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Common pixel clock limits

DVI

LinksLimitData rateBandwidth
Single165 MHz3.96 Gbps4.95 Gbps
Dual330 MHz*7.92 Gbps9.9 Gbps

* Technically no limit defined by the DVI specification, but often limited to 330 MHz.

HDMI

VersionLimitData rateBandwidth
1.0-1.2a165 MHz3.96 Gbps4.95 Gbps
1.3-1.4b340 MHz*8.16 Gbps10.2 Gbps
2.0-2.0b600 MHz14.4 Gbps18 Gbps

* AMD GPUs without HDMI 2.0 are limited to 297 MHz. Intel GPUs without HDMI 2.0 are limited to 300.99 MHz.

DisplayPort

DisplayPort limits depend on the number of lanes and the link rate:

  • Reduced Bit Rate (RBR) and High Bit Rate (HBR) are supported by all versions of DisplayPort.
  • High Bit Rate 2 (HBR2) is supported by DisplayPort 1.2 and newer.
  • High Bit Rate 3 (HBR3) is supported by DisplayPort 1.3 and newer.

4 lanes

Link rate8 bpc limit6 bpc limitData rateBandwidth
162 MHz (RBR)216 MHz288 MHz5.184 Gbps6.48 Gbps
270 MHz (HBR)360 MHz480 MHz8.64 Gbps10.8 Gbps
540 MHz (HBR2)720 MHz*960 MHz*17.28 Gbps21.6 Gbps
810 MHz (HBR3)1080 MHz1440 MHz25.92 Gbps32.4 Gbps

* NVIDIA Kepler GPUs are limited to 540 MHz.

2 lanes

Link rate8 bpc limit6 bpc limitData rateBandwidth
162 MHz (RBR)108 MHz144 MHz2.592 Gbps3.24 Gbps
270 MHz (HBR)180 MHz240 MHz4.32 Gbps5.4 Gbps
540 MHz (HBR2)360 MHz480 MHz8.64 Gbps10.8 Gbps
810 MHz (HBR3)540 MHz720 MHz12.96 Gbps16.2 Gbps

1 lane

Link rate8 bpc limit6 bpc limitData rateBandwidth
162 MHz (RBR)54 MHz72 MHz1.296 Gbps1.62 Gbps
270 MHz (HBR)90 MHz120 MHz2.16 Gbps2.7 Gbps
540 MHz (HBR2)180 MHz240 MHz4.32 Gbps5.4 Gbps
810 MHz (HBR3)270 MHz360 MHz6.48 Gbps8.1 Gbps

DVI specification

Digital Display Working Group (DDWG), the group that created the Digital Visual Interface (DVI) standard, doesn't seem to exist anymore, so here's an archived copy of the DVI specification:

https://www.monitortests.com/download/pdf/dvi_10.pdf

An interesting note is the DVI specification doesn't actually specify a maximum pixel clock, only that pixel clocks greater than 165 MHz must use two links. In fact, it states the first link can operate beyond 165 MHz if the pixel clock is greater than 330 MHz.

FIX: BenQ XL2730Z and ZOWIE XL2730 missing 144 Hz refresh rate

If you have a BenQ XL2730Z or ZOWIE XL2730 and can't set the refresh rate to 144 Hz because the option disappeared, it may be a firmware bug.

Follow these instructions to reset the monitor:

  1. Power off the monitor.
  2. Hold down buttons 3 and 4 and power on the monitor.
  3. Keep buttons 3 and 4 pressed until the picture appears.
  4. Press button 5 to enter the factory menu.
  5. Choose "CLEARUSER" to reset the monitor.
  6. Unplug the monitor's power for a minute.
  7. Plug the monitor back in and power on the monitor.

Custom Resolution Utility (CRU) with older Intel GPUs

Custom Resolution Utility (CRU) 1.4.2 was recently released with a new feature that allows exporting self-contained EDID override installers. This also includes an alternative method compatible with older Intel GPUs.


After making the desired changes, click the "Export..." button:


Choose "EXE File" for the file type:

Click the "Save" button.


Run the .exe file:

  • Choose "Install EDID" to install the EDID override on all matching displays.
  • Choose "Reset EDID" to remove the EDID override.