Minimum GPU needed to output 1440p signal at 165hz?

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fmac

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Wannabe Geek

#289805 30-Sep-2021 09:26

I've just ordered a new 2560x1440 165hz monitor and want a new GPU to take advantage of the full 165Hz refresh rate.

I currently have an Intel Core i5 4570 which can output a max resolution over DisplayPort of 3840x2160@60Hz which AFAIK doesn't translate to enough bandwidth for 2560x1440@165Hz.

I am trying to find out what is the minimum GPU I'll need to be able to output 1440p at 165Hz.... so far on my list I have
- Ryzen 3200G + motherboard with DisplayPort output
- Intel Core 11000 series + motherboard with DisplayPort output
- NVidia GT 1030 w/ DisplayPort output
- Radeon RX550 w/ DisplayPort output

Compounding this are reports I've heard that some motherboards that have a DisplayPort output don't run it at the full bandwidth supported by the IGP on the CPU... so going this path could potentially be an expensive failure

Is there something I'm missing?
Can older gen GPUs output the amount of bandwidth I need?

(NOTE: I DON'T PLAY GAMES, but I do want the full 165Hz for desktop use - so please don't tell me to go and buy an RTX3080)

alavaliant

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#2786806 30-Sep-2021 09:51

Are you intentionally trying to spend as little money as possible? Or would something slightly higher spec (but not super high spec) be ok to you? Personally I'd never recommend trying to get the absolute Minimum and would suggest something a little past Minimum to give a little breathing room.

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#2786815 30-Sep-2021 10:08

I had a 1060gtx and it would do 240hz

wratterus

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#2786819 30-Sep-2021 10:11

GT1030 should be fine if you just want to display at that res & refresh rate. Don't even consider gaming on it though.

Bear in mind even if your older CPU technically can support that res/refresh rate, your mainboard needs to, and will need to have DisplayPort out on it as the older HDMI revisions don't support that much bandwidth.

Pretty sure the 1030 has HDMI 2.0b which should be fine assuming your screen has a HDMI input that supports that bandwidth.

It wouldn't hurt to get something with DP out on it.

fmac

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2787400 30-Sep-2021 21:50

OK yes that's what I was concerned about. Don't want to get a new
motherboard with recent cpu with current gen integrated graphics, only to find it doesn't have the
right spec displayport output bandwidth.

Yes looking to spend as little money as possible, my current computer
is fine but just trying to weigh up what my upgrade options are

Looks like a gt 1030 will be the cheapest path, wouldn't mind going with
something like a gtx 1050 but considering that it would cost more
than what my PC's worth it doesn't make sense, the current market
for GPUs seems a bit crazy

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#2787411 30-Sep-2021 22:00

wratterus:

GT1030 should be fine if you just want to display at that res & refresh rate. Don't even consider gaming on it though.

Bear in mind even if your older CPU technically can support that res/refresh rate, your mainboard needs to, and will need to have DisplayPort out on it as the older HDMI revisions don't support that much bandwidth.

Pretty sure the 1030 has HDMI 2.0b which should be fine assuming your screen has a HDMI input that supports that bandwidth.

It wouldn't hurt to get something with DP out on it.

just beware that hdmi won't do 4k 60hz if the OP would want that. you need DP for that

wratterus

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#2787413 30-Sep-2021 22:05

I've done 4k 60hz over hdmi on a gt1030 no problem.

MaxineN

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#2787414 30-Sep-2021 22:07

Batman:
wratterus:

GT1030 should be fine if you just want to display at that res & refresh rate. Don't even consider gaming on it though.

Bear in mind even if your older CPU technically can support that res/refresh rate, your mainboard needs to, and will need to have DisplayPort out on it as the older HDMI revisions don't support that much bandwidth.

Pretty sure the 1030 has HDMI 2.0b which should be fine assuming your screen has a HDMI input that supports that bandwidth.

It wouldn't hurt to get something with DP out on it.

just beware that hdmi won't do 4k 60hz if the OP would want that. you need DP for that

Gt 1030 has hdmi 2.0b so 4k@60 is absolutely possible.

Of course DisplayPort is always better ;)

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fmac

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Wannabe Geek

#2787416 30-Sep-2021 22:10

Can hdmi 2.0b do 1440p @ 165hz?

MaxineN

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#2787421 30-Sep-2021 22:19

No.
1440p at 144hz is the most you’ll get. You’re really pushing bandwidth of that standard at that high refresh rate.

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fmac

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2787435 30-Sep-2021 23:10

According to this calculator, 1440p at 165hz will fit OK within a displayport 1.2 connection:
https://linustechtips.com/topic/729232-guide-to-display-cables-adapters-v2/?section=calc&H=3440&V=1440&F=120&calculations=show&formulas=show

Looks like an older Radeon 7730 / R7 240 could be the ticket

fmac

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2787438 30-Sep-2021 23:22

Is there any reason this won't do 165hz 1440p on the displayport output?

Radeon hd8490 $15
https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/computers/components/video-cards/pci-express/listing/3283912974

Seems a lot more cost effective than a gt 1030 for $100+

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#2787463 1-Oct-2021 07:41

i don't think you can know until you buy it. my hunch is it won't.

i think it only has DP 1.1 you need at least 1.2 i think.

but hey you can buy it and tell us!

fmac

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Wannabe Geek

#2787506 1-Oct-2021 09:14

Its only $15, I think I'll grab it and find out what happens

A gt 1030 would be a better more future proof solution (drivers,
hardware decoding etc) but can't justify it at $100+ when my pc is only
worth maybe $180

MaxineN

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#2787509 1-Oct-2021 09:18

For what it's worth even GT 1030 prices are seriously inflated.

The MSRP for that damn thing is only $79 USD.

You can work out the math from there. The HD8490 with it's displayport should honestly be fine and should hit 1440p@165hz but also it could just do 144hz as well which I don't think you're going to notice the 21 extra refreshes in any case.

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#2787559 1-Oct-2021 11:31

If 165hz is overdrive /overclock I'd stick with 144 because overdrive can give artefacts