Best way to connect external monitor to MacBook Pro

I have a Dell P2217H monitor that I use with my 2020 M1 MacBookBook Pro (running Big Sur 11.2.1). Previously I used a DisplayPort cable connected to my CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock. This worked, though the monitor sometimes didn't wake from sleep. (I have also experienced intermittent crashes in Microsoft Word that I suspect may have something to do with the OS and my hardware configuration).

More recently I tried plugging the Dell monitor via a DisplayPort to USB-C cable, also plugged into the Thunderbolt dock. This made the sleep issues worse, so I now plug this cable directly to one of the two USB-C ports on the MacBook Pro. This has proven to be the best combination (though it uses up one of the two USB-C ports). The Dell monitor wakes from sleep very quickly and I've had no crashes in Microsoft Word for at least two weeks now.

I don't see any recommendations from Apple about how to connect third-party monitors, but perhaps there is a reason why one cable might be better than another. Perhaps an HDMI cable would work well too. Any thoughts?