AMD RDNA3 GPUs with up to UHBR20 (80 Gbps) support?
The display market might be quiet about the DisplayPort 2.0 standard, but GPU makers are working around the clock to enable next-generation standards for their upcoming graphics card series.
AMD next-gen RDNA3 architecture is currently undergoing a hardware and software development. While the silicon is being tested, proper software has to be prepared beforehand. This is why we usually see so many leaks from AMD open-source driver development. In this case, a confirmation on DisplayPort 2.0 standard on RDNA3 architecture.
As discovered by Kepler, AMD has begun implementing patches for DisplayPort 2.0 Ultra-High-Bit-Rate (UHBR) certification. The UHBR10, UHBR13.5 and UHBR20 standards define the maximum connectivity throughput for the cable, should such speed be supported by the source and receiving devices. Although initially, VESA, who are responsible for the DP standard, were reluctant to introduce UHBR standards within the DisplayPort 2.0 specs, when it was introduced in 2019.
In the patches titled ‘DML changes for DCN32/321’ (DCN stands for Display Core Next), we learn that AMD is preparing the enablement of DisplayPort UHBR20 mode. Only this mode will provide up to 80 Gbps of bandwidth, which is 32 Gbps more than HDMI 2.1 standard and 48 Gbps more than DisplayPort 1.4a. Such standard could theoretically enable 16K resolution output with Display Stream Compression, 10K without compression or two 8K HDR screens rated at 120 Hz.
AMD DCN32/321 patches for DisplayPort2 UBHR standards, Source: Freedesktop
The launch of DisplayPort 2 monitors has been repeatedly delayed. In January last year, VESA has confirmed that such products should appear by the end of the 2021, which has not happened. However, such monitors are likely still under active development awaiting the launch of DP2 output capable devices. The introduction of Radeon RX 7000 series could be a good starting point.
Source: Freedesktop via Kepler
