Can 8K TV run 120 fps?
8K TVs are capable of running at 120 fps for lower resolutions like 1080p and 4K, but not for native 8K content. This is due to limitations in current HDMI and DisplayPort specifications.
120Hz refresh rates on 8K TVs
Most high-end 8K TVs like Samsung‘s QLED 8K models or LG‘s OLED 8K TVs support refresh rates of up to 120Hz. However, this is only possible at lower resolutions of 1080p or 4K.
When you feed an 8K signal into these TVs, they are currently limited to 60Hz refresh rates. This is because of bandwidth limitations in the latest HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 connections. These can only support up to 48Gbps which allows for 8K 60Hz with HDR.
Why 60Hz limit for 8K?
Driving an 8K display at 120Hz requires a bandwidth of at least 80Gbps based on the current 8K resolution of 7680 × 4320. This is higher than what current Generation 2 cables are capable of.
Future specifications like HDMI 2.1a and DisplayPort 2.0 will allow up to 8K 120Hz by increasing bandwidth to 80Gbps and 77.4Gbps respectively. They are expected to be available in 2022 onwards.
TV manufacturers promising 8K 120Hz
Some TV manufacturers like Samsung, Sony and TCL have been advertising 8K 120Hz support on their high-end TV models.
However, this currently applies only to 4K 120Hz or lower resolutions. Native 8K content is still limited to 60Hz due to HDMI 2.1 limitations. So marketing claims can be misleading.
Using chroma subsampling for 8K 120Hz
One way TV makers are trying to achieve 8K 120Hz is by using chroma subsampling of the 8K signal. This reduces bandwidth requirements allowing the higher refresh rate.
But color accuracy and vibrancy is compromised. So while technically possible, picture quality is noticeably lower than 60Hz 10-bit color.
Requirements for 8K 120Hz gaming
– 8K TV with ports supporting HDMI 2.1a or DisplayPort 2.0
– GPU capable of rendering high frame rates at 8K resolution
– HDMI 2.1a or DisplayPort 2.0 certified 8K cables
While GPUs like the RTX 4090 can achieve high frame rates at 8K resolution, current 60Hz limits on displays make running 8K games at 120 fps rather pointless.
Why you don‘t need 8K 120Hz
– Very little 8K native content available currently, mostly limited to tech demos
– Diminishing returns beyond 60Hz refresh rates for casual gaming
– 4K 120Hz provides smoother perceived motion and lower input lag for gaming
– Better investing in 4K 120Hz TV for now and upgrading later when mature 8K 120Hz ecosystem exists
For these reasons, chasing the 8K 120Hz specifications is unnecessary for most people currently. Focus on a high quality 4K 120Hz TV to take full advantage of latest consoles and gaming PCs. The jump to 8K 120Hz can wait a few more years!
