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No. A 4K 240Hz monitor does not inherently need HDMI 2.1: some models support that mode through HDMI 2.1, while others can also deliver it through DisplayPort 1.4 with Display Stream Compression (DSC), or through newer DisplayPort versions. The deciding factor is the specific monitor input and the source device’s output—not just the connector name.
Which connection should you use?
Use whichever input the monitor manufacturer specifies for 3840 × 2160 at 240Hz, provided your graphics card, console, or other source supports the same mode on its corresponding output. Check the exact model’s input specifications before buying a cable or assuming that a port can run at the monitor’s maximum refresh rate.
- HDMI 2.1: A valid option when the monitor and source both support 4K at 240Hz over their HDMI ports.
- DisplayPort 1.4: It can support the mode on a monitor that explicitly lists DSC for 4K at 240Hz.
- DisplayPort 2.1: Some monitors offer newer, higher-bandwidth implementations, such as UHBR20.
Can DisplayPort 1.4 run 4K at 240Hz?
Yes, on models that support the mode using DSC. For example, Dell lists its Alienware AW2725Q as supporting 3840 × 2160 at 240Hz over DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC. That is a specification for this particular monitor, not a guarantee that every DisplayPort 1.4 monitor can do the same. See Dell’s AW2725Q specifications.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →DSC is part of the specified signal path for this mode on that Dell model. The product specification establishes mode support; it does not establish that DSC is equivalent to an uncompressed signal or prove a visible quality difference.
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- Immersive 4K Gaming Display: 32-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) QD-OLED gaming monitor with 240 Hz refresh rate and 0.03 ms (GTG) response time for immersive gaming
- Advanced OLED Care Technology: New ASUS OLED Care Pro functions with Neo Proximity Sensor that precisely detects when the user is away, switching to a black screen to reduce the risk of burn-in
- Professional Color Accuracy: VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black compliance, 99% DCI-P3 gamut, true 10-bit color, and Delta E < 2 color difference for astonishing HDR performance for photo and video editing
- Uniform Brightness Control: Optional uniform brightness setting ensures consistent luminance levels across the entire display
- Intuitive Monitor Management: DisplayWidget Center allows users to access OLED Care functions, as well as adjust monitor settings with a mouse
Will HDMI 2.1 support 4K 240Hz?
It can, if both the display’s HDMI input and the source’s HDMI output support the required mode. Dell lists 3840 × 2160 at 240Hz over HDMI 2.1 FRL for the AW2725Q. Its specification also lists HDR and VRR for the HDMI ports, but those details should not be assumed for every HDMI 2.1 display or source. Check the exact model’s mode table. Dell’s AW2725Q specifications provide one model-specific example.
How do the ports compare on documented 4K 240Hz monitors?
| Monitor | DisplayPort support listed | HDMI support listed | What the specification establishes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell Alienware AW2725Q | DisplayPort 1.4; 3840 × 2160 at 240Hz with DSC | HDMI 2.1 FRL; 3840 × 2160 at 240Hz | Dell lists the 240Hz mode on both interface types for this model. Manufacturer specifications |
| ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM | DisplayPort 2.1a UHBR20; 80Gbps full bandwidth | HDMI 2.1 | ASUS identifies it as a 4K 240Hz monitor and lists these interfaces. Confirm the desired mode and feature combination for the specific source and input. Manufacturer specifications |
| ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQDPG | DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC | HDMI 2.1 | ASUS’s announcement describes this model as 4K 240Hz and lists both interface types. Manufacturer announcement |
These examples show why the version printed beside a port is not enough to decide: the supported resolution and refresh rate depend on the particular monitor implementation, and the source must support the mode too.
Quick Recap
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- 31.5" UHD (3840 x 2160) QD-OLED panel
- High 240Hz refresh rate, ultra-low 0.03ms GtG response time
- 1.07 billion colours (10-bit) with incredible gamut (DCI-P3 99%) & accuracy (ΔE ≤2)
- VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certified
- OLED Care 2.0 & MSI Gaming Intelligence AI
Rank #3
- Dual Mode Display Technology: 32-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) TrueBlack Glossy WOLED gaming monitor with versatile dual mode (4K@240Hz, FHD@480Hz)
- TrueBlack Glossy Panel: Exclusive new TrueBlack Glossy panel provides a zero-haze surface and exceptionally sharp imagery
- ASUS OLED Care Pro with Neo Proximity Sensor: Precisely detects when the user is away and switches to a black screen to reduce the risk of burn-in
- DisplayWidget Center Software: Allows users to easily access OLED Care Pro functions and adjust monitor settings using a mouse
- Professional Color Accuracy: VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black compliance, 99% DCI-P3 gamut, true 10-bit color, and Delta E < 2 color difference for astonishing HDR performance for photo and video editing
Rank #2
- 27” QHD IPS DISPLAY: Enjoy stunning detail and vibrant color with a 2560x1440 Quad HD resolution on a 27-inch IPS panel, offering wide viewing angles and precise image quality.
- 240HZ REFRESH RATE & 0.3MS RESPONSE TIME: Take competitive gaming to the next level with a blazing-fast 240Hz refresh rate (via DisplayPort) and ultra-responsive 0.3ms MPRT for minimal blur and maximum clarity.
- ADAPTIVE-SYNC SUPPORT: Say goodbye to screen tearing and input lag with Adaptive-Sync for fluid, uninterrupted performance across both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs.
- TILT ADJUSTMENT: Customize your setup with -3° to +21° tilt range for ergonomic positioning.
- ENHANCED GAMING FEATURES: Includes Shadow Control, Game Mode presets, and a user-friendly graphical OSD menu for fast and intuitive performance tuning.
What should you verify before connecting a PC or console?
- Check the monitor’s input mode table. Find the exact input—HDMI or DisplayPort—and verify that it supports 3840 × 2160 at 240Hz.
- Check the source’s output specifications. Confirm that the GPU or console can provide 4K at 240Hz through the output you plan to use.
- Check any required signal features. If the monitor specifies DSC for DisplayPort 1.4, ensure the source supports the required path. Do not infer uncompressed operation from the refresh-rate figure.
- Confirm the features you care about on that input. Verify color depth, HDR, and variable refresh rate (VRR) individually; support for one resolution-and-refresh combination does not prove every feature works in that combination.
- Choose a cable for the verified connection. A connector that fits does not establish that the whole source-to-display chain supports the requested mode. Use the monitor and source makers’ requirements for that port and mode.
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