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DisplayPort 2.1 Tested: Essential for 4K 240Hz Monitors?

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Introduction

Welcome back to Monitors Unboxed! Many of you have been asking for a review of the Gigabyte AORUS FO32 U2P, specifically interested in its DisplayPort 2.1 functionality. While I am still in the process of testing the monitor for a full review, I wanted to address the topic of DisplayPort 2.1 separately in this dedicated article. Does DisplayPort 2.1 actually offer any advantages compared to DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC? What is the current compatibility situation with DisplayPort 2.1? And what about the availability of suitable cables? Let's dive into it.

DisplayPort 2.1 Overview

The Gigabyte AORUS FO32 U2P is one of several new 32-inch 4K 240Hz QD-LED gaming monitors. Most of these monitors, including the FO32 U2P, have traditionally used DisplayPort 1.4, which provides a maximum bandwidth of 32 Gbps. However, to achieve the required bandwidth of around 69 Gbps for a 4K 240Hz uncompressed signal, these monitors rely on Display Stream Compression (DSC). DisplayPort 2.1 promises to eliminate the need for DSC by offering higher bandwidth configurations. It features multiple bandwidth options, but for 4K 240Hz, the UHB 20 mode with 80 Gbps is required.

Testing DisplayPort 2.1

To test the Gigabyte FO32 U2P's compatibility with DisplayPort 2.1, a graphics card that supports DP 2.1 UHB 20 is needed. The AMD Radeon Pro W7000 series GPUs with RDNA 3, specifically the Radeon Pro W 7800, are the only GPUs currently available with full DisplayPort 2.1 UHB 20 support. When connected via the mini DisplayPort on the Radeon Pro W7000 series GPU, the FO32 U2P works flawlessly at the full DP 2.1 UHB 20 bandwidth of 80 Gbps. However, due to limited UHB 20 support on this GPU, it only works through the mini DisplayPort, while the full-sized DP connectors operate at a lower bandwidth.

Backwards Compatibility and Cable Requirements

The Gigabyte FO32 U2P is backwards compatible with DisplayPort 1.4 devices, allowing it to function with lower bandwidth configurations and the use of DSC. However, it should be noted that the FO32 U2P, when connected to devices that don't support DP 2.1 UHB 20, operates at reduced bandwidth with DSC enabled. This means that while DP 2.1 offers advantages in terms of future-proofing and uncompressed signal support, it's not a necessary requirement for most consumers with current graphics cards that only support DP 1.4.

It's important to mention that using a high-quality cable is crucial for achieving the full capabilities of DP 2.1. The FO32 U2P comes with a short 1-meter mini DisplayPort to DP cable, which may not be suitable for all setups. Certified DP 2.1 cables that support 80 Gbps of bandwidth are more expensive than DP 1.4 cables, especially for longer lengths. It's recommended to purchase a suitable DP 2.1 cable separately to ensure optimal performance and avoid potential issues like flickering or visual artifacts.

Keyword: DisplayPort 2.1, Gigabyte AORUS FO32 U2P, compatibility, bandwidth, Display Stream Compression, AMD Radeon Pro W7000, UHB 20, DP 1.4, DSC, cable requirements.

FAQ:

  1. Is DisplayPort 2.1 essential for 4K 240Hz monitors?

    • DisplayPort 2.1 offers advantages in terms of future-proofing and uncompressed signal support, but it's not a necessary requirement for most consumers with current graphics cards that only support DP 1.4.

  2. What is the difference between DisplayPort 1.4 and DisplayPort 2.1?

    • DisplayPort 1.4 offers a maximum bandwidth of 32 Gbps and relies on Display Stream Compression (DSC) for higher refresh rates and resolutions. DisplayPort 2.1 eliminates the need for DSC by providing higher bandwidth options, such as UHB 20 with 80 Gbps.

  3. What are the cable requirements for DisplayPort 2.1?

    • DisplayPort 2.1 cables that support the full bandwidth of 80 Gbps are more expensive than DP 1.4 cables. It's crucial to use a high-quality DP 2.1 cable to ensure optimal performance, especially for longer cable lengths.

  4. Can DisplayPort 2.1 monitors work with devices that only support DP 1.4?

    • Yes, DisplayPort 2.1 monitors, like the Gigabyte AORUS FO32 U2P, are backwards compatible with DP 1.4 devices. However, they operate at reduced bandwidth with the use of Display Stream Compression (DSC) in these configurations.