New PlayStations come with an ultra-high speed, five-foot-long HDMI 2.1 cable right out of the box in order to support a superior gaming experience.
I have spent my entire life gaming, and have always worked to keep up with the newest or most exciting systems. The PS5 is no exception. I have a long experience with Sony, and I used that knowledge to break down the topics in this guide.
All of the below sections go over what cable the PS5 comes with, why such specifications matter, and how important they are to support the newest titles.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- PS5’s require a lot more power and technology than most other gaming systems, which is why they need the strongest HDMI cable on the market to run at peak performance.
- All new PS5s come with a five-foot-long HDMI 2.1 cable right out of the box so you don’t have to worry about finding one on your own.
- Many users can get by without using an HDMI 2.1 with their PS5 depending on their television/monitor and general setup.
Why an HDMI Cable Matters
Before diving into specifics, it’s first important to cover why any gamer or gaming system would want one HDMI cable over another. Most people assume all such cables are the same, but that could not be further from the truth. There are a lot of differences most don’t see.
Every TV comes with its own resolution and refresh rate. As those numbers go up, so does the power required to run them. With gaming systems, including the PS5, becoming more and more advanced each year, they need better and better hardware to run properly.
That’s where HDMI cables come in. Though older models had no problem running outdated systems, the newer ones need more power and energy in order to handle advanced graphics and the superior frame rates required by the PS5.
Where the original PS4 supported an HDMI 1.4 due to its 30 FPS rate, the PS5 utilizes something a bit stronger. The 2.1 can handle up to 10K resolution and a max refresh rate of 120Hz. Its max bandwidth is 48 Gbit/s as well.
That allows it to support a much wider range of different specs and you won’t have to worry about any speed caps.
PS5 and the HDMI 2.1
The PS5 is a superior gaming system that requires a lot of power to work correctly. Luckily, it gets that right out of the box. Sony understands how much the PS5 requires to run at peak performance and sells all systems with an HDMI 2.1 or Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable.
The cords run roughly 5 feet long, which is more than enough space to hook up your system to your television. You even have some extra wiggle room if you need to place it away from your main setup for one reason or another.
If that’s not enough for your personal needs, and you want something longer, just be aware that you want to keep the specifications. Always replace the HDMI cable that conforms to the 2.1 specs when you can. Otherwise, your performance could suffer.
Does a PS5 Need an HDMI 2.1 Cable?
Many users attempt to plug in other cables with their PS5, but that’s not always recommended. While you can use your older cables (such as a 1.4 or 2.0) with the PS5, doing so can bottleneck your specs and cause the quality of your games to suffer.
However, that doesn’t mean there’s only one way to use the system. Whether or not you specifically have to use the 2.1 comes down to your television or monitor. If you have something that supports FHD@60Hz, you can use an older cable.
On top of that, the type of cable you use won’t matter much if you have a 4K TV with a refresh rate that maxes out at 60Hz. In that situation, a 2.0 is more than fine. You only truly need to use a 2.1 if you have something with a 4K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.
Pushing those specs is not something that every user needs or cares about. There are some big differences between playing a game at peak or limited performance, but HDMI 2.1 is only for those with the absolute best technology who won’t settle for anything less than the best.
It all comes down to bandwidth. The higher yours goes, the better cables you’re going to need. Know your specs and get what best matches your technology.
FAQs
These are some of the most common questions PS5 users ask about HDMI cables.
How Much Does an HDMI 2.1 Cable Cost?
It depends on both the brand and strength of the cable. Most quality items run anywhere between $20 and $50. However, the cheapest models dip down to around $10, while more expensive ones get up to around $100.
How Do I Know If My TV Is Compatible with HDMI 2.1?
Checking if your television is compatible with any cable is simple. Just look at your model’s specifications by either consulting the manual, physically checking your device, or going to the company’s website. As a rule, most TV’s made after 2020 support 2.1.
Can Other Cables Be Used Instead of HDMI 2.1?
Though there are a range of different HDMI cables on the market, none of them are as reliable for gaming as the 2.1. It’s the most advanced option for the PS5. Other cables simply won’t be as compatible, or support the same refresh rates, as the 2.1 can.
Final Words
PS5’s are some of the best gaming systems on the current market. As such, they require the best technology to run. An HDMI 2.1 cable is not needed to use the system, but it’s the best way to go if you want everything to absolutely pop.
Do you own a PS5? What are some of your favorite games on it? Let us know in the comment section below!
