Can DisplayPort 1.4 run 1440p 240Hz? Bandwidth and DSC requirements
30.8 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 30.8 Gbps, about 19% 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 HDMI and DisplayPort connections.
DSC uses visually lossless 3-to-1 compression, shrinking the required bandwidth so it fits through older cables.
Other connections
Assumes display traffic only and four DisplayPort lanes for USB-C. USB4 and Thunderbolt figures are for one DisplayPort stream.
Calculator
Display Bandwidth Calculator
Required Bandwidth
Uncompressed
30.77 Gbps
With DSC (Display Stream Compression)
8.21 Gbps
Interface Compatibility
HDMI
DisplayPort
Other connections
Assumes one display with no USB or PCIe data sharing. USB-C uses all four DisplayPort lanes. USB4 and Thunderbolt use the DisplayPort profile listed. The 120 Gbps modes add bandwidth for multiple streams, while one DP 2.1 UHBR 20 stream stays at 77.37 Gbps. Compare checks each display separately.
USB-C
Thunderbolt
USB4
How this is calculated
DSC 3:1 compresses the signal to roughly 10.3 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 24.6 Gbps, which fits natively.
Verdict
1440p at 240 Hz with 10-bit 4:4:4 HDR needs 30.8 Gbps, about 19% 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 10.3 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 24.6 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?
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