DisplayPort 2.1 might be a huge deal for PC gaming in 2023

DisplayPort 2.1 became a much bigger talking point than expected when AMD revealed its upcoming RX 7900 XTX and RX 7900 XT GPUs. It’s the latest standard from DisplayPort, a revision to the 2.0 spec released in 2019, and it’s a natural inclusion for next-gen GPUs. There’s just one problem — Nvidia’s behemoth RTX 4090 still uses DisplayPort 1.4a.

Although the 1.4a spec is still more than enough for most people, the inclusion of DisplayPort 2.1 does give AMD an advantage this generation. No, I’m not here to sell you on 8K gaming — in some parts of the world, 8K may not even be possible — but for a crowd of competitive gamers and VR enthusiasts, DisplayPort 2.1 could mark a major shift.

An update four years in the making

Ports on the RTX 3050 graphics card.The EVGA RTX 3050 XC Black includes three DisplayPort connections and a single HDMI. Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

VESA, the company that defines and certifies the DisplayPort standard, released DisplayPort 2.1 in October 2022. It usually takes years for products to make their way to market supporting a new standard, but DisplayPort 2.1 isn’t all that new.

It’s a refresh to DisplayPort 2.0, which launched in 2019, and a massive improvement over DisplayPort 1.4 that we’ve seen since 2016. Like any new connection, it’s all about bandwidth. DisplayPort 1.4a, which you’ll find on all recent graphics cards short of the Intel Arc A770 and A750, as well as AMD’s upcoming RX 7900 XTX, tops out at 25.92 Gbps of maximum data rate.

DisplayPort 2.1 goes up to 77.37Gbps (theoretical bandwidth is higher, in case you see different numbers, but this is the actual data rate possible across the cable). If you run some, admittedly complicated, math, you’ll find that the required data rate for 4K at 120Hz with HDR turned on is 32.27Gbps — higher than what DisplayPort 1.4a is capable of. Monitors like the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 support 4K at 240Hz with only DisplayPort 1.4a, so what gives?

DisplayPort (and HDMI now) uses Display Stream Compression (DSC) to reduce the amount of data required. DSC isn’t mathematically lossless, but it is visually lossless. And it can reduce the required data by up to a 3:1 ratio, taking that 32.27Gbps number all the way down to 10.76Gbps.

That’s great, and DSC is the only reason that DisplayPort 1.4a hasn’t been kicked to the curb already.

Cable management on the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

The problem is that the limitations of DisplayPort 1.4a are starting to crop up, even with DSC enabled. A theoretical 4K monitor at 360Hz wouldn’t be able to run at its full refresh rate, even with DSC compressing by 3:1 (the required data rate is 36.54Gbps, in case you were wondering). And higher color depths for HDR add even more bandwidth requirements, as do higher refresh rates and resolutions.

A 4K 360Hz monitor may sound insane now, but we have hardware capable of driving such a display. AMD is claiming 295 fps at 4K in Apex Legends and 355 fps in Overwatch 2. In addition, the RTX 4090 can push above 300 fps at 4K in Rainbow Six Siege, and the frame generation capabilities of DLSS 3 and the upcoming FSR 3 are sure to challenge the position of the 4K at 240Hz maximum we currently have on gaming monitors. Most people don’t need that extra refresh rate, but let’s be honest; most people don’t need to spend £1,600 (or even £1,000) on a GPU, either.

We have the hardware

Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 GPU.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

Strangely, we’re not waiting on hardware to take advantage of monitors.

We’re waiting on monitors to show off new hardware. Samsung has already teased its “8K” Odyssey Neo G9 for CES this year — for the record, it’s not true 8K, but rather two 4K displays side-by-side in the 32:9 aspect ratio — and we expect to see at least a handful of 8K gaming monitors to be shown off at the show along Samsung’s display. That display is a good touchstone, too.

Assuming Samsung wants to keep with a 240Hz refresh rate like the current version has, you’re looking at a data rate above 45Gbps with HDR on (36.19Gbps with HDR off), and that’s with 3:1 compression. This is all theoretical at the moment, we need to wait until we see this display and other 8K options, but the numbers suggest that the RTX 4090 may not be able to drive them due to its DisplayPort 1.4a connection (at least at full refresh rate, DisplayPort is backwards compatible).

A slide showing the first 8K ultrawide monitor from Samsung.

There’s no need to restrict this conversation to 8K or super high refresh rates at 4K, either. OLED TVs masquerading as gaming monitors are becoming increasingly popular, and they could see huge benefits from 5K and 6K resolutions.

As I saw with LG’s UltraGear 48 OLED, the pixel density needs to be higher for such a large screen so close to your face. DisplayPort 1.4a can drive 5K and 6K with DSC, but not at refresh rates above 120Hz and not at higher HDR color depths. That capping of data rate shows up in VR, as well.

The Pimax Crystal, which is currently a Kickstarter campaign, should require around 29Gbps of data with DSC at 3:1 based on the specs. That’s within what DisplayPort 1.4a is capable of, but it’s reaching the limit. From large form factor displays to VR headsets to higher refresh rates at 4K, DisplayPort 1.4a is starting to reach its full capacity.

If both AMD and Nvidia stuck with DisplayPort 1.4a, that wouldn’t be a big deal. Display manufacturers would adapt to the capabilities of what’s currently in the market. But AMD is opening the floodgates with its new GPUs.

An important distinction, but not a selling point

The RX 7900 XTX graphics card with its die.

Out of all of the things to base a buying decision on, the DisplayPort standard should be very far down on that list.

We still need to see how AMD’s new GPUs perform, what features like FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 3.0 will bring, and if pushing past the barrier gaming monitors are at now even makes sense.

That’s where the trend is heading, though, and the difference between DisplayPort 1.4a and 2.1 might become more relevant much faster than we anticipated — at least for a high-end class of gamers who want to experiment with bleeding-edge tech.

Editors’ Recommendations

Tags:

anglesey-sea-zoo listed on couponmatrix.ukbiscuiteers listed on couponmatrix.ukboiler-juice listed on couponmatrix.ukcraft-stash listed on couponmatrix.ukscentered listed on couponmatrix.uktravelrepubliccouk listed on couponmatrix.uk
anglesey-sea-zoo listed on couponmatrix.ukIf you ever find yourself on the north-west coast of Wales, you can enjoy an afternoon of exploration at Anglesey Sea Zoo. As home to over 40 tanks full of fish, sea mammals and other cute creatures of the underwater world, an Anglesey Sea Zoo voucher is all that’s required to enjoy these watery wonders for a fraction of the price. From conger eels to spider crabs, discover new denizens of the deep today at Anglesey Sea Zoo.
biscuiteers listed on couponmatrix.ukForget flowers, what better way to show someone how much you love them than with the gift of food? And something sweet for that matter! Use your Biscuiteers discount code to get a discount on hand-decorated artisan cookies and biscuits that not only look but taste truly delicious. Whether you’re shopping for a birthday or are celebrating another special occasion, send a gift box of goodies from Biscuiteers and you’re sure to be popular.
boiler-juice listed on couponmatrix.ukWhen the temperature drops, Boiler Juice should be your first and only port of call. As the UK’s top heating oil vendor, customers enjoy quality heating at the lowest local prices from Aberdeen to Dover. If the best price available doesn’t satisfy, then make the most of our latest Boiler Juice discount code and get quote that’s unbeaten anywhere else. So hang up the jumper and put away the gloves, Boiler Juice has got you covered.
craft-stash listed on couponmatrix.ukCraft Stash is an online retailer that specializes in selling high-quality craft supplies. They offer a wide range of products, from paper and fabric to tools and accessories, all at great prices. To make sure you get the best deal on your purchase, be sure to use a Craft Stash discount code. With these, you can enjoy even more savings on top of their already low prices. So whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting out, Craft Stash is the perfect place to stock up on all your supplies. At Groupon, we know that saving money is important to our customers. That's why we work hard to find the best Craft Stash discount codes and vouchers. We'll scour the internet for the latest deals, so you can be sure you're getting the best possible price on your purchase. So what are you waiting for? Take advantage of our latest Craft Stash discount codes and offers today! If you're looking for a great deal on high-quality craft supplies, be sure to check out Craft Stash. They offer a wide range of products, from paper and fabric to tools and accessories, all at great prices. To get the best possible deal, use a Craft Stash voucher. So whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting out, Craft Stash is the perfect place to stock up on all your supplies.
scentered listed on couponmatrix.ukScentered is a unique aromatherapy brand that offers a range of products to help you relax, de-stress and feel fabulous. From candles and diffusers to body care and bath products, Scentered has everything you need to boost your mood and feel your best. Enjoy more of these soothing balms, oils and candles for less with a Scentered discount code, and treat yourself to some luxury self-care at an affordable price. At Groupon, we know that feeling good shouldn't have to come at a high price. That's why we work hard to find the best Scentered discount codes and offers so you can enjoy their products for less. Whether you're looking for a candles or diffuser, Groupon can help you find a great deal. We’re always introducing new Scentered offers, so take a look at our page regularly to see how much you can save today! If you're looking for a great way to relax and unwind, look no further than the Scentered Escape candle. Made with a blend of oud, frankincense and sandalwood, with a mix of essential oils, this candle is sure to help you drift off into a peaceful slumber, and with Scentered voucher codes from Groupon, you can enjoy more of these relaxing scents for less. There’s no time to wait – try Scentered today!
travelrepubliccouk listed on couponmatrix.ukTravel Republic is the home for great-value holidays, whether you’re seeking a quick weekend getaway, a leisurely sun-soaked retreat or an exploration of various European cities. Secure your next journey at an incredibly affordable price and start looking forward to a well-earned respite from the demands of everyday life. Travel Republic sources all the best travel deals, including flights, hotels and packages, across sought-after destinations such as Spain, Greece, the Caribbean, Japan and the USA. Wherever you’re heading, put your holiday in the calendar for less using a Travel Republic discount code. With the aid of one of Travel Republic’s amazing offers, whether you’re embarking on a solo adventure or travelling with family, planning a tranquil beachside holiday or a thrilling wintery escape, rest assured that you will always secure the most competitive price.