Can DisplayPort 1.4 run 1440p 240Hz? Bandwidth and DSC requirements
29.7 Gbps is just past what DP 1.4 can do raw. DSC is the fix, and with a modern GPU and certified cable it's transparent. If your GPU doesn't support DSC, you'll need a DP 2.1 monitor to get this mode at native fidelity.
1440p at 240 Hz with 10-bit 4:4:4 HDR color needs 29.7 Gbps, about 15% over DisplayPort 1.4's 25.9 Gbps effective data rate. That's why every DP 1.4 monitor in the 1440p 240 Hz class enables Display Stream Compression (DSC) by default - the interface itself can't carry this mode uncompressed.
By TechCompare · Updated
Interface Bandwidth Analysis
See how much uncompressed and compressed bandwidth this resolution and refresh rate mode demands, compared to the native limits of common video cables.
DSC uses visually lossless 3-to-1 compression, shrinking the required bandwidth so it fits through older cables.
Calculator
Display Bandwidth Calculator
Required Bandwidth
Uncompressed
29.73 Gbps
With DSC (Display Stream Compression)
7.93 Gbps
Interface Compatibility
How this is calculated
DSC 3:1 compresses the signal to roughly 9.9 Gbps. It's visually lossless at VESA's certified spec, with imperceptible latency added (usually under 1 ms). DP 1.4 + DSC is how essentially every 240 Hz 1440p gaming monitor on the market hits its headline spec. If DSC isn't available (older GPU, cheap cable), the fallback is 8-bit SDR at 23.8 Gbps, which fits natively.
Verdict
1440p at 240 Hz with 10-bit 4:4:4 HDR needs 29.7 Gbps, about 15% over DisplayPort 1.4's 25.9 Gbps ceiling, which is why every DP 1.4 monitor in the 1440p 240 Hz class enables DSC by default. DSC 3:1 compresses the signal to roughly 9.9 Gbps with VESA-certified visually-lossless behavior and sub-1-ms added latency. The fallback path when DSC isn't available (older GPU, cheap cable) is 8-bit SDR at 23.8 Gbps which fits natively, and that's why the spec exists on DP 1.4 even though it can't carry the headline version uncompressed. DP 2.1 UHBR 20 (77.37 Gbps) is the only path that gives 1440p 240 Hz HDR at native uncompressed fidelity.
More DisplayPort 1.4 scenarios
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Do you need DSC for 1440p 240Hz over DisplayPort 1.4?
Is DSC visually lossless for competitive gaming?
What cable do I need for 1440p 240 Hz over DisplayPort 1.4?
Related tools
PPI & Retina Calculator
Calculate PPI and Retina distance for your display.
Use tool ➜Screen Size Visualizer
Compare screen sizes side-by-side to visualize physical dimension differences.
Use tool ➜FPS Visualizer
Visualize the impact of different FPS settings on your game experience.
Use tool ➜Data Transfer Calculator
Estimate transfer times for files over USB, WiFi, Ethernet, and more.
Use tool ➜