Buying guide
DisplayPort, HDMI, DSC, and console modes explained
What DisplayPort 1.4 and 2.1, HDMI 2.0 and 2.1, and Display Stream Compression mean for high-refresh gaming monitors, plus how to check PS5 and Xbox support and USB-C charging.
High refresh rates at high resolutions need a lot of bandwidth. The ports on your monitor and graphics card decide whether a mode is possible, whether it needs compression, and whether consoles get their best modes.
Link bandwidth at a glance
| Interface | Maximum link rate |
|---|---|
| HDMI 2.0 | 18 Gbps |
| HDMI 2.1 (FRL) | Up to 48 Gbps (some ports are 40 Gbps) |
| DisplayPort 1.4 (HBR3) | 32.4 Gbps |
| DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR13.5 | 54 Gbps |
| DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20 | 80 Gbps |
Usable data rates are somewhat lower after encoding overhead.
Display Stream Compression (DSC)
DSC compresses the video signal so modes such as 4K 240Hz or 1440p 540Hz fit over DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1. VESA describes it as visually lossless, and most people will not see a difference in games.
DSC can have side effects on some setups. TFTCentral notes, for example, that NVIDIA DSR and DLDSR are unavailable while DSC is active on monitors such as the ASUS PG27AQDP. A full-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20 connection avoids DSC at these modes, but only if both the monitor and your graphics card support UHBR20. The ASUS PG32UCDM3 and ASUS PG27UCDM are examples.
“DisplayPort 2.1” on a spec sheet does not always mean UHBR20. The LG 27GX790B-B, for instance, uses UHBR13.5, which TFTCentral notes still needs DSC for the full spec.
HDMI versions matter for consoles
PS5 and Xbox Series X output up to 4K at 120Hz, with HDMI 2.1 VRR. To use that:
- The monitor needs HDMI 2.1 with enough bandwidth, and it should document 4K 120Hz console support.
- 1440p monitors can accept a 1440p 120Hz signal from consoles that offer it; 4K is downscaled or unavailable, depending on the monitor.
- 1080p esports monitors run consoles at up to 1080p 120Hz. The extra refresh rate goes unused.
- Beware mislabeled ports. TFTCentral found the Alienware AW2725DF's “HDMI 2.1” port behaves as HDMI 2.0, limiting consoles to 4K 60Hz input.
Pulsar strobing works only with NVIDIA graphics cards on PC, so consoles cannot use it.
USB-C and docking
A USB-C port can carry video (DisplayPort Alt Mode), data, and power. Check three things:
- Is it a video input? Some USB-C ports are data only, such as the one on the Alienware AW3426DW.
- How much power does it deliver? 90W to 98W can charge most thin laptops; 15W to 18W cannot keep one charged under load.
- Does it affect brightness? TFTCentral found the ASUS PG32UCDP limits brightness to about 139 nits while delivering 90W.
A KVM switch lets one keyboard and mouse follow the active input, which is handy for a desktop and a work laptop.
Quick checklist
- Match your GPU's outputs to the monitor's inputs for your target mode.
- Use certified cables: DP80 cables for UHBR20, Ultra High Speed HDMI cables for HDMI 2.1.
- For consoles, confirm HDMI 2.1 and 4K 120Hz support on the exact model.