How to check the max resolution of a cable

[Billy Pilgrim]

How do I check the max supported resolution of an HDMI cable that I no longer have the packaging to?

[kirashi]

20 hours ago, Billy Pilgrim said:

How do I check the max supported resolution of an HDMI cable that I no longer have the packaging to?

In theory, HDMI cables themselves are capable of a few different resolutions, depending on the cable construction itself. EDIT: To clarify, as @Ryan_Vickersnotes below, it's more about the bandwidth the cable can deliver that determines the supported resolution and refresh rate you can achieve with it, and not that certain cables support only certain resolutions.

 

Wikipedia has a page going over the options for cables, but without the packaging or just doing trial and error, it's kinda hard to say what an unbranded, unlabelled cable is good for. Most, if not all, should handle 1080p@60Hz no problem, or even 4K@30Hz, but some shoddy cables may complain with certain devices, either not handshaking at all, or only working at lower resolutions. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI#Cables

Edited October 12, 2018 by kirashi
added bit about bandwidth

[Billy Pilgrim]

I am using a 1440p 60hz monitor. Is there a way to tell that if I am actually getting that?

[Onehandstand]

Run a ufo test to see if your actually getting 60.

https://www.testufo.com

You can also check current resolution in nvidia control panel if your using a nvidia card.

[RollTime]

3 minutes ago, Billy Pilgrim said:

I am using a 1440p 60hz monitor. Is there a way to tell that if I am actually getting that?

If you have an Nvidia GPU, the control panel will tell you your resolution and Hz.

[kirashi]

1 minute ago, Billy Pilgrim said:

I am using a 1440p 60hz monitor. Is there a way to tell that if I am actually getting that?

Some where in the monitor's on screen display you can check the actual resolution & Hz being delivered to the monitor. Consult your user manual if unsure.

[Billy Pilgrim]

Ok. I do have an nVidia card. Where on the control panel does it say resolution?

[Glenwing]

2 hours ago, Billy Pilgrim said:

Ok. I do have an nVidia card. Where on the control panel does it say resolution?

 

Spoiler

 

[Billy Pilgrim]

Thanks

[vanished]

That's not how it works.  They don't have a maximum resolution, just a maximum bandwidth.  You can devote that to higher res at a lower speed, or lower res at a higher speed, etc.  Additionally, what limits you will almost certainly be the device on the sending and receiving end.  The cable will struggle to maintain a functional signal at some point but for all intents and purposes that's not usually a concern.

[Billy Pilgrim]

Ok, Is there a way to find the max bandwidth?

[vanished]

7 minutes ago, Billy Pilgrim said:

Ok, Is there a way to find the max bandwidth?

Well, if it's any good, it will be certified to handle a certain stream (4K60 for example), but failing that, you're best bet is probably to just push it harder and harder until you start to get issues like it dropping out, corruption, etc.

[Billy Pilgrim]

Ok Thank you

[Glenwing]

6 hours ago, Billy Pilgrim said:

Ok, Is there a way to find the max bandwidth?

Most likely it will say "High Speed HDMI cable" printed on the jacket which means it is certified for 10.2 Gbit/s (which is 1080p 144 Hz or 1440p 75 Hz or 4K 30 Hz), but in practice most High Speed HDMI cables will work up to at least 4K 60 Hz unless it is a really long cable (10+ meters).