The leap to 120Hz gaming has become a defining feature of modern consoles and PCs. Smoother motion, reduced input lag, and a more responsive feel can transform your experience. But actually getting that silky refresh rate to work across your devices often isn’t as simple as plugging in a cable. From hidden system settings to finicky HDMI standards, a variety of hurdles can keep you stuck at 60Hz. This guide breaks down exactly what you need for 120Hz gaming on PS5, PC with Bazzite and an AMD 9070XT, and Valve’s Steam Deck, while solving the most common refresh rate headaches.
Why 120Hz Matters for Gaming
A 120Hz display refreshes the image 120 times per second, doubling the capability of a standard 60Hz screen. When a game outputs 120 frames per second (fps), each frame is displayed for half the time, giving you clearer motion and less blur during fast camera pans. Input lag is also reduced because the screen updates more frequently, making controls feel tighter. This is especially critical in competitive shooters and racing games. To take advantage, your entire chain, from console or PC to display, must support the necessary bandwidth. That typically means HDMI 2.1 for 4K 120Hz, or HDMI 2.0 for 1080p 120Hz. DisplayPort is often preferred on PC, but consoles rely on HDMI. Understanding these requirements will save you a lot of trial and error.
How to Set Up 120Hz on PS5
The PlayStation 5 is built for 120Hz output, but you need to enable it correctly. First, confirm your TV or monitor has an HDMI 2.1 port (for 4K 120Hz) or HDMI 2.0 (for 1080p 120Hz). Next, use the Ultra High Speed HDMI cable that came with the console, or a certified alternative. Then, navigate to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output and set Enable 120 Hz Output to Automatic. This tells the PS5 to use 120Hz when supported. Within individual games, you’ll often need to select a Performance Mode from the graphics settings to unlock 120fps. Some titles, like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, run a 40fps mode inside a 120Hz container for a smoother frame time. If your TV supports 4K 120Hz, ensure the HDMI port is set to “Enhanced format” in the TV’s settings; this is a common gotcha. Without it, you’ll be limited to 60Hz even with the right gear.
PS5 Pro vs. a 120Hz TV: Which Upgrade First?
Deciding between a PS5 Pro and a 120Hz TV hinges on your current setup. If you’re still using a 60Hz display, upgrading to a 120Hz TV will immediately improve motion clarity in 120fps-compatible games on your existing PS5. You’ll also benefit from features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) if the TV supports HDMI 2.1 VRR. The PS5 Pro, while offering graphical boosts and higher frame rates in enhanced titles, can’t magically make a 60Hz panel show 120fps. So, if your priority is buttery-smooth motion and faster response in competitive games, invest in the TV first. If you already have a 4K 120Hz screen and crave higher fidelity paired with high frame rates, the PS5 Pro is the logical next step. Ultimately, the best experience comes from having both, but for most players, a good 120Hz TV offers a more foundational upgrade.
Setting Up 120Hz on PC with Bazzite and AMD 9070XT
Bazzite is a popular Linux-based gaming operating system that mimics the Steam Deck’s interface on desktop hardware. Pairing it with a modern AMD GPU like the 9070XT and a 4K 120Hz TV can deliver a console-like living room experience, but it requires a few specific steps. Start with a certified HDMI 2.1 cable, ideally the one included with your TV or a 48Gbps-rated third-party option. Plug into the correct HDMI port on your TV, often labeled 4K 120Hz, and enable the port’s “Enhanced HDMI” or “HDMI Deep Color” mode in the TV’s picture settings. In Bazzite’s desktop mode, open the display settings (KDE Plasma’s System Settings > Display and Monitor) and select 3840×2160 at 120Hz. If 120Hz isn’t listed, try lowering the color depth or chroma subsampling; many TVs only support 4:2:0 or 4:2:2 at 120Hz, not full 4:4:4. In Bazzite’s Game Mode (SteamOS-like), go to Settings > Display, choose the external monitor, and set the resolution and refresh rate manually. If you encounter black screens or flickering, disable HDR in both Bazzite and the TV menu as a troubleshooting step. Also verify that the AMD drivers, which are open-source and built into Bazzite’s kernel, are up to date. If problems persist, consider using a DisplayPort to HDMI 2.1 adapter, though this can introduce its own quirks. A stable 4K 120Hz experience on Bazzite is absolutely possible, but patience with EDID and format quirks is sometimes required.
Connecting a Steam Deck to a 120Hz Monitor
Valve’s Steam Deck is a surprisingly capable machine for high refresh rate external gaming. While the handheld screen is only 60Hz, its USB-C port can drive 4K 120Hz displays under the right conditions. Most third-party docks, however, advertise 4K 60Hz because they use HDMI 2.0 outputs. For 1080p 120Hz, a standard HDMI 2.0 dock is fine. Plug in your dock, connect to the monitor, and ensure you’re using a high-speed HDMI cable. In Gaming Mode, head to Settings > Display and select your external monitor. Set the resolution to 1920×1080 and the refresh rate to 120Hz. If 120Hz is missing, switch to Desktop Mode, open System Settings > Display and Monitor, and choose your monitor. Click Advanced and manually add a custom resolution of 1080p at 120Hz using CVT reduced blanking timings. Apply the new mode. Some monitors also require you to enable 120Hz in their on-screen display menu, often under a “Game” or “Display” section. Check your monitor’s manual if you’re stuck. Finally, make sure your Steam Deck’s firmware is updated; Valve regularly refines external display compatibility.
Troubleshooting: Why Is My 120Hz Monitor Only Showing 100Hz?
It’s frustrating to see a 100Hz cap when you know your monitor is rated for 120Hz. This almost always comes down to EDID data, cable limitations, or GPU output settings. The monitor sends its supported modes to the source device, and sometimes an HDMI port reports a maximum of 100Hz due to a bug in the EDID or because the cable can’t handle the full bandwidth. First, try a different cable; a High Speed HDMI (2.0) cable is required for 1080p 120Hz. Second, check if the monitor offers a DisplayPort input; DisplayPort generally handles high refresh rates more reliably. If you must use HDMI, look in the monitor’s OSD for a “PC mode” or “HDMI Compatibility” setting and disable any limitations like “HDMI Ultra HD Deep Color.” In Windows or Bazzite, you can override the EDID by creating a custom resolution. For Windows, use the NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Software to add 1920×1080 at 120Hz with CVT-RB timing. For Linux (including Bazzite and Steam Deck), you can use xrandr or the GUI method described earlier. Also bear in mind that some older monitors only support 120Hz over Dual-Link DVI, not HDMI. If your monitor’s spec sheet confirms HDMI is limited to 100Hz, you’ll need a DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter, or simply upgrade to a newer display. Double-checking the monitor’s native supported resolutions and refresh rates on the manufacturer’s website can save hours of troubleshooting.
