Affordable DisplayPort 2.0 monitor enables 4K 165Hz gaming, now available in China
The world’s first of this type.
4K 165Hz monitor with DP2.0 and HDMI 2.1, Source: SDC
Recently in China, a company called SDC (Super Display Co) released a 1080p, 500 Hz gaming monitor. Priced at 2499 RMB (around $345), it has already received positive reviews. Additionally, SDC introduced another monitor, the SDC 27X1U, a 27-inch 4K 165Hz model. This monitor comes with several unique features for its price segment ($400-500), including support for DisplayPort 2.0.
As previously mentioned, there has been a lack of gaming monitors with DP 2.0 support in the market. Those that have been announced are either unavailable or exorbitantly priced, making them inaccessible to many gamers. The adoption of DP 2.0 has been sluggish since its formal release by VESA in June 2019. Nearly four years later, DP 2.0 monitors remain extremely rare, despite an update to the 2.1 specs.
SDC 27X1U features LG NanoIPS panel, Source: Little Snowman
However, there is finally progress in this regard with the more affordable SDC 27X1U monitor, which has already been subject to some reviews. Featuring a flat 27-inch 4K Nano-IPS panel from LG (LM270WR8), as used by LG’s latest gaming monitors. The SDC monitor supports 10-bit colors, HDR600 with measured peak brightness of ~680 nits in HDR mode. It also supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), compatible with VESA VRR and AMD FreeSync, NVIDIA G-Sync and VRR functionality extending to PlayStation 5 (48 to 120Hz).
SDC 27X1U, Source: Little Snowman
Regarding DisplayPort 2.0 support, it’s important to note which GPUs currently support this standard. Presently, only Intel Arc and Radeon RX 7000 cards support DP 2.0/2.1. However, only the Radeon RX 7000 supports the UHBR13.5 transmission rate, while Radeon PRO 7000 models are the only ones supporting UHBR20 mode. Intel Arc GPUs support UHBR10 mode, which, as pointed out by these reviews, isn’t sufficient to support this monitor fully. The same applies to NVIDIA RTX 40 series which do not have DP 2.0 at all.
SDC 27X1U 4k 165Hz support on AMD GPU, Source: Chaowanke
The UHBR13.5 mode, as supported by RDNA3 desktop GPUs, enables a 4K 165Hz experience without Display Stream Compression (DSC). GeForce RTX 40 users need to use DSC for the full experience, while Arc users can limit the refresh rate to 120 Hz without DSC. One thing that should be mentioned is that 165Hz specs are overclocked settings, as the panel itself defaults to 144Hz.
The monitor features a custom SDC X1 main board that also enables HDMI 2.1 support (48 Gbps). For DisplayPort, the company recommends using DP 2.1 cables for the best experience. Interestingly, all accessories (including power supply) are in white. Additionally, the monitor supports KVM and USB Type-C charging up to 96W.
SDC 27X1U board & connectors, Source: Little Snowman
As for pricing, the monitor starts at 2999 RMB (~$415), excluding the stand. There are two types of stands available: a cheaper option connecting through the VESA mount, priced at 199 RMB, and a premium version made from CNC aluminum, priced at 999 RMB. Both support pivot and height adjustment.
If you wish to learn more about the monitor, you can watch reviews from Chaowanke and Little Snowman. From our understanding, the latter account is from the maker of the monitor.
