broad Compatibility This version cleverly uses the familiar USB-C connector to lower the barrier to entry and accelerate mass-market adoption. ●96 Gbps Bandwidth: Still doubles HDMI 2.1, making it a top-tier performance option for the mainstream. ●240W Power Delivery: Aligns with the USB-C EPR spec, perfect for single-cable laptop docking solutions. ●Target Use: Laptops, monitors, smart TVs, and mobile devices. The 'Why' Behind GPMI: A Strategic Play GPMI isn't just a technical upgrade; it's a strategic move. Developed by the SUCA consortium—a group of over 50 Chinese tech giants like Huawei, Hisense, and TCL—it represents a push for technological sovereignty. The goal is twofold: Technological Leap: To create a true "one-cable" solution that fixes the fragmentation of current standards. Economic Independence: To build a domestic standard, reducing reliance on Western-controlled bodies like the HDMI Forum and VESA, thereby avoiding licensing fees and gaining full control over the technology's future. This state-supported initiative aims to establish a self-reliant tech ecosystem, a powerful driver for GPMI's development and guaranteed adoption within China's massive domestic market. Key Drivers Unified Standard Consolidate video, power, and data. Technological Sovereignty Reduce reliance on foreign standards. Under the Hood: A Technical Deep Dive GPMI's Core Architecture: The Data Highway GPMI is built on a sophisticated link-layer structure. The Main Link (ML) is the data superhighway, with up to eight channels running at 24 Gbps each. Its key innovation is flexible bidirectionality, allowing it to dynamically shift bandwidth. For example, it can run in an 8+0 configuration (192 Gbps downstream) for streaming 8K video, or a 6+2 configuration (144 Gbps down, 48 Gbps up) for interactive uses like cloud gaming that need significant upstream data. Security & Control: The ADCP Protocol GPMI forgoes the standard HDCP for its own homegrown content protection: Advanced Digital Content Protection (ADCP). This is another strategic move, using China's national SM3/SM4 cryptographic algorithms for a fully self-reliant security stack. ADCP is claimed to offer faster authentication and more secure frame-level encryption, protecting content even in complex multi-device mesh networks. Explainer: The USB-C Jungle It's crucial to understand that USB-C is just the connector shape. The port's capabilities depend on the protocol it supports. A USB-C port might only support basic data transfer, or it could support DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode) for video output, and/or Thunderbolt for the highest performance (video, data, and PCIe). The GPMI Type-C standard adds another powerful protocol to this mix. Always check your device's specifications to know what its USB-C port can actually do! Which Cable is Right for You? Select a use case to see our top recommendations. All 🖥️ PC Gaming 🎮 Console Gaming 🎬 Home Theater 💼 Pro Workstation 💻 Laptop Docking GPMI (Projected) The future-proof powerhouse. Unmatched bandwidth and power delivery make it a theoretical beast for high-end PC gaming and professional multi-monitor setups. 🏆 Best for: Ultimate PC Gaming Rigs Complex Pro Workstations Next-gen Laptop Docks HDMI 2.1/2.2 The undisputed king of the living room. Its mandatory support on consoles and the essential eARC feature make it the only choice for home theater. 🏆 Best for: PS5 & Xbox Series X Home Theater (eARC) AV Receivers & Soundbars DisplayPort 2.1 The professional's and PC gamer's choice. Mature Adaptive Sync and Multi-Stream Transport (MST) for daisy-chaining monitors keep it on top for now. 🏆 Best for: High-Refresh PC Gaming Multi-Monitor Setups Creative Professionals USB-C / Thunderbolt The champion of convenience. The single-cable solution for modern professionals, connecting laptops to monitors, power, and peripherals with ease. 🏆 Best for: Single-Cable Docking Mobile Professionals External GPUs & Storage The Road Ahead: GPMI's Battle for Adoption The Ecosystem Challenge GPMI's biggest hurdle is the billions of HDMI and DisplayPort devices already in use. Lack of direct backward compatibility creates a classic "chicken-and-egg" problem for manufacturers and consumers. The Geopolitical Factor GPMI's strong backing in China guarantees a large domestic market. However, it may be perceived as a "national standard" elsewhere, potentially facing political headwinds and slower adoption in Western markets. A Catalyst for Evolution The threat from GPMI's superior specs may force the HDMI Forum and VESA to innovate faster. This competition could lead to new versions of HDMI and DP that incorporate features like high-wattage power delivery. Our Recommendations For Consumers & Professionals A "watch and wait" approach is best. The current HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 ecosystems are mature and will serve all high-performance needs for the foreseeable future. Keep an eye on GPMI, especially if you work in Pro AV, as it may offer compelling solutions in 3-5 years. For Manufacturers A dual-interface strategy is key. For global products, supporting the latest HDMI and USB-C standards is essential. For products targeting the Chinese domestic market, GPMI support will likely become mandatory. Integrating GPMI-C is a lower-risk entry point to test the new standard. The Verdict: Evolution or Revolution? GPMI is an audacious and technologically impressive standard. Its all-in-one architecture could radically simplify complex setups in professional environments and for high-end enthusiasts. However, it faces a monumental challenge in overcoming the massive ecosystem of its rivals. For now, the choice remains clear: HDMI for the living room, DisplayPort for the high-end gaming PC, and USB-C for the mobile professional. But GPMI is a powerful catalyst. Its very existence will force the established players to innovate faster, pushing them to integrate features like high-wattage power delivery. The battle for the future of connectivity has just begun, and the ultimate winner will be the consumer.
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