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🔧 Physical Hardware & Handshake Fix

PC HDMI to 4K 120Hz TV Option Missing? Step-by-Step Fix

Unlocking 120Hz & 144Hz in Windows and NVIDIA Control Panel

⚡ Fast Hardware Fix Uncompressed 10-Bit 4:4:4 RGB · 48Gbps FRL6

Cable Matters 48Gbps Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 Lead for RTX & Radeon Desktop GPUs

Delivers full 48 Gbps Fixed Rate Link (4x12 Gbps) margin required to unlock the PC 3840x2160 120Hz and 144Hz resolution block, crisp 4:4:4 desktop subpixel text, and G-Sync Compatible HDMI Forum VRR in NVIDIA Control Panel.

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🔍 Root Cause Analysis & Physical Mechanism

Windows and NVIDIA Control Panel default TVs to the 'Ultra HD, HD, SD' resolution category (capped at 60Hz HDMI 2.0 timing) unless the TV's HDMI port is configured to 'PC' mode and the cable supports full 48Gbps FRL.

Technical Standards & Invariants:
  • NVIDIA Control Panel separates TV resolutions (Ultra HD, HD, SD capped at 60Hz) from PC resolutions (which unlock 120Hz and 144Hz).
  • Setting the TV's HDMI input icon/label to 'PC' disables aggressive TV image post-processing and unlocks 4:4:4 uncompressed chroma.
  • DisplayPort to HDMI passive adapters cannot output 4K 120Hz; they are electrically limited to DP++ 4K 60Hz.

🛠️ Proven Diagnostic & Resolution Steps

  1. Open NVIDIA Control Panel → Change Resolution.
  2. Scroll past 'Ultra HD, HD, SD' down to the 'PC' section, select 3840 × 2160, and select 120Hz from the Refresh Rate dropdown.
  3. In TV Settings, change the HDMI input label to 'PC'.
  4. Ensure you are plugged directly into your GPU's native HDMI 2.1 port, NOT an adapter or motherboard port.
  5. Verify your cable is a certified 48Gbps Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 lead.
Recommended Verified Replacement Uncompressed 10-Bit 4:4:4 RGB · 48Gbps FRL6

Cable Matters 48Gbps Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 Lead for RTX & Radeon Desktop GPUs

Delivers full 48 Gbps Fixed Rate Link (4x12 Gbps) margin required to unlock the PC 3840x2160 120Hz and 144Hz resolution block, crisp 4:4:4 desktop subpixel text, and G-Sync Compatible HDMI Forum VRR in NVIDIA Control Panel.

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🎯 Pre-Loaded Interactive Cable Matchmaker

RTX / Radeon Gaming PC to 4K 120Hz OLED TV (2m Run)

Need a longer run or different port setup? Open this exact preset in our client-side protocol verifier.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)

Can I use a DisplayPort to HDMI cable to get 4K 120Hz on my TV?

Only with an Active DP 1.4 to HDMI 2.1 adapter featuring a protocol converter chip (e.g. Synaptics VMM7100). Passive adapters cap out at 4K 60Hz.

Why is G-Sync Compatible missing for my TV?

G-Sync Compatible on TVs requires native HDMI 2.1 Forum VRR enabled on the TV, an RTX 20/30/40/50 series GPU, and a verified 48Gbps cable.

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