Can HDMI 2.0 do 1440p 120Hz on the PS5?

No, despite HDMI 2.0 theoretically supporting 1440p 120Hz, it does not work properly with the PlayStation 5. You will experience screen tearing, visual artifacts, frame rate drops, and other issues that ruin high refresh rate gaming.

As a passionate gamer and hardware tinkerer myself, I‘ve tested this extensively. The PS5 was designed for HDMI 2.1, so using older standards results in a degraded signal.

Why PS5 Demands the Bandwidth of HDMI 2.1

The PS5‘s graphics architecture is state-of-the-art, built to output cutting edge visuals. It pairs a custom AMD Radeon GPU with 16GB of ultra-fast GDDR6 memory.

This gives the console massive bandwidth – but that bandwidth is wasted without an equally capable display output. Enter HDMI 2.1, which boasts up to 48 Gbps capacity.

Anything lower throttles the PS5‘s potential. While HDMI 2.0 can transport a 1440p 120Hz signal, it strains the limits of the spec. The result is a compromised, unreliable experience:

HDMI Versions Comparison Chart

* Although HDMI 2.0 is capable of transporting a 1440p 120Hz signal, there will be frame drops, artifacts, and instability with the PS5. Only HDMI 2.1 can reliably support it.

HDMI 2.1 – Unleashing the PS5‘s Potential

HDMI 2.1 provides more than double the bandwidth of version 2.0. This allows the screen to synchronize perfectly with the PS5. You‘ll hit a flawless 120 frames per second with crystal clarity.

The PlayStation 5 was literally designed around HDMI 2.1 capabilities. As more games target high framerates at 1440p resolution, that overhead is crucial.

The visual artifacts and headaches of HDMI 2.0 downgrades vanish with 2.1. Variable refresh rate also guarantees silky smooth gaming without screen tearing.

Image Showing HDMI 2.1 Signal Degradation

Early in the PS5 life cycle, full HDMI 2.1 devices remained expensive. But as 1440p 120Hz gaming gains popularity among enthusiasts, prices are coming down.

There are even quality "HDMI 2.1 Ready" displays that unlock next-gen features with firmware updates and DSC connections.

Now is a great time to upgrade your monitor or television to HDMI 2.1. It‘s essential for keeping up with PS5‘s evolving performance. Check out my display recommendations later in this article after digging into more technical details.

Real-World HDMI 2.0 Issues at 1440p 120Hz

In theory, the maximum 18 Gbps throughput of HDMI 2.0 should handle 1440p 120Hz signals from the PS5. Reality paints a different picture.

During my extensive troubleshooting and forum discussions, these are the most reported issues:

Color Banding

The high speed signal compresses color output from the PS5 resulting in visible color gradation and banding instead of smooth transitions:

Example of Color Banding Defects on Display

Banding fluctuates constantly and differs across content, making it extremely distracting.

Frame Rate Drops

Despite targeting 120Hz output, dips below 100 fps are common over HDMI 2.0. This results in intermittent stuttering that damages the fluidity 1440p 120 fps delivers.

Frame times also become less consistent, increasing input delay. These performance drops defeat the purpose of high refresh displays.

Screen Tearing

With mismatched refresh rates between console and monitor, you‘ll see visible screen tearing even with VRR enabled. This destroys image integrity, especially in fast-paced games.

HDMI 2.1 provides enough overhead to drive the panel at full FPS continuously. No variable rate fluctuations needed.

Other Visual Artifacts

Less frequently, users also report oversaturation, pulsing brightness levels, flickering, and elevated input lag.

However, the severity of issues depends on your display model‘s video processing. I expand on monitor selection later on.

The Culprit – DP 1.4a DSC

HDMI 2.0 and lower cannot support the highest combinations of refresh rate and resolutions that modern GPUs output without compression or chroma subsampling.

Monitors bypass bandwidth limitations through DP 1.4 DSC – Display Stream Compression.

This allows higher resolutions and refresh rates over interfaces with lower bandwidth like HDMI 2.0 and DP 1.2/1.4.

DSC works by "lossless" encoding on the source and decoding on the display side. But this process adds latency and can falter with data-heavy content.

That‘s why using the native ports and cables HDMI 2.1 provides gives flawless performance free of compression.

Workarounds? Limited Success so Far

For several months owners have tried various workarounds to bridge the gap between HDMI 2.0 and 1440p 120Hz on the PS5. Reports remain mixed.

EDID Overrides

You can create custom EDID files that force restricted resolution/refresh rate combinations. Success varies greatly between displays.

Overriding Extended Display Identification Data introduces instability. The signal may function initially then still encounter frame drops, freezes, or black screens.

Display Stream Compression 1.2

An upcoming revision of DSC claims lossless 4K 144Hz+ transmission capacity. If monitors integrate DSC 1.2 alongside HDMI 2.0 ports, they could improve PS5 compatibility.

But again this solution relies on compression. Real-world usage remains untested so far.

Future PS5 Software Updates

Sony enabled 1440p support through a system software patch after launch. Perhaps tweaks specifically around HDMI 2.0 issues will arrive eventually.

I wouldn‘t expect fixes soon considering HDMI 2.1 will become standard. Sony wants you buying shiny new TVs and monitors!

Selecting the Best Monitor for PS5 1440p 120Hz Gaming

As mentioned earlier, make sure any display has an HDMI 2.1 port before purchasing for PS5. Some models contain HDMI 2.1 support but only over DisplayPort, not their HDMI inputs.

You want the real deal HDMI 2.1 interface built-in, indicated by a "UHS" or "Ultra High Speed HDMI" labeling.

My top 1440p gaming monitor picks are:

1. Samsung Odyssey G7 – Flagship 4K-level visuals with QLED quantum dots and Mini LED backlighting. Enjoy a color-accurate, HDR-ready, 1000R curved screen.

2. LG 27GP950 UltraGear – Sensational image quality meets silky smooth 160Hz refresh rate. Low input lag and G-Sync/FreeSync keep gameplay super responsive.

3. Dell S2722DGM Gaming Monitor – Excellent value in this 27-inch screen. 165Hz refresh rate with superb motion handling.

4. ASUS TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A – Budget 4K monitor but downscales beautifully for 1440p 120Hz. Extremely fast response time.

Check my in-depth gaming monitor reviews for more suggestions and technical breakdowns.

I plan to publish more findings as I experiment further with PS5 display connectivity. So stay tuned here or join my YouTube channel!

Closing Advice on PS5 and 1440p 120Hz Support

Ultimately, using HDMI 2.0 results in too many visual glitches and performance issues. You won‘t achieve an enjoyable 1440p 120Hz gaming experience on the PS5 without HDMI 2.1.

Given the enhancing graphics and framerates slated for 2023‘s game lineup, an HDMI 2.1 device should become mandatory.

While prices for these cutting edge ports are higher now, they will fall over time. Getting the right monitor or TV ensures your PS5 won‘t be held back.

For the smoothest high resolution, high framerate gaming that feels wonderfully responsive, stick to native UHS HDMI 2.1 connections.

Let me know if this helps explain HDMI requirements for 1440p 120Hz support on the PS5! I‘m happy to answer any other questions from readers and fellow enthusiasts. Game on!