Can HDMI 2.1 do 165Hz?

Answered by Stephen Mosley

HDMI 2.1 is capable of supporting a refresh rate of 165Hz. The HDMI 2.1 specification introduced several improvements over its predecessor, HDMI 2.0, including higher bandwidth capabilities. With a maximum bandwidth of 48 Gbps, HDMI 2.1 provides enough data transfer speed to accommodate higher resolutions and refresh rates.

When it comes to refresh rates, HDMI 2.1 supports resolutions up to 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz. However, it’s important to note that the actual supported refresh rates may vary depending on the specific device and cable being used. So, while HDMI 2.1 is technically capable of handling 165Hz, it doesn’t mean that all devices or cables labeled as HDMI 2.1 will support this specific refresh rate.

In the case of your GTX 1650 graphics card and your monitor, it is unlikely that either of them has HDMI 2.1 inputs/outputs. The GTX 1650 is a mid-range graphics card that typically comes with HDMI 2.0b ports, and most monitors in the market today also support HDMI 2.0 or older versions. HDMI 2.1 is still relatively new, and its widespread adoption is not yet common in mainstream consumer devices.

The good news is that HDMI 2.0 is more than sufficient for 1080p at 165Hz. HDMI 2.0 has a maximum bandwidth of 18 Gbps, which is more than enough to handle a 1080p resolution at a high refresh rate like 165Hz. So, you don’t necessarily need HDMI 2.1 speeds for your current setup.

To achieve 1080p at 165Hz, you will need a monitor and a graphics card that both support this refresh rate. Additionally, you will need a high-quality HDMI cable capable of handling the required bandwidth. While HDMI cables labeled as “High-Speed” or “Premium High-Speed” should be able to handle 1080p 165Hz, it’s always a good idea to check the specifications and reviews of the cable you intend to use to ensure its compatibility.

HDMI 2.1 is capable of supporting 165Hz, but it’s not necessary for your current setup. HDMI 2.0 is sufficient for 1080p at 165Hz, and it’s highly likely that your GTX 1650 and monitor have HDMI 2.0 ports. Just make sure you have a quality HDMI cable that can handle the required bandwidth, and you should be able to enjoy smooth gaming or content viewing at 165Hz.