Do You Need an HDMI 2.1 Cable for 4K 120Hz Gaming?
Quick Answer
Yes — if you want 4K at 120Hz, you need an HDMI 2.1 cable and a TV or monitor with an HDMI 2.1 port. HDMI 2.0 is physically incapable of carrying a 4K/120Hz signal. Without the right cable, your PS5 or Xbox Series X will be capped at 4K/60Hz even if your TV supports higher.
Why HDMI 2.0 Can't Do 4K/120Hz
It comes down to bandwidth. A 4K/120Hz signal requires roughly 40 Gbps of bandwidth. HDMI 2.0 only supports 18 Gbps — less than half of what's needed. HDMI 2.1 supports 48 Gbps, which is why it can handle 4K/120Hz with headroom to spare.
This is why many gamers were confused when their new PS5 or Xbox Series X wasn't outputting 4K/120Hz — they had a compatible TV but were using an old HDMI 2.0 cable. The cable was the bottleneck.
What You Need for 4K 120Hz Gaming
All three of these must support HDMI 2.1:
- Your console or GPU — PS5, Xbox Series X, and most modern NVIDIA/AMD GPUs have HDMI 2.1 output
- Your TV or monitor — must have at least one HDMI 2.1 port (check your TV's manual — not all ports on a TV are 2.1)
- Your cable — must be a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (HDMI 2.1)
If any one of these is HDMI 2.0, your setup will cap at 4K/60Hz.
How to Check If Your TV Has HDMI 2.1
Check the label next to each HDMI port on your TV. Many TVs have a mix — for example, two HDMI 2.1 ports and two HDMI 2.0 ports. Always plug your console into a port labelled HDMI 2.1, 4K/120Hz, or 48G.
If you're unsure, check your TV's spec sheet on the manufacturer's website and search for "HDMI 2.1" or "4K 120Hz".
Does the HDMI 2.1 Cable Need to Be Expensive?
No. The HDMI specification is standardised — a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable either meets the spec or it doesn't. You don't need to spend a fortune. What matters is that the cable is genuinely certified, not just marketed as "HDMI 2.1" without proper testing.
Look for cables that state "Ultra High Speed" or "48Gbps" on the packaging — these are the certified HDMI 2.1 cables.
What About 1440p or 1080p at 120Hz?
Good news — HDMI 2.0 can handle 1080p and 1440p at 120Hz. You only need HDMI 2.1 if you're targeting 4K at 120Hz or higher. If you're gaming at 1080p/120Hz on a PS5, your existing HDMI 2.0 cable is fine.
VRR, ALLM, and Other HDMI 2.1 Gaming Features
Beyond raw resolution and refresh rate, HDMI 2.1 also enables:
- VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) — eliminates screen tearing dynamically, similar to G-Sync/FreeSync on PC
- ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) — automatically switches your TV to game mode when a console is detected
- QFT (Quick Frame Transport) — reduces latency for a more responsive feel
These features only work with an HDMI 2.1 cable and compatible TV.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will any HDMI cable work for 4K 120Hz?
No. Only certified Ultra High Speed HDMI (HDMI 2.1) cables support 4K/120Hz. Standard HDMI 2.0 cables will limit you to 4K/60Hz.
My PS5 says it supports 4K 120Hz but I'm not getting it — why?
Check three things: your cable (must be HDMI 2.1), your TV port (must be HDMI 2.1 — not all ports on a TV are equal), and your PS5 settings (Settings → Screen and Video → Video Output → enable 120Hz output).
Does HDMI 2.1 work on older TVs?
Yes — HDMI is backwards compatible. An HDMI 2.1 cable in an HDMI 2.0 port will work fine at 2.0 speeds. You won't get 4K/120Hz, but the cable won't cause any issues.
Is 4K 120Hz worth it for gaming?
If you have a PS5 or Xbox Series X and a compatible TV, yes — the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz is very noticeable in fast-paced games. It's one of the biggest visual upgrades you can make.
What HDMI cable comes with the PS5?
Sony includes an HDMI 2.1 cable in the PS5 box. If you've lost it or need a longer cable, you'll need to replace it with another certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.
Ready to unlock 4K 120Hz? Browse our HDMI 2.1 cables →