Contents15
- Which port fits each resolution and refresh rate
- Check your own setup with the calculator
- Ports and cables for PS5, Xbox and Switch 2
- Bandwidth by port and version
- Why is USB-C not showing video on a monitor?
- DisplayPort cables and how long they can be
- Can you convert DisplayPort to HDMI?
- Picks by condition
- For DisplayPort 1.4 or UHBR10
- For UHBR13.5 or faster
- USB-C to HDMI
- FAQ
- Should I use HDMI or DisplayPort?
- Can you convert DisplayPort to HDMI, or HDMI to DisplayPort?
- Which port do I need for 4K at 240Hz with 10-bit HDR?
In this calculation, HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 have enough bandwidth for 1080p at 60Hz. For USB-C, first check that your device supports DisplayPort Alt Mode.
For 4K at 144Hz in 10-bit HDR, HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 at UHBR13.5 or UHBR20 cover the full calculated range uncompressed. DisplayPort 1.4 needs DSC (compression that’s visually lossless).
The numbers come from standards bodies’ documents as of October 2026. Color is not subsampled (4:4:4, meaning no color detail is dropped), and no hardware was tested.
Which port fits each resolution and refresh rate
In this calculation, for 4K at 60Hz in 10-bit HDR, HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 have enough bandwidth.
To check your setup:
- Look up the video ports on your device and your monitor in their spec sheets
- Decide on a resolution and refresh rate. On a console, look in the display menu for a setting such as “4K at 120Hz”
- Find your row in the table below, or enter it in the calculator
The table compares each port’s maximum bandwidth. Check which resolutions and refresh rates your device and monitor actually support.
The table has no UHBR10 column. In this calculation (4:4:4 color), DisplayPort 2.1 at UHBR10 carries 4K at 144Hz in 8-bit uncompressed. In 10-bit HDR it depends on the signal: some fit and some don’t.
Assumptions: uncompressed data rates, as a range between PC and TV signal timings, with full 4:4:4 color and HDR counted as 10-bit. HDMI 2.1 at 4K 120Hz and up and 8K follow HDMI.org’s video table
| Video format | Video data needed | HDMI 2.0 | HDMI 2.1 | DisplayPort 1.4 | DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR13.5 | DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p at 60Hz, 8-bit | 3.19–3.57 Gbps | ✓ Uncompressed | ✓ Uncompressed | ✓ Uncompressed | ✓ Uncompressed | ✓ Uncompressed |
| 1440p at 144Hz, 8-bit | 14.07–14.2 Gbps | △ Uncompressed (borderline) | ✓ Uncompressed | ✓ Uncompressed | ✓ Uncompressed | ✓ Uncompressed |
| 1440p at 240Hz, 10-bit (HDR) | 30.78 Gbps | ✕ Not enough | ✓ Uncompressed | △ Needs DSC | ✓ Uncompressed | ✓ Uncompressed |
| 4K at 60Hz, 8-bit | 12.54–14.26 Gbps | △ Uncompressed (borderline) | ✓ Uncompressed | ✓ Uncompressed | ✓ Uncompressed | ✓ Uncompressed |
| 4K at 60Hz, 10-bit (HDR) | 15.67–17.82 Gbps | ✕ Not enough | ✓ Uncompressed | ✓ Uncompressed | ✓ Uncompressed | ✓ Uncompressed |
| 4K at 120Hz, 10-bit (HDR) | 32.24–35.64 Gbps | ✕ Not enough | ✓ Uncompressed | △ Needs DSC | ✓ Uncompressed | ✓ Uncompressed |
| 4K at 144Hz, 10-bit (HDR) | 37.5–39.19 Gbps | ✕ Not enough | ✓ Uncompressed | △ Needs DSC | ✓ Uncompressed | ✓ Uncompressed |
| 4K at 240Hz, 10-bit (HDR) | 68.56 Gbps | ✕ Not enough | △ Needs DSC | △ Needs DSC | △ Needs DSC | ✓ Uncompressed |
| 8K at 60Hz, 10-bit (HDR) | 62.05–71.28 Gbps | ✕ Not enough | △ Needs DSC | △ Needs DSC | △ Needs DSC | ✓ Uncompressed |
- “Uncompressed” means the video goes through as is
- “Uncompressed (borderline)” means less than 3% of the port’s capacity is left over
- “Needs DSC” means that in this calculation the video fits only if it is compressed with DSC, which is nearly lossless. Both the sending and the receiving device must support it
Check your own setup with the calculator
Pick the ports, resolution, refresh rate and color depth from steps 1 and 2. It shows the verdict and the cable.
Video port and cable check
Pick your device and its port, the monitor's port, and a resolution, refresh rate and color depth to see which port and version carry it, whether it fits uncompressed, and which cable or adapter you need, plus a certified cable or adapter that fits.
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Ports and cables for PS5, Xbox and Switch 2
| Console | Cable requirement |
|---|---|
| PS5 | Per the PlayStation Blog, the PS5’s included HDMI cable is recommended. For another cable, use an Ultra High Speed one that supports HDMI 2.1 |
| Xbox Series X and S | Per the Xbox website, both the Xbox Series X and Series S come with an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable |
| Switch 2 | Per Nintendo Australia’s support page, connecting a Switch 2 to a TV takes an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, and one comes with the Switch 2 |
Pick cables by this table. It is separate from the bandwidth math.
Per the makers’ official pages, the PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Switch 2 all output video over HDMI. The PS5 and Xbox use HDMI 2.1, and the Switch 2’s specs don’t state an HDMI version.
For 4K at 120Hz from a PS5 or Xbox Series X, the monitor also needs an HDMI 2.1 input. An HDMI 2.0 input can’t carry 4K at 120Hz.
The Switch 2’s specs don’t name an HDMI version, so its 4K at 60Hz is counted as HDMI 2.0. It is borderline in 8-bit, and falls short for 10-bit HDR in full 4:4:4 color.
Bandwidth by port and version
What separates the ports is how much video data they can send per second.
| Port and version | Max bandwidth | Usable for video | With DSC (before compression) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI 2.0 | 18 Gbps | 14.4 Gbps | None |
| HDMI 2.1 | 48 Gbps | 42.66 Gbps | 127.98 Gbps |
| DisplayPort 1.4 | 32.4 Gbps | 25.92 Gbps | 77.76 Gbps |
| DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR10 | 40 Gbps | 38.68 Gbps | 116.04 Gbps |
| DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR13.5 | 54 Gbps | 52.22 Gbps | 156.66 Gbps |
| DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20 | 80 Gbps | 77.37 Gbps | 232.11 Gbps |
UHBR is the name for DisplayPort 2.1’s faster link speeds, and a bigger number is faster. The DSC column assumes DSC compresses the video to one third, so it shows the uncompressed amount that fits.
Per HDMI.org, every HDMI 2.1 feature is optional, so an “HDMI 2.1” label doesn’t guarantee 4K at 120Hz.
HDMI 2.2 isn’t in the table or the calculator, because compatible devices weren’t researched. It goes up to 96 Gbps, and the Ultra96 cable is the only one that supports all of its features.
Why is USB-C not showing video on a monitor?
Your USB-C port may not support video output. Check in this order:
- Per the DisplayPort FAQ, whether a USB-C port outputs video depends on the device; check the specs for “DisplayPort Alt Mode” or a DP logo next to the port
- Per VESA, USB-C DP Alt Mode carries up to 80 Gbps when all four lanes carry video, and up to 40 Gbps when USB data shares the cable. If you can’t tell which setup you have, judge by the USB-sharing side. The calculator lets you pick the connection
- Per the DisplayPort FAQ, from a USB-C port that supports DP Alt Mode, adapters and cables connect to DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI and VGA inputs. For 4K at 60Hz, check the cable’s supported resolution and refresh rate in its specs
- For a hub or dock, check its specs for video output and for the resolutions and refresh rates it supports
USB-C and Thunderbolt are not the same thing. Per Intel, USB Type-C is a connector shape and Thunderbolt 5 is a standard. Thunderbolt 5 uses the USB Type-C port, and computers, accessories and cables all require certification.
Per USB-IF, USB4’s 80 Gbps runs over 80 Gbps-certified cables.
DisplayPort cables and how long they can be
Pick a DisplayPort cable by its logo. Per VESA, DisplayPort cables are told apart by VESA’s DP40 and DP80 logos. DP40 is rated for UHBR10 and is backward compatible with DisplayPort 1.4 speeds.
| Cable | Speed it carries | Length guidance |
|---|---|---|
| DP40 | Up to UHBR10 | Needs improvements beyond 2 m |
| DP54 | Up to UHBR13.5 | Up to 2 m |
| DP80 | Up to UHBR20 | Needs improvements beyond 1 m |
| DP80LL (active) | Up to UHBR20 | Up to 3 m |
Can you convert DisplayPort to HDMI?
Check the converter’s direction and its supported resolution and refresh rate first. The converter and both devices must support your target video format.
Per Dell’s support article, DisplayPort to HDMI works through an adapter. HDMI to DisplayPort takes an active converter.
A passive DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter only works on a DP++ (Dual-Mode) output. Active DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapters work with both regular DP and DP++ outputs. Conversion is one-way; HDMI to DisplayPort needs a converter made for that direction.
Check your PC’s or graphics card’s spec sheet to see whether it supports DP++.
For bandwidth, the smaller side of the chain sets the limit. Going from DisplayPort 1.4 to HDMI 2.1, 4K at 120Hz in 10-bit needs DSC.
Picks by condition
Check your monitor’s input port and the speed you need against the table or the calculator before you pick. One pick per condition where a listing qualifies. The criteria:
- The maker’s official page states the certification or specs. VESA’s certified-product database did not confirm a registration for the lengths picked
- Sold new, with at least 100 ratings and 4 stars or more. The 100 is judged on the count pooled across lengths. For DP80 the pooling is confirmed. Whether the DP40 count is pooled is not confirmed. The USB-C to HDMI count is likely pooled across lengths too. One pick has fewer than 100 ratings (the calculator’s card says so). It is new, sold by the maker and shipped by Amazon
- Not a marked-up third-party import
The picks come from the Amazon.com listings compared, and only when they were sold by the maker and shipped by Amazon. Check prices on the store.
For DisplayPort 1.4 or UHBR10
It is 2 m (6.6 ft) long.
Sold by Cable Matters (the maker). Ships from Amazon.
For UHBR13.5 or faster
A passive UHBR20 cable needs improvements beyond 1 m, so the pick is 1 m (3.3 ft).
USB-C to HDMI
The maker lists HDMI 2.1 with 4K up to 240Hz, or 4K at 60Hz on a Mac. It is 1.8 m (6 ft) long. It is one-way, USB-C to HDMI, and needs a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode.
Picks for other setups (the calculator shows their product cards too):
| Setup | Pick |
|---|---|
| HDMI to HDMI (Ultra High Speed HDMI certified, 1.8 m / 6 ft) | Anker HDMI 2.1 Cable (A8742), 6 ft |
| HDMI device to a DisplayPort monitor (active, one-way, 4K up to 30Hz) | Cable Matters HDMI to DisplayPort Adapter (active, one-way, 4K at 30Hz) |
| USB-C to USB-C (Thunderbolt 5, 1 m) | OWC Thunderbolt 5 Cable, 3.3 ft |
| USB-C device to a DisplayPort monitor at UHBR13.5 or faster (DP80 certified, 1 m. The calculator also shows it for DP40 conditions, as a higher tier than needed) | Club 3D USB-C to DisplayPort DP80 Cable, 3.3 ft |
FAQ
Should I use HDMI or DisplayPort?
For a game console or TV, use HDMI. For a PC monitor with a DisplayPort input, use whichever port the “Which port fits each resolution and refresh rate” table says is enough.
In this calculation, HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 have enough bandwidth for 1080p at 60Hz. For USB-C, first check that your device supports DisplayPort Alt Mode.
This assumes both your device and your monitor have that port.
Can you convert DisplayPort to HDMI, or HDMI to DisplayPort?
Per Dell’s support article, DisplayPort to HDMI works through an adapter. HDMI to DisplayPort takes an active converter.
A passive DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter only works on a DP++ (Dual-Mode) output. Active DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapters work with both regular DP and DP++ outputs.
Conversion is one-way; HDMI to DisplayPort needs a converter made for that direction.
Which port do I need for 4K at 240Hz with 10-bit HDR?
In this calculation (4:4:4 color), among the ports compared here, only DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20 carries 4K at 240Hz in 10-bit HDR uncompressed. HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 need DSC.
Data and formulas used (for verification)
How this was checked: Worked out from the standards bodies’ and makers’ official pages as of October 2026. No hardware was tested. Standards bodies: HDMI.org HDMI 2.2, VESA DisplayPort 2.1, VESA DisplayPort FAQ, USB-IF USB4. Makers: Intel Thunderbolt 5, PlayStation Blog PS5 FAQ, Nintendo Switch 2 tech specs. Adapters: Dell’s adapter guide, Cable Matters USB-C to HDMI, Cable Matters HDMI to DisplayPort.
Method
- Video data rate = pixel clock × bits per color × 3 ÷ 1000, in Gbps, uncompressed. Color is not subsampled (4:4:4) and HDR is counted as 10-bit. The pixel clock is a range: the VESA CVT-RB2 formula (minimum blanking used by PCs) against CTA-861 (TV and console timing) and Dell’s published timings. Shown to two decimals, the low end rounded down and the high end rounded up.
- Usable video capacity per port: HDMI 2.0 is 18 Gbps × 8/10 (TMDS) = 14.4 Gbps, HDMI 2.1 is 48 Gbps × 16/18 (FRL) = 42.66 Gbps, DisplayPort 1.4 uses VESA’s maximum payload 25.92 Gbps, and DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20 is 77.37 Gbps. UHBR10 and UHBR13.5 scale the UHBR20 figure by per-lane rate (38.68 Gbps, 52.22 Gbps). Rounded down to two decimals.
- DSC is counted as compressing up to one third on DisplayPort 1.4 and 2.1 and HDMI 2.1. HDMI 2.0 has no DSC. DSC needs support on both the sending and receiving device. HDMI 2.1 at 4K 120Hz and up, and 8K, follow HDMI.org’s video table. HDMI 2.2 is left out because compatible devices were not checked.
- Verdict: if the high end fits, uncompressed. With less than 3% to spare, borderline. If only the low end fits, it depends on the signal. If DSC makes it fit, DSC is needed. The Switch 2 states no HDMI version, so it is judged at HDMI 2.0 capacity. Cable requirements (such as a console’s included cable) are given separately from the bandwidth math, from each maker’s official page.
- USB-C is judged by the DisplayPort version in its specs and by the connection. Per VESA, DP Alt Mode carries up to 80 Gbps when all four lanes carry video and up to 40 Gbps (two lanes) when USB data is sent at the same time. The four-lane case uses the version’s usable video capacity as is; the two-lane case with USB data uses half of it. When the connection is unknown, it is judged on the 40 Gbps (two-lane) side: if that fits, it works either way. If the 40 Gbps side falls short but four lanes fit, no firm check mark is shown and the result is ‘depends on the connection’. For USB-C to HDMI, the connection applies only to the DisplayPort leg.
- Color-depth check: 4K at 240Hz in 12-bit needs up to 82.27 Gbps at the high end, above UHBR20’s usable video capacity of 77.37 Gbps. The article’s claim that only UHBR20 carries 4K at 240Hz uncompressed covers up to 10-bit (HDR).
- Cable length uses only VESA’s statements: the lengths beyond which passive cables need improvements (DP40 beyond 2 m, DP80 beyond 1 m), DP80LL up to 3 m, and DP54 up to 2 m. No hardware was tested. Picks come from products whose maker pages state the certification and specs, among new Amazon listings with 100+ ratings (judged on the count pooled across lengths), 4+ stars, no Sakura Checker warning and no lower-than-Amazon score, and no import, the cheapest per condition including shipping.
Official values used
| Item | Value | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI 2.1 / Ultra High Speed cable bandwidth | 48 Gbps | hdmi.org | 2026-10-09 |
| Video formats targeted by Ultra High Speed cable | 8K@60 and 4K@120 | hdmi.org Ultra High Speed: 8K@60 and 4K@120 formats | 2026-10-09 |
| HDMI 2.2 / Ultra96 cable bandwidth | 96 Gbps | hdmi.org Up to 96Gbps bandwidth and next-gen HDMI Fixed Rate Link technology; The new Ult | 2026-10-09 |
| HDMI 2.2 supported formats | 12K@120 and 16K@60; uncompressed 8K@60/4:4:4 and 4K@240/4:4:4 at 10-bit and 12-bit | hdmi.org Supported resolutions include 4K240 and 8K60, both uncompressed and with full ch | 2026-10-09 |
| Cable needed for all HDMI 2.2 applications | Ultra96 HDMI Cable is the only cable that supports all HDMI 2.2 applications | hdmi.org The new Ultra96 HDMI Cable supports up to 96Gbps bandwidth and is the only cable | 2026-10-09 |
| Ultra96 feature name (devices) | Ultra96 feature name: 64Gbps, 80Gbps or 96Gbps | hdmi.org “Ultra96” is a feature name that manufacturers are encouraged to use to indicate | 2026-10-09 |
| Ultra cable certification being mandatory | mandatory certification program (Ultra96 and Ultra High Speed) | hdmi.org Both the Ultra96 HDMI Cable and Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable are part of the Ultr | 2026-10-09 |
| HDMI 2.1 features being optional | optional | hdmi.org | 2026-10-09 |
| DisplayPort 1.4a maximum link bandwidth | 32.4 Gbps | vesa.org The previous version of DisplayPort, v1.4a, provided a maximum link bandwidth of | 2026-10-09 |
| DisplayPort 1.4a maximum payload | 25.92 Gbps | vesa.org With 8b/10b channel coding, that equates to a maximum payload of 25.92 Gbps. | 2026-10-09 |
| DisplayPort 2.1 maximum bandwidth (UHBR20, four lanes) | 80 Gbps | vesa.org VESA certified DP80 cables support up to the UHBR20 link rate (20 Gbps), with fo | 2026-10-09 |
| DisplayPort 2.1b maximum payload | 77.37 Gbps | displayport.org DisplayPort 2.1b … maximum link rate to up to 20 Gbps/lane and features more e | 2026-10-09 |
| DP40 cable definition | UHBR10, 40Gbps (DP40) | vesa.org VESA certified DP40 cables support up to the UHBR10 link rate (10 Gbps), with fo | 2026-10-09 |
| DisplayPort cable certification logo | DP40 / DP80 logo from VESA | vesa.org if your cable has the DP40 or DP80 logo from VESA, it will meet the specs for th | 2026-10-09 |
| DP40 / DP80 cable backward compatibility | DP40 and DP80 cables are backward compatible with RBR, HBR, HBR2 and HBR3 | vesa.org fully backward compatible with devices supporting DisplayPort link rates previou | 2026-10-09 |
| DP40 / DP80 cable length guidance | DP40: improvements needed beyond 2 m; DP80 passive: beyond 1 m; DP80LL active: up to 3 m | vesa.org improved connectivity and longer cable lengths (beyond two meters for DP40 cable | 2026-10-09 |
| DSC support required in DisplayPort 2.1 | DisplayPort 2.1 mandates DSC support; can reduce transport bandwidth in excess of 67 percent | vesa.org | 2026-10-09 |
| DisplayPort 1.4 DSC (up to 3:1) | DSC 1.2 up to 3:1, visually lossless | vesa.org | 2026-10-09 |
| DisplayPort 2.1 uncompressed configurations | 8K 60Hz 4:4:4 with 30 bits per pixel (HDR-10); two 4K 144Hz 24bpp uncompressed | displayport.org First standard to support 8K resolution (7680 x 4320) at 60 Hz refresh rate with | 2026-10-09 |
| How to tell whether a USB-C port outputs video (DP Alt Mode) | check device documentation or the DP logo; USB Type-C connectors that support DisplayPort over USB-C normally carry the DP logo | displayport.org How do I know if a device supports DisplayPort Alt Mode? This information should | 2026-10-09 |
| USB-C DP Alt Mode bandwidth | up to 80Gbps of DisplayPort video using all four lanes, or up to 40Gbps with simultaneous SuperSpeed USB data | vesa.org | 2026-10-09 |
| USB4 Version 2 maximum bandwidth | 80 Gbps | usb.org | 2026-10-09 |
| USB4 compatibility | compatible with USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3 hosts and devices | usb.org Compatibility with existing USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and Thunderbolt 3 hosts and device | 2026-10-09 |
| Thunderbolt 5 bandwidth (each direction) | 80 Gbps | download.intel.com Thunderbolt 5 will deliver 80 gigabits per second (Gbps) of bi-directional bandw | 2026-10-09 |
| Thunderbolt 5 Bandwidth Boost (transmit) | 120 Gbps | download.intel.com with Bandwidth Boost it will provide up to 120 Gbps for the best display experie | 2026-10-09 |
| Thunderbolt 5 display configurations (Intel) | dual 8K (60Hz) or three 4K (144Hz) | thunderbolttechnology.net | 2026-10-09 |
| Thunderbolt 5 foundations and compatibility | built on USB4 V2, DisplayPort 2.1 and PCI Express Gen 4; fully compatible with previous versions | download.intel.com Built on industry standards including USB4 V2, DisplayPort 2.1 and PCI Express G | 2026-10-09 |
| Thunderbolt 5 passive cable length (Intel announcement) | passive cables up to 1 meter | download.intel.com Utilizes a new signaling technology, PAM-3, to deliver these significant increas | 2026-10-09 |
| Thunderbolt certification being mandatory | mandatory certification for all shipping computers, accessories, and cables | thunderbolttechnology.net Maximized Performance: Mandatory certification for all shipping computers, acces | 2026-10-09 |
| Thunderbolt port shape (USB Type-C) | One universal computer port (USB Type-C) | thunderbolttechnology.net Thunderbolt 5 Leaps Ahead: One universal computer port (USB Type-C) | 2026-10-09 |
| PS5 HDMI 2.1 and 4K 120Hz | HDMI 2.1, 4K 120Hz | blog.playstation.com | 2026-10-09 |
| PS5 HDMI cable recommendation | included cable recommended; otherwise Ultra High Speed | blog.playstation.com | 2026-10-09 |
| PS5 Pro 8K output condition | PS5 Pro 8K output requires a screen supporting 8K at 60Hz with DSC | playstation.com PS5 Pro console 8K output requires a screen that supports 8K at 60Hz with Displa | 2026-10-09 |
| Xbox Series X HDMI 2.1 and included cable | 1x HDMI 2.1 port; up to 120 FPS; Ultra High Speed HDMI cable included | xbox.com | 2026-10-09 |
| Xbox Series S HDMI 2.1 and included cable | 1x HDMI 2.1 port; 1440p up to 120 FPS; Ultra High Speed HDMI cable included | xbox.com | 2026-10-09 |
| Switch 2 TV output | HDMI output in TV mode; max 4K at 60 fps; 120 fps at 1080p/1440p; HDR10; VRR up to 120Hz | nintendo.com | 2026-10-09 |
| HDMI cable needed for Switch 2 TV mode | Ultra High Speed HDMI cable required (meets HDMI 2.1 specifications); one is included with Switch 2 | nintendo.com | 2026-10-09 |
| When a passive DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter works | passive DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapters only work on DP++ (Dual-Mode) ports; active adapters work with a pure DisplayPort or DP++ output | dell.com | 2026-10-09 |
| HDMI-to-DisplayPort conversion and direction | HDMI to DisplayPort always requires an active adapter; an adapter designed for DisplayPort to HDMI cannot work in reverse | dell.com | 2026-10-09 |
| USB-C DP Alt Mode adapters to other video ports | adapters and adapter cables defined in the DisplayPort Alt Mode for USB Type-C Standard connect DisplayPort over USB-C to DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI and VGA monitor inputs | displayport.org Adapters and Adapter cables, as defined in the DisplayPort Alt Mode for USB Type | 2026-10-09 |
| HDMI 2.0 maximum bandwidth | 18 Gbps | hdmi.org | 2026-10-09 |
| HDMI 2.0 encoding efficiency (8b/10b) | 0.8 | xilinx.com AMD/Xilinx PG351: TMDS up to 6 Gb/s @ 3 lanes | 2026-10-07 |
| HDMI 2.1 encoding efficiency (16b/18b) | 0.8888888888888888 | xilinx.com AMD/Xilinx PG351: FRL 12 Gb/s @ 4 lanes, decode the incoming 16-bit/18-bit encod | 2026-10-07 |
| DSC maximum compression ratio | 3 | vesa.org | 2026-10-09 |
| CVT-RB2 horizontal blanking | 80 px | github.com CVT_RB_V2_H_BLANK 80 pixels | 2026-10-07 |
| CVT-RB2 vertical blanking time | 460 µs | github.com CVT_RB_MIN_V_BLANK 460 us | 2026-10-07 |
| CVT-RB2 vertical sync lines | 8 lines | github.com RB v2 is detected when vsync == 8 | 2026-10-07 |
| CVT-RB2 minimum back porch lines | 6 lines | github.com CVT_RB_V_BPORCH 6 | 2026-10-07 |
| CVT-RB2 minimum front porch lines | 1 lines | github.com CVT_RB_V2_MIN_V_FPORCH 1 | 2026-10-07 |
| CTA-861 1080p60 pixel clock | 148.5 MHz | github.com edid_cea_modes: /* 16 - 1920x1080@60Hz */ 148500 kHz | 2026-10-08 |
| CTA-861 1080p120 pixel clock | 297 MHz | github.com edid_cea_modes: /* 63 - 1920x1080@120Hz */ 297000 kHz | 2026-10-08 |
| CTA-861 4K60 pixel clock | 594 MHz | github.com edid_cea_modes: /* 97 - 3840x2160@60Hz */ 594000 kHz | 2026-10-08 |
| CTA-861 4K120 pixel clock | 1188 MHz | github.com edid_cea_modes: /* 118 - 3840x2160@120Hz */ 1188000 kHz | 2026-10-08 |
| CTA-861 8K60 pixel clock | 2376 MHz | github.com edid_cea_modes: /* 199 - 7680x4320@60Hz */ 2376000 kHz | 2026-10-08 |
| Dell 4K60 pixel clock (CVT) | 533.25 MHz | dl.dell.com UHD 3840x2160 (DP) 60Hz 533.25 MHz PDF p.16 | 2026-10-07 |
| Dell 4K120 pixel clock (low) | 1074.73 MHz | dl.dell.com VESA 3840x2160 119.88Hz 1074.73 MHz PDF p.14 | 2026-10-07 |
| Dell 4K144 pixel clock | 1250 MHz | dl.dell.com VESA 3840x2160 144Hz 1250 MHz PDF p.13-14 | 2026-10-07 |
| Dell 1440p144 pixel clock | 591.31 MHz | dl.dell.com 2560x1440 144Hz 591.31 MHz PDF p.14 | 2026-10-07 |
| HDMI.org video table (cable per format) | HDMI Video Table: 4K100/120 all formats = UHS; 4K144 12-bit RGB/4:4:4 = UHS+DSC or Ultra96, others = UHS; 4K200/240 and 8K48/50/60 RGB/4:4:4/4:2:2 = UHS+DSC or Ultra96, 4:2:0 = UHS | hdmi.org HDMI Video Table - All Formats. BLACK = Support with UHS HDMI Cables or Ultra96 | 2026-10-08 |
| Cable required for higher formats | Ultra High Speed or Ultra96 required | hdmi.org Will some resolutions and refresh rates require a specific cable? In order to en | 2026-10-08 |
| HDMI compression (DSC) support | uncompressed and compressed (DSC 1.2a) modes; manufacturers can implement either or both | hdmi.org The specification supports both uncompressed and compressed modes. Manufacturers | 2026-10-08 |
| UHBR10 per-lane rate | 10 Gbps | vesa.org | 2026-10-09 |
| UHBR13.5 per-lane rate | 13.5 Gbps | vesa.org | 2026-10-09 |
| DP54 cable (for UHBR13.5) | DP54: UHBR10 and UHBR13.5 up to 2 m passive; UHBR13.5 previously only through a DP80 cable | vesa.org | 2026-10-09 |
| Cable Matters 201392: max refresh at 4K | 240 Hz | cablematters.com ‘USB-C to 8K HDMI® Cable Support 4K@240Hz and 8K@60Hz’ (2026-10-16) | 2026-10-16 |
| Cable Matters 201392: max refresh at 4K on a Mac | 60 Hz | cablematters.com ‘macOS limits USB-C to HDMI output to 4K@60Hz by default’ (2026-10-16) | 2026-10-16 |
| Cable Matters 103069: max refresh at 4K | 30 Hz | cablematters.com ‘3840x2160 @ 30Hz’ / ‘NOT designed for 4K@60Hz’ (products.json formats_note, 202 | 2026-10-16 |
Video port and cable check: quick reference
The calculator in this article shows the result for your own settings. Settings can be set in the URL; each link below opens the calculator with those settings.
| Settings | Result | Calculator |
|---|---|---|
| DisplayPort 1.4, DisplayPort 1.4, 4K, 144Hz, HDR (10-bit) | △ Works with DSC compression. DisplayPort 1.4 carries 25.92 Gbps as video. DSC only works when both the source and the monitor support it | Open with these settings |
| HDMI 2.1, HDMI 2.1, 4K, 144Hz, HDR (10-bit) | ✓ Fits uncompressed. HDMI 2.1 carries 42.66 Gbps as video. Every HDMI 2.1 feature is optional, so check that the monitor takes this resolution and refresh rate over HDMI | Open with these settings |
| DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20), DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20), 4K, 240Hz, HDR (10-bit) | ✓ Fits uncompressed. DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20) carries 77.37 Gbps as video. UHBR20 over a passive DP80 cable has been limited to 1 m. The active DP80LL goes to 3 m (VESA) | Open with these settings |
| DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR13.5), DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR13.5), 4K, 240Hz, HDR (10-bit) | △ Works with DSC compression. DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR13.5) carries 52.22 Gbps as video. DSC only works when both the source and the monitor support it. For UHBR13.5, a passive DP54 cable works up to 2 m (VESA) | Open with these settings |
| DisplayPort 1.4, DisplayPort 1.4, 1440p, 165Hz, SDR (8-bit) | ✓ Fits uncompressed. DisplayPort 1.4 carries 25.92 Gbps as video | Open with these settings |
| DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, 4K, 120Hz, HDR (10-bit) | △ Works with DSC compression. DisplayPort 1.4 carries 25.92 Gbps as video. HDMI 2.1 carries 42.66 Gbps as video. DSC only works when both the source and the monitor support it. On a DP++ output a passive adapter works too. An active adapter works with or without DP++ (per Dell). The HDMI side needs HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, so pick an adapter or cable with HDMI 2.1 output. Every HDMI 2.1 feature is optional, so check that the monitor takes this resolution and refresh rate over HDMI | Open with these settings |
| HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, 1080p, 60Hz, SDR (8-bit) | △ Works if the adapter supports the format. HDMI 2.1 carries 42.66 Gbps as video. DisplayPort 1.4 carries 25.92 Gbps as video. HDMI to DisplayPort takes an active adapter, and a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter won’t work in reverse (per Dell). Check the adapter’s specs for the formats it supports. Every HDMI 2.1 feature is optional, so check that the monitor takes this resolution and refresh rate over HDMI | Open with these settings |
| HDMI 2.1, HDMI 2.1, 8K, 60Hz, HDR (10-bit) | △ Works with DSC compression. HDMI 2.1 carries 42.66 Gbps as video. DSC only works when both the source and the monitor support it. Every HDMI 2.1 feature is optional, so check that the monitor takes this resolution and refresh rate over HDMI | Open with these settings |
| USB-C (DP Alt Mode, DisplayPort 1.4), Not sure, DisplayPort 1.4, 4K, 60Hz, HDR (10-bit) | △ Depends on the connection. DisplayPort 1.4 carries 25.92 Gbps as video. DSC only works when both the source and the monitor support it. Check the device’s specs for “DisplayPort Alt Mode”, or a DP logo next to the port, to see if that USB-C outputs video. Since the connection is unknown, this can’t be confirmed. With all four lanes for video: ✓ Fits uncompressed. With two lanes shared with USB data: △ Works with DSC compression. A DP80-certified cable is a higher tier than DP40 and also meets this condition. It is 1 m long, so it does not fit if you need a cable longer than 1 m | Open with these settings |
| USB-C (DP Alt Mode, DisplayPort 1.4), Not sure, HDMI 2.0, 4K, 60Hz, SDR (8-bit) | △ Depends on the connection. DisplayPort 1.4 carries 25.92 Gbps as video. HDMI 2.0 carries 14.4 Gbps as video. HDMI 2.0 has 1% to spare. It fits with PC timings (VESA CVT-RB2) but not with TV timings. The HDMI side fits within HDMI 2.0’s capacity. Check the device’s specs for “DisplayPort Alt Mode”, or a DP logo next to the port, to see if that USB-C outputs video. Since the connection is unknown, this can’t be confirmed. With all four lanes for video: △ Just fits uncompressed. With two lanes shared with USB data: △ Depends on the signal | Open with these settings |
| USB-C (DP Alt Mode, DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20), Not sure, DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20), 4K, 240Hz, HDR (10-bit) | △ Depends on the connection. DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20) carries 77.37 Gbps as video. DSC only works when both the source and the monitor support it. Check the device’s specs for “DisplayPort Alt Mode”, or a DP logo next to the port, to see if that USB-C outputs video. Since the connection is unknown, this can’t be confirmed. With all four lanes for video: ✓ Fits uncompressed. With two lanes shared with USB data: △ Works with DSC compression. UHBR20 over a passive DP80 cable has been limited to 1 m. The active DP80LL goes to 3 m (VESA) | Open with these settings |
| USB-C (DP Alt Mode, DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20), All four lanes carry video (up to 80 Gbps), DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20), 4K, 240Hz, HDR (10-bit) | ✓ Fits uncompressed. DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20) carries 77.37 Gbps as video. Check the device’s specs for “DisplayPort Alt Mode”, or a DP logo next to the port, to see if that USB-C outputs video. Calculated as a connection where all four lanes carry video (up to 80 Gbps). UHBR20 over a passive DP80 cable has been limited to 1 m. The active DP80LL goes to 3 m (VESA) | Open with these settings |
| USB-C (DP Alt Mode, DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20), All four lanes carry video (up to 80 Gbps), USB-C (DP Alt Mode, DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20), 4K, 240Hz, HDR (10-bit) | ✓ Fits uncompressed. DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20) carries 77.37 Gbps as video. Check the device’s specs for “DisplayPort Alt Mode”, or a DP logo next to the port, to see if that USB-C outputs video. Calculated as a connection where all four lanes carry video (up to 80 Gbps). Check the monitor’s specs to see whether its USB-C input supports DisplayPort 2.1 Alt Mode (or USB4 / Thunderbolt video). 80 Gbps needs a Thunderbolt 5 or USB4 Version 2 certified cable. Thunderbolt 5 passive cables go up to 1 m (Intel’s announcement) | Open with these settings |
| HDMI 2.0, HDMI 2.0, 4K, 60Hz, SDR (8-bit) | △ Just fits uncompressed. HDMI 2.0 carries 14.4 Gbps as video. HDMI 2.0 has 1% to spare | Open with these settings |
| PS5 (4K at 120Hz), HDMI 2.1, HDR (10-bit) | ✓ Fits uncompressed. HDMI 2.1 carries 42.66 Gbps as video. Every HDMI 2.1 feature is optional, so check that the monitor takes this resolution and refresh rate over HDMI | Open with these settings |
| PS5 (4K at 120Hz), HDMI 2.0, HDR (10-bit) | ✕ This port and version fall short (by this math). HDMI 2.0 carries 14.4 Gbps as video. With 4:2:0 chroma subsampling: ✕ This port and version fall short (by this math) | Open with these settings |
| Switch 2 (4K at 60Hz), HDMI 2.0, SDR (8-bit) | △ Just fits uncompressed. HDMI 2.0 carries 14.4 Gbps as video. HDMI 2.0 has 1% to spare. Nintendo’s specs don’t state an HDMI version, so this uses HDMI 2.0’s capacity | Open with these settings |
| Xbox Series S (1440p at 120Hz), HDMI 2.1, HDR (10-bit) | ✓ Fits uncompressed. HDMI 2.1 carries 42.66 Gbps as video. Every HDMI 2.1 feature is optional, so check that the monitor takes this resolution and refresh rate over HDMI | Open with these settings |
