2nd 1440p monitor forced to run at 1080p 60hz?

Inyerbones · October 16, 2020

My primary display is the Acer VG271UP, a 1440p 144hz IPS monitor. Link: https://www.acer.com/ac/en/GB/content/model/UM.HV1EE.P01

I recently purchased another display to use as a second monitor, a 1440p 75hz one. Link: https://shopee.com.my/Armaggeddon-Pixxel-Elite-EF27QHD-Gaming-Monitor-2560-x-1440-75Hz-5ms-i.145290690.4147826253

My GPU is the Gigabyte RTX 2070 Super Aorus, with 3x HDMI 2.0 out, 3x DP 1.4 out and 1 type-c out, a total of 7 inputs. Link: https://www.gigabyte.com/my/Graphics-Card/GV-N207SAORUS-8GC-rev-10-11#kf

My primary display is connected via HDMI 2.0

I connected the new monitor to my pc with the included HDMI cable (unsure of version), but the monitor ran at 1080p 60hz by default (It even said so in the monitor's OSD). I tried plugging the new monitor into the HDMI port that my primary display used all this time, and it ran at 1440p 75hz by default and it even says that it's running at 1440p 75hz in the monitor OSD. I plugged my primary display into the 'new' HDMI port, and now my main display runs at 1080p 60 by default. It appears that it has something to do with that port? Doesn't make sense to me, since they're all the same HDMI 2.0.

I tried the third HDMI port, but that port seems to be busted or something, both monitors do not get signals from that third HDMI port.

I've also tried setting a custom resolution and refresh rate in the Nvidia Control panel, but it can only work at 1440p 60hz, going anything above 60hz just resets it back to 1440p 60hz. However, running the new display at 1440p this way looks absolutely terrible. It is no where near as sharp as running it at 1440p when connected to the 'good' HDMI port. It actually looks just like 1080p when I use the custom 1440p resolution, or even worse. Especially when comparing it next to my primary 1440p display.

I've also made sure that the resolution of the second monitor is set to 1440p in Windows settings.

*When running 1440p custom resolution, it still says 1920x1080 60hz in the monitor OSD. Guess the custom resolution isn't working...?

Attached below is an screenshot of my custom resolution and refresh rates in Nvidia control panel.

I can't really think of anything else to try, so any help is appreciated!

*Display 2 is the new monitor

Stahlmann · October 16, 2020

Why don't you just use DP?

Inyerbones · October 16, 2020

3 minutes ago, Stahlmann said:

Why don't you just use DP?

Don't have any DP cables on hand, can't just go out to buy one right now but I'd still like a solution to the issue.

The cable came with the monitor and it does work to spec with it, so I see no reason why not to just use them instead of going out to buy another cable anyway.

Would really love to know why both monitors can run to spec with HDMI with the same port but not with another. Finding a solution for it would be great too.