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What HDMI Do You Need for 120 FPS on PS5?

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To achieve the coveted 120 frames per second (fps) on your PlayStation 5 (PS5), you absolutely need an HDMI 2.1 cable and a display (TV or monitor) that supports HDMI 2.1 and a 120Hz refresh rate. While the PS5 is capable of much more, unlocking that silky smooth 120fps gameplay requires the correct combination of hardware and settings, and the HDMI standard is a critical component. It’s important to understand that while a premium HDMI cable or HDMI 2.0 will work, it will not unlock the full potential of the console when it comes to achieving higher framerates at 4K resolution. Let’s delve into the specifics and explore what you need to know to get the most out of your PS5.

Understanding HDMI and Refresh Rates

Why HDMI Matters

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the standard for transmitting audio and video signals between devices. Different HDMI versions support different data transfer bandwidths, which dictate the maximum resolution and refresh rate that can be displayed. For a console like the PS5, which is designed to output high resolution and framerate gameplay, the HDMI standard is a bottleneck if not properly matched.

Refresh Rate Explained

The refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), indicates how many times per second the image on your display is updated. A higher refresh rate translates to smoother motion, which is especially important for fast-paced gaming. A 60Hz refresh rate displays 60 frames per second, while a 120Hz refresh rate displays 120 frames per second. While the PS5 can operate at various levels, for many games you’ll need 120Hz if you want to maximize your framerates.

HDMI 2.0 vs. HDMI 2.1

HDMI 2.0, while capable of delivering 4K resolution, is generally limited to 60Hz at that resolution. It also supports 1080p at 120Hz, but not 4K, which is an important distinction. HDMI 2.1, on the other hand, has a much higher bandwidth capacity, enabling it to support 4K resolution at 120Hz, along with features like variable refresh rate (VRR). The key difference here is that HDMI 2.1 is necessary to achieve 4K resolution at 120fps on your PS5.

Achieving 120 FPS on PS5

The Essential Components

PlayStation 5 Console: The core of your setup. The PS5 is specifically designed to push higher framerates when its games allow it.
HDMI 2.1 Cable: The most important component for achieving 120 fps at 4K resolution. This cable ensures enough bandwidth to handle the high data transfer demands. Even with an HDMI 2.1 TV, an incorrect cable can prevent 4k 120hz.
HDMI 2.1 Compatible TV or Monitor: Your display device must also support HDMI 2.1 and a 120Hz refresh rate. Simply owning a display advertised as a “120Hz TV” may not be enough, as it needs to support it at 4K resolution over an HDMI 2.1 connection, not just 1080p.
The Game must Support 120 fps: Some games may cap their framerate or only offer 120 fps at lower resolution, so you need to be playing a game that supports 120 fps.

Setting Up Your PS5 for 120 FPS

Go to Settings: From the PS5 home screen, navigate to the Settings menu (the cogwheel icon in the top right corner).
Select ‘Screen and Video’: Find the ‘Screen and Video’ section under Settings.
Go to ‘Video Output’: Select ‘Video Output’ within the ‘Screen and Video’ menu.
Enable 120Hz Output: Scroll down, and toggle ‘Enable 120Hz Output’ to ‘Automatic’ or ‘On’.
Resolution: Make sure your resolution is also set to 4K.

Other Considerations

Not All Games Support 120 fps: While many games have seen updates or launches that include a 120fps mode, this still isn’t a ubiquitous option. Expect some titles to be capped at 60 fps.
Resolution vs. Framerate: Some games may require reducing resolution (e.g., 1080p or 1440p) to hit 120fps, even with HDMI 2.1.
TV Settings: Double-check your TV’s picture settings, as some modes may not support 120Hz, such as certain image smoothing modes.
144Hz Monitors: While the PS5 can utilize the higher refresh rate of a 144Hz monitor, it’s capped at a 120Hz output. It will still be a valid display option, but don’t expect a 144hz output.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use an older HDMI cable with my PS5?

Yes, you can. However, older HDMI cables, like HDMI 2.0, will limit the output to 4K 60Hz, or 1080p 120hz and will not achieve 4k at 120 fps. To take full advantage of 120fps gaming, you must use an HDMI 2.1 cable.

2. Do I need an HDMI 2.1 TV to get 120 fps on PS5?

Yes, an HDMI 2.1 compatible TV or monitor is required to display 4K resolution at 120Hz. While your TV may be a 120hz TV, it may not be HDMI 2.1 which is what you need for 4k 120hz.

3. Will a standard HDMI cable work for 120 fps at 1080p?

Yes, a standard HDMI cable, like HDMI 2.0, is capable of transmitting 1080p at 120Hz. However, for 4K 120fps, you’ll need HDMI 2.1.

4. Does the PS5 support 1440p resolution?

Yes, the PS5 now supports 1440p output. However, for 120 fps gameplay it will still need to be over HDMI 2.1.

5. Can the PS5 run 120 fps on a 60Hz TV?

No. A 60Hz TV only displays 60 frames per second and will not be able to display the 120 frames you’re seeking to achieve.

6. How do I check if my TV supports HDMI 2.1?

The easiest way to check is by looking at your TV’s specifications on the manufacturer’s website or in the user manual. Most TVs that support HDMI 2.1 will have it explicitly listed.

7. Can I get 120 fps without 4K?

Yes, it’s possible. Some games may offer 120 fps at a lower resolution like 1080p or 1440p, even over a lower HDMI like HDMI 2.0. For 4K resolution 120fps, you need HDMI 2.1.

8. What’s the best HDMI cable for PS5?

An HDMI 2.1 certified cable is the best for PS5. It provides the necessary bandwidth for 4K 120fps.

9. Is HDMI 1.4 good for gaming?

While HDMI 1.4 was introduced to handle 4K video, it is limited to 24 frames. HDMI 2.0 is significantly better for gaming at 50 to 60 frames, and HDMI 2.1 is the best for higher refresh rates.

10. Will any 120Hz TV work with 120 fps on PS5?

No. The TV must support HDMI 2.1 and a 120Hz refresh rate at the desired resolution, not just have a 120hz panel. Check the TV’s specifications carefully.

11. Does VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) require HDMI 2.1?

Yes, VRR is an advanced feature supported by HDMI 2.1 that syncs a display’s refresh rate with the game’s frame rate, reducing screen tearing and stuttering.

12. Can I run a PS5 at 144Hz?

While the PS5 can benefit from a 144Hz monitor by utilizing its 120Hz capabilities, it won’t push past that 120hz ceiling. 120Hz is the max refresh rate for the console.

13. Is it worth getting an HDMI 2.1 cable if I don’t have a 4K 120Hz TV?

Even if you don’t have a 4K 120Hz TV, buying an HDMI 2.1 cable is good for future-proofing, if you decide to upgrade. It also allows access to higher 120hz framerates in titles that support it at lower resolutions such as 1080p.

14. Can an HDMI 2.0 cable do 1440p 120hz?

Yes, HDMI 2.0 is capable of 1440p 120Hz, but the PS5 does not officially support this resolution.

15. Does Warzone run at 4K 120 fps on PS5?

Yes, Warzone does offer a 120fps mode on PS5, but it still needs all the components to support that, including HDMI 2.1.

Conclusion

Unlocking 120fps on your PS5 is an experience worth pursuing, as it can significantly improve responsiveness and smoothness, enhancing your gaming enjoyment. To achieve this, ensure that you have an HDMI 2.1 cable and a TV or monitor that supports HDMI 2.1 and a 120Hz refresh rate at your desired resolution. With the right setup, your PS5 can deliver next-level gaming visuals.