GTX 980 ti and 4k Via 50ft. HDMI

[Hahnzo]

Hi guys, I have another question for the awesome Tom's Hardware community:
I have a gtx 980 ti graphics card, and a 4k TV roughly 50 ft from the computer. I have now tried two different cables and the first one was able to handle 1080p for a little while (not 4k @60hz with 4:4:4 color) and then it stopped working altogether. I returned the cable, and purchased a monoprice active cable. This time I was outputting 4k to my LG OLED65E6P for about an hour...and then the next time I tried to use it there was no signal again. I have tried multiple ports on the TV, as well as (my preferred option) routing it through my Onkyo RZ800 Receiver. I am currently at a loss as to how to get this to work. Did I just have bad luck with cables or is there something I am missing? Is 50ft too long? Is there a nicer cable I should buy? Is it a problem with my GPU (it seemed to handle the hour of Far Cry Primal in 4k rather well).

Thanks in advance

 

[photonboy]

Hi,
I strongly recommend using the Steam Link (with ethernet connection, not wi-fi).
http://store.steampowered.com/app/353380/

It may only support 1080p@60Hz, however:

a) very few computers support 4K gaming at 60FPS (without dropping FPS or settings which defeats the purpose). A GTX980Ti won't run most games maxed at 60FPS/4K, and

b) Most people don't sit close enough to benefit from 4K. Several people get annoyed with me and tell me I'm wrong when I refer to the chart that says for people with 20/20 they need to sit closer than 1.5X the HDTV's diagonal to see better than 1920x1080 resolution.

 

[why_wolf]

It's my understanding that 50ft is pushing the HDMI signal range to its max. I think their a signal boosters available, but I have no idea if those actually work or if they are just snake oil.

If gaming at 1080p is okay have you tried just using a Steam Link instead?

 

[photonboy]

https://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/NVIDIA/GeForce_GTX_980_Ti/20.html

Just an example, but at 4K the average frame rate is just over 40FPS (with dips below that)

1080p would allow a solid, 60FPS experience. Otherwise you have to stay with that frame rate or drop settings if you want 60FPS.

 

[Hahnzo]

For the full 60 FPS and 4:4:4 space, I will be upgrading to the newer generation of VC, but for now I just want to figure out why I just get a black screen. The steam link is cool, but I spent more money than I'd like to admit for a 4k tv, computer, and compatible AV receiver so I would like to figure out why this isn't working in 4k and I just get a black screen. The computer sees either the TV or the AV receiver as a device capable of 4k and it IDs the device names....just no picture or sound. Is that the sign of a bad cable or videocard do you think? Or am I way off?

 

[Hahnzo]

UPDATE: After doing some research, apparently graphics cards don't have as much "oomph" in their ability to send signals long distances, so most people who report success with long cables are either lucky or using a dedicated bluray player. After reading this, I moved the Computer to the TV room and used a shorter HDMI 2.0a cable, and 4k is now working beautifully on my screen! I appreciate the help, as ya'll got the wheels turning in my head. If anyone knows of a 50ft active cable that works let me know, otherwise I am going to have to figure out another way to cover the distance...or move the computer out to the TV area =/

 

[Hahnzo]

Also, I used an active cable as Why_Wolf suggested might work, but apparently they are indeed snake oil (or I got a defective one) as it didn't work better than the passive one. Thank god amazon has a great return policy!!! Thanks again for your help! I love this community!