You unboxed a PS5 or Xbox Series X, plugged it into your TV, and the game menu says 4K 120 Hz is available, but the picture is stuck at 60 Hz. In most cases the problem is not the console. It's the HDMI cable, or the TV port it's plugged into. Here's how to choose the right cable and set everything up correctly.
What Do PS5 and Xbox Series X Need From an HDMI Cable?
Both consoles can output 4K at up to 120 Hz, along with HDR and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). Those features rely on HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, which is up to 48 Gbps. A cable that was fine for a 1080p Blu-ray player may not carry that much data.
| What you want | Minimum cable |
|---|---|
| 1080p at 60 Hz | High Speed |
| 4K at 60 Hz with HDR | Premium High Speed |
| 4K at 120 Hz, VRR, or 8K | Ultra High Speed (48 Gbps) |
If your goal is 4K 120 Hz gaming, look for a cable labeled Ultra High Speed, ideally with the official certification label on the packaging.
Check Your TV Before Buying a Cable
A better cable can't add features your TV doesn't have. Before you spend money, check these three things:
- HDMI 2.1 ports. Many TVs only have one or two ports that support the full 4K 120 Hz signal, and the rest are limited to 4K 60 Hz. Look for a label such as "4K120" or "HDMI 2.1" next to the port, or check your TV's manual.
- Game mode and enhanced format settings. Some TVs require you to turn on an "enhanced HDMI" or "input signal plus" option for each port.
- VRR and ALLM support. If you want tear-free gaming, make sure your TV lists Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode.
How to Choose the Right Cable
1. Pick the right speed rating
For a current-generation console on an HDMI 2.1 TV, choose Ultra High Speed. For a 4K 60 Hz TV, Premium High Speed is enough.
2. Choose the right length
At 48 Gbps, passive copper cables work best over short distances. For a console next to a TV, 3 ft to 10 ft is typical. If your console is farther away, such as in a media cabinet across the room, consider a Fiber Optic HDMI cable, which keeps the full bandwidth over long runs. Our guide on how long an HDMI cable can be explains the limits.
3. Consider the connector and cable design
- Gold-plated connectors resist corrosion.
- A flexible cable is easier to route behind a TV stand.
- If your TV is wall-mounted, check whether you need a right-angle or low-profile connector.
4. Going through a receiver or soundbar?
The signal passes through every device in the chain, so your receiver or soundbar must also support 4K 120 Hz. Many people connect the console directly to the TV and use eARC to send audio to the soundbar.
Console Settings to Check
- PS5: Settings → Screen and Video → Video Output, then check that 120 Hz output and VRR are enabled.
- Xbox Series X: Settings → General → TV and Display Options → Video Modes, then enable 120 Hz and VRR if your TV supports them.
Menu names change with system updates, so look for the video output and refresh rate options if they differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy a new HDMI cable for my PS5 or Xbox Series X?
Both consoles include an HDMI cable in the box. If you're using that cable with a TV that supports 4K 120 Hz, you may not need another. A new cable is useful when you need a different length or the one you have isn't rated for 48 Gbps.
Will an expensive cable improve my picture?
No. HDMI is digital, so price doesn't affect picture quality. What matters is that the cable is rated for the bandwidth you need and is well made.
Why is my console stuck at 60 Hz?
The most common causes are an HDMI port that doesn't support 4K 120 Hz, a cable that isn't Ultra High Speed, or a setting on the TV that needs to be enabled. Try a different port and a certified cable first.
Shop HDMI Cables for Gaming
Browse our HDMI cables for short runs, or choose a Fiber Optic HDMI cable when your console and TV are far apart. Not sure which HDMI version you need? Read HDMI 2.1 vs 2.0.