5 ways to make use of spare HDMI ports

Many new graphics cards and monitors now prefer the DisplayPort (DP) connection, leaving the HDMI port on many motherboards empty. But the port doesn't have to be useless. There are plenty of useful devices you can connect to that HDMI port, including projectors, virtual reality (VR) headsets, and secondary monitors.

 

Switch to a Soundbar for a cleaner setup

Multichannel speaker systems had their day, but that's largely a thing of the past. If you have an HDMI port to spare, consider switching to a compact soundbar. Not only will it save you desk space, it can deliver superior sound quality. It also cuts down on cable clutter, with just a single connection. Soundbars also come in a wide range of prices, making it easy to find one that fits your budget.

Note, however, that some budget soundbars may only support USB connections. HDMI is still a better choice, as it supports a wide range of audio formats and usually provides enough bandwidth for high-fidelity audio. HDMI is standard on most soundbars, even budget models, but you should still check the specs to be sure.

 

Older generation VR headsets can work via HDMI connection

Admittedly, most modern VR headsets use USB-C to connect to your PC and play PCVR games, but some older models—like the Oculus Rift CV1 or HTC Vive—use HDMI.

If your monitor is already occupying the DisplayPort port on your graphics card, there's nothing stopping you from using the freed-up HDMI port to connect a compatible VR headset. While older headsets have more limited game libraries, it's still a viable option.

This doesn't mean you should go out and buy a new VR headset, but if you have an old headset lying around or can pick up a cheap used model to try out some VR games, it's a good idea to use the HDMI port for this purpose.

Connecting a Capture Card to a Dual PC Stream System

Streaming is becoming more popular than ever, and if you're into it or thinking about getting into it, you might want to consider a dual-PC setup. For this to work, you'll need a capture card. By connecting the capture card to your streaming PC and receiving the video signal from a free HDMI port on your gaming PC, you can stream your content.

This setup helps reduce the streaming burden on your gaming PC's graphics card, thereby completely eliminating performance drops when you're recording your virtual adventures to share with everyone.

 

Of course, if you have a modern, powerful GPU, this may not be a big deal. On the other hand, there are many users who haven't had the opportunity to upgrade in a long time, and they shouldn't be held back from streaming effectively just because their GPU is somewhat outdated. If that's the case, using a capture card in the way described here can significantly improve your streaming experience.

Change the visual experience with projectors

Some people like to enjoy content on a big screen. Others prefer a more compact space, at least when it comes to PCs. If you're in the "big screen" camp, you can get that experience without having to buy a giant monitor.

You might consider using a projector instead of a regular screen, which can make for a much better gaming and movie watching experience. This is a great solution for anyone who enjoys home theater or gaming on giant screens.

The best part is that it's incredibly simple to set up. Just connect the projector to your PC via HDMI and find a great spot to project the image. Of course, not everyone has a large, flat wall to view the projected image clearly, but it's still a fun idea. Just be aware of the quality of the speakers. Some projectors have built-in speakers, but they may not be as good as a dedicated pair of speakers you might own.

Second screen

Perhaps the most obvious, but also the most useful, use you can make with a spare HDMI port is to add a second monitor. Having a second monitor makes multitasking much more efficient. Even if your GPU only has one HDMI port, you can always use a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter to connect that second monitor.

Of course, dual monitors aren't for everyone. You may not have enough desk space, or you may prefer a single ultra-wide monitor instead of two separate ones.

 

However, there are plenty of areas of work where dual monitors can be extremely useful: programming, video editing, photography, and any other work that requires constantly switching between multiple programs. While it's not the solution for everyone, it can make a huge difference in productivity.

There are probably a lot of other devices you could plug into a spare HDMI port on your PC. In fact, the more ports you have, the more versatile your entire system becomes. Why stop at the ports on your PC? There are also plenty of ways to make use of the ports on your monitor. Ultimately, it's all about seeing what cool devices you can add to your system, even if you don't really need them.