Quick Answer

Not getting 4K 360Hz usually means a cable, port, or GPU mismatch rather than a faulty monitor. You need DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20 or HDMI 2.1 FRL with DSC, plus a current-gen GPU like the RTX 5080 or RX 9070 XT.

Why Your 4K 360Hz Display Won't Hit Spec

The bandwidth required for uncompressed 4K at 360Hz exceeds even DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20's 80Gbps without Display Stream Compression. If your cable, port, or GPU only supports DisplayPort 1.4 (32.4Gbps), you'll cap out at 4K 120Hz or be forced into 1440p for the higher refresh. Check your GPU spec sheet first, then verify the cable is rated UHBR20 or VESA-certified DP80, not just "DisplayPort 2.1."

Common Fixes for SA Gamers

Start with the cable. Many users assume their old DP cable is fine, but pre-2024 cables are almost universally DP 1.4. Buy a certified UHBR20 cable (under R450 from local stockists) and you'll resolve a surprising number of these issues. Next, update GPU drivers and check the monitor's OSD for a "DSC" or "Bandwidth Mode" toggle. Some panels ship with DSC disabled by default, capping refresh at lower rates.

Settings That Lock In 4K 360Hz

In Windows Display Settings, manually select 360Hz from the dropdown rather than letting it auto-negotiate. In NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Adrenalin, force the output bit depth to 8-bit instead of 10-bit if you're hitting bandwidth ceilings. With ZAR pricing on these panels sitting between R28,000 and R55,000, getting the setup right protects your investment, and Evetech's local warranty support beats waiting on overseas RMAs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run 4K 360Hz over HDMI 2.1?

Only with DSC enabled and a Frame Link Rate of 12Gbps per lane. Most TVs and older monitors don't support this combination, so DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20 is the safer route.

Does my RTX 4090 support 4K 360Hz?

The RTX 4090 has DisplayPort 1.4a only, so it caps at 4K 240Hz with DSC. You'd need an RTX 5080 or higher to hit native 4K 360Hz.

Why does my display show 4K 360Hz but games run at lower refresh?

Check that V-Sync isn't capping at 60Hz, your in-game refresh rate target matches the monitor, and Windows isn't running the game in borderless windowed mode tied to a different display.

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