Explainer · Monitors
DisplayPort 2.1 explained: UHBR10, UHBR13.5, and UHBR20 for monitors
DisplayPort 2.1 is not one speed. A monitor can list 'DP 2.1' and run anywhere from 40 to 80 Gbps. What each UHBR tier carries, and when you actually need it.
DisplayPort 2.1 is the newest DisplayPort version on monitors, but the label alone does not tell you the speed. Every DisplayPort 2.1 link runs at one of three UHBR (Ultra High Bit Rate) tiers.
DisplayPort versions and bandwidth
| Version / tier | Max link rate | Example monitors |
|---|---|---|
| DisplayPort 1.4 (HBR3) | 32.4 Gbps | Samsung Odyssey OLED G6, ASUS XG32UQWMS (with DSC) |
| DP 2.1 UHBR10 | 40 Gbps | — |
| DP 2.1 UHBR13.5 | 54 Gbps | LG 27GX790B, MSI MPG 341CQR X36 |
| DP 2.1 UHBR20 | 80 Gbps | ASUS PG34WCDN, ASUS PG32UCWM, LG 39GX950B and 27GM950B |
What DSC does
Display Stream Compression shrinks the video signal by up to about three times in a way designed to be visually lossless. It is why DisplayPort 1.4 can carry 4K at 240Hz. Downsides are minor but real on some systems: a black screen for a second or two when switching between fullscreen apps, and limits on how many high-refresh displays one GPU can drive.
When DisplayPort 2.1 matters
- 5K2K ultrawides at 165Hz and 5K monitors at 165Hz or more.
- 4K at 240Hz with 10-bit color and no compression.
- Multi-monitor setups where DSC limits how many screens your GPU can run.
- Future-proofing: the next generation of GPUs and monitors will push higher refresh rates.
Questions we get
Do I need DisplayPort 2.1?
Usually not. DisplayPort 1.4 with Display Stream Compression (DSC) drives 4K at 240Hz and 1440p at 500Hz on most monitors, and DSC is visually lossless for most people. DisplayPort 2.1 matters for the highest modes without compression, such as 5K2K at 165Hz or 4K 240Hz with full bandwidth, and avoids DSC quirks like slow alt-tabbing on some GPUs.
What cable do I need for DisplayPort 2.1?
A VESA-certified DP80 cable for UHBR20 and a DP54 cable for UHBR13.5. Longer passive cables may not hold the highest speeds.
Which GPUs support DisplayPort 2.1?
Recent Nvidia and AMD desktop GPUs include DisplayPort 2.1 outputs, but not all support UHBR20. Check your card's spec page for its maximum UHBR rate before paying extra for a UHBR20 monitor.