Does PS5 Output 120Hz? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) is capable of outputting a 120Hz refresh rate, provided you have the right setup. This capability allows for smoother and more responsive gameplay, significantly enhancing the gaming experience. However, several factors must align for you to achieve this high refresh rate, including having a compatible display, an appropriate HDMI cable, and a game that supports 120Hz. Let’s delve deeper into what you need to know to get your PS5 running at 120Hz.
Understanding the Requirements for 120Hz Output
The PS5’s ability to output 120Hz is a significant leap forward in console gaming. It’s crucial to understand the components and settings that enable this feature:
Display Compatibility
The first and most important requirement is a TV or monitor that supports a 120Hz refresh rate. Not all displays are created equal, and older TVs or basic monitors may only support 60Hz. You’ll need to check your display’s specifications to confirm if it can handle a 120Hz refresh rate at your desired resolution.
HDMI 2.1
The PS5 uses HDMI 2.1, which is necessary to transmit 4K video at 120Hz. The HDMI 2.1 standard provides the bandwidth needed to handle the high data throughput associated with these high refresh rates. The good news is that your PS5 comes with an HDMI 2.1 cable in the box, so you won’t need to purchase one separately. However, if you are using a different cable, verify that it is a High-Speed HDMI 2.1 cable to avoid any display problems.
Game Support
Not all games support 120Hz output. Games need to be specifically designed or patched to take advantage of this higher refresh rate. Many modern titles now offer a Performance Mode that allows the game to run at 120Hz, albeit with some compromises in visual fidelity. So make sure to check if your game of choice supports 120Hz output.
PS5 Settings
The last key element is ensuring your PS5 is correctly configured for 120Hz output. The setting can be adjusted in the console’s system menu.
How to Enable 120Hz on Your PS5
Here is how to enable the 120Hz output on your PlayStation 5:
- Navigate to Settings: From the PS5’s home screen, select the cogwheel icon in the top-right corner to access the Settings menu.
- Select Screen and Video: Within the Settings menu, choose “Screen and Video”.
- Go to Video Output: Select “Video Output” from the Screen and Video menu.
- Enable 120Hz Output: Scroll down to find “Enable 120Hz Output”. Change the setting from “Off” to “Automatic”.
- Check Output Information: To verify if 120Hz is active, check the “Video Output Information” within the same menu. It should list 120Hz under the supported refresh rates.
By enabling this setting, the PS5 will automatically attempt to output at 120Hz when a compatible game and display are connected.
120Hz and Resolution
The PS5 can output a 120Hz refresh rate at various resolutions. While it is capable of 4K 120Hz, the system may reduce the resolution to 1080p or 1440p when running 120Hz on some games, to maintain performance. The PS5 supports 1440p output, which is a great option if you do not have a 4K display but still want to experience a high refresh rate. It is also important to know that with HDMI 2.0, the maximum refresh rate is 60Hz in 4K. While HDMI 2.0 does support 1080p 120Hz and even 1440p 120Hz in theory, the PS5 is designed with HDMI 2.1 in mind and therefore any lower bandwidth version of HDMI might produce unexpected results.
Benefits of 120Hz Gameplay
The main benefit of a 120Hz refresh rate is the increased smoothness and responsiveness of your games. This can be especially noticeable in fast-paced action games where quick reactions are important. With a 120Hz refresh rate, the image is updated 120 times per second, resulting in smoother motion and reduced motion blur. It allows you to react faster and have an overall more immersive gaming experience.
120Hz vs. 60Hz
The difference between a 60Hz and 120Hz refresh rate is significant. At 60Hz, the screen updates 60 times a second, which is good for a smooth gaming experience. However, at 120Hz, the screen updates twice as fast, creating a much more fluid and clear image. This upgrade reduces the perceived input lag, making your reactions feel more instantaneous, giving you a competitive edge in online multiplayer games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about the PS5’s 120Hz output:
1. Does the PS5 always output at 120Hz?
No, the PS5 will only output at 120Hz when all components (display, cable, and game) are compatible, and if it’s enabled within the console settings and the in-game settings of the title. Otherwise, it will default to a lower refresh rate such as 60Hz.
2. Can I use an HDMI 2.0 cable with the PS5 for 120Hz?
While technically some HDMI 2.0 cables might support 120Hz at lower resolutions like 1080p, it’s not recommended. The PS5 is designed for HDMI 2.1, which provides enough bandwidth for 4K at 120Hz. Using an HDMI 2.0 cable might lead to unexpected results and a lesser experience.
3. What if my TV or monitor does not support 120Hz?
If your display only supports a 60Hz refresh rate, the PS5 will not be able to output at 120Hz. In this scenario, you will be limited to a 60Hz refresh rate.
4. Does 120Hz only work with specific games?
Yes, only games that are optimized to support 120Hz will be able to take advantage of the higher refresh rate. Not all PS5 titles support this option. Check game documentation to be sure if it has 120 Hz support.
5. Can PS5 run 240Hz?
No, the PS5 does not support a 240Hz refresh rate. It’s designed to go up to 120Hz. If you connect a 240Hz monitor, you’ll still play at the maximum refresh rate of 120Hz that the console supports.
6. Does 120Hz impact the resolution of games?
In some cases, to maintain a stable 120Hz refresh rate, the PS5 may reduce the output resolution to 1080p or 1440p instead of 4K. This depends on the game and your display setup.
7. Is a 120Hz refresh rate necessary for PS5 gaming?
It is not necessary, but highly recommended, especially for fast-paced games. A 120Hz refresh rate provides a much smoother, responsive, and enjoyable experience. If you are not focused on competitive gaming, 60Hz is also an acceptable and suitable option.
8. Is 60Hz too slow for PS5?
No, 60Hz is still acceptable for PS5 gaming and provides a great visual and smooth experience. However, if you are aiming for a smoother and more responsive gaming experience, and are playing action or fast-paced games, 120Hz offers an improvement over 60Hz.
9. Does the PS5 support 144Hz?
No, the PS5 is not designed to support a 144Hz refresh rate. Its maximum supported refresh rate is 120Hz.
10. Can I get 120Hz at 1440p on PS5?
Yes, the PS5 supports 1440p resolution at a 120Hz refresh rate, provided you have a compatible monitor that supports 1440p/120Hz.
11. How do I know if my PS5 is outputting at 120Hz?
Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Video Output Information on your PS5. If the connected HDMI device is listed as supporting 120Hz then the connection is using the refresh rate.
12. Does enabling 120Hz affect graphical fidelity?
In some cases, to achieve 120Hz, games may have reduced visual fidelity. Some games offer a “Performance Mode” that enables 120Hz but at the cost of a lower resolution or less detailed graphics.
13. Why are some PS5 games still 30 FPS?
Some PS5 games are limited to 30 FPS due to limitations in the game itself. Often, games will prioritize visual quality over framerate, leading to a 30 FPS cap.
14. Is 60 FPS good for gaming?
60 FPS is generally considered good for gaming, especially for casual and less demanding titles. However, for competitive gamers and those playing fast-paced action titles, a higher framerate like 120 FPS is preferable.
15. Is it better to play PS5 on a TV or monitor?
It depends on your priorities. If you are mainly using a console, a monitor or a TV will both work fine, but prioritize having a display that supports a 120Hz refresh rate. If you are using a PC alongside your console, a monitor will allow higher frame rates over 120Hz. Both options also depend on the Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).
Conclusion
The PS5’s ability to output a 120Hz refresh rate is a major advantage for gamers. By ensuring you have the correct setup, including a 120Hz-compatible display, an HDMI 2.1 cable, and a game that supports 120Hz, you can experience smoother, more responsive, and immersive gameplay. Always check your hardware specifications and in-game settings to ensure you’re getting the best possible experience from your PlayStation 5.