Hey friend, so you’re looking to upgrade your setup and take your PlayStation 5 gaming to the next level with stunning 4K resolution. But should you buy a shiny new 4K TV first, or will swapping out your HDMI cables do the trick? I‘ve tested my PS5 on all kinds of displays and HDMI cables, so let me walk you through everything you need to know to unlock the console‘s full gaming potential.
Understanding the PS5’s Beefy Specs for 4K Gaming
Sony packed some serious horsepower into the PS5 to deliver buttery smooth 4K gameplay. Here are the key specs driving its insane graphics performance according to Digital Foundry:
- 10.28 teraflop AMD RDNA 2 GPU
- 16GB of GDDR6 memory with a bandwidth of 448GB/s
- Custom 825GB SSD with 5.5GB/s read speed
- Supports real-time hardware ray tracing for realistic lighting
This hardware combo enables 4K gaming at a blisteringly fast 120 frames per second (fps) in select titles. The PS5 also leverages its AMD chip and onboard software to automatically optimize resolution and frame rates based on your TV‘s capabilities. Pretty cool right?
But you’ll need the right gear to tap into all this power. Let’s look at what 4K gaming settings the PS5 can handle and the equipment you’ll need.
When You Absolutely Need HDMI 2.1
The PS5 console comes with an HDMI 2.1 port on the back which provides a massive 48 Gbps of bandwidth according to Sony. That’s a big upgrade from 18 Gbps with HDMI 2.0. This additional bandwidth unlocks higher resolutions and frame rates up to 4K 120Hz.
Here are the bandwidth requirements for different resolutions and frame rates according to Cable Matters:
- 1080p 60Hz – 3.4 Gbps
- 1440p 60Hz – 5.3 Gbps
- 4K 60Hz – 18 Gbps
- 4K 120Hz – 48 Gbps
As you can see, you need the 48 Gbps of HDMI 2.1 to handle 4K gaming at 120 fps. This applies to both your TV’s HDMI ports and the connecting cables.
Luckily HDMI 2.0 can easily support 4K resolution at 60Hz. So if blazing fast frame rates aren’t a priority for you, HDMI 2.1 isn’t mandatory.
Picking the Best Gaming TV for Your PS5
When choosing a 4K TV to pair with your PS5 console, keep these key gaming features in mind:
Refresh Rate
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Aim for a 120Hz display or higher to take full advantage of the PS5’s 120 fps capabilities in supported titles.
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Tests by RTings show refresh rates above 60Hz deliver noticeable improvements in motion clarity and input lag.
Response Time
- Look for response times of 5ms or lower to minimize input delay and lag. OLED panels shine here with response times as quick as 0.1ms!
HDMI 2.1
- At least one HDMI 2.1 port future-proofs your TV for 4K 120Hz gaming once more titles support it.
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
- This syncs your TV‘s refresh rate with the PS5‘s frame rate to minimize stuttering and screen tearing. Requires HDMI 2.1.
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
- HDR10 and Dolby Vision produce more vibrant colors and bolster brightness up to 4000 nits for realistic contrast between light and dark scenes.
Based on my experience gaming in 4K on PS5, I highly recommend the following displays:
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LG C2 – The best 4K OLED TV for PS5 thanks to stunning image quality, HDMI 2.1, G-SYNC and a 1ms response time.
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Samsung QN90B – A bright QLED panel with HDMI 2.1 and minimal input lag. Excellent for well-lit gaming rooms.
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Sony X90K – Shoots above its price with impressively low input lag and full array local dimming.
I suggest sizing up to a 55-inch or 65-inch screen to get the full impact of 4K‘s resolution bump.
When Do You Need High-Speed HDMI Cables?
The PS5 comes with an HDMI cable in the box, but you may need a higher bandwidth cable for 4K 120Hz gaming.
Here are the cable requirements according to HDMI.org:
- Standard HDMI – Up to 1080p 60Hz
- High Speed HDMI – Up to 4K 60Hz
- Ultra High Speed HDMI – Up to 4K 120Hz
High Speed HDMI cables rated for at least 18Gbps bandwidth can handle 4K 60Hz gaming without issue. You only need to step up to an Ultra High Speed 48 Gbps cable for 4K 120fps.
I recommend an Ultra High Speed cable anyway to future-proof your setup. Popular affordable options include the Zeskit Maya 8K and Amazon Basics 48Gbps cables.
Should You Prioritize 4K or High Refresh Rates?
Since few PS5 games support both 4K and 120Hz simultaneously, you may have to choose between resolution and frame rate.
4K 60Hz
- Maximizes image clarity and fine detail for immersive single-player experiences.
- Demanding on GPUs so easier to sustain 60 fps at 4K.
1440p at 120Hz
- Smoother and more responsive with fluid high frame rates.
- Easier for PS5 to hit 120+ fps at 1440p. Great for competitive online multiplayer.
There’s no definitive winner here. Go with the better fit for the games you play most. Shooters and racing titles benefit more from high frame rates while open-world adventure games shine at 4K. Why not get both experiences? Treat yourself to a high refresh 4K monitor for your PS5 gaming and a 4K 60Hz TV for entertainment.
The Bottom Line
The PlayStation 5 delivers truly incredible 4K gaming visuals. But you need a worthy 4K display and HDMI connections to experience them in all their glory.
While you don‘t necessarily need brand new HDMI 2.1 equipment today, choose a TV with key gaming features like low input lag, fast response times, and high refresh rates. High Speed HDMI cables can capably handle 4K 60Hz gaming.
Future-proof your setup where possible with HDMI 2.1. But focus first on picking a TV with performance that matches the PS5‘s power. Once you do, you’ll be blown away by just how good 4K gaming can look and feel.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to chat TVs and help a fellow gamer get the most out of their PS5.
