Last updated: 10/10/2025
This covers the following products:
All Universal 2nd Gen models
Some users may notice their 5K2K displays are not achieving expected refresh rates when connected through Secure KVM switches. This article outlines the capabilities and limitations of HDMI and DisplayPort interfaces, host-to-display conversions supported by Secure KVM switches, and how various processors affect 5K video output.
1. Existing Commercial Video Standards
| Standard | Resolution | Max Refresh Rate |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI 2.0 / 2.0a / 2.0b | 4K (3840x2160) | 60Hz |
| HDMI 2.1 | 8K or 4K | 8K@60Hz / 4K@120Hz |
| DisplayPort 1.3 or higher | 5K2K (5120x2160) | 60Hz |
Note: While your processor or GPU may support HDMI 2.1, 8K@60Hz / 4K@120Hz are not supported in Universal Secure KVMs.
2. Secure KVM Switch Host-to-Display Conversion Support
| Monitor Interface | KVM Console | Max Refresh Rate |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI | HDMI | 5K@50Hz |
| DP | HDMI | 5K@30Hz |
| DP | DP | 4K@60Hz* (5120x2160) |
Note: While your processor or GPU may support 5K@60Hz natively, the supported refresh rate may be lower when routed through the KVM switch due to conversion limitations.
3. Processor-Specific Capabilities
This section summarizes 5K2K display support tested with Belkin Universal Secure KVMs depending on GPU/CPU and the signal path used.
| Computer Processors | Host HDMI → Display HDMI | Host HDMI → Display DP | Host DP → Display DP | Host DP → Display HDMI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel 630 | 3840x2160@30Hz | 3840x2160@30Hz | 4096x2160@60Hz | 4096x2160@60Hz |
| Intel 730 [Gen 13] | 5120x2160@30Hz | 4096x2160@60Hz | 4096x2160@60Hz | 5120x2160@30Hz |
| Intel 770 [Gen14 Dell] | Not applicable (HDMI 1.4b) | 4096x2160@60Hz | 4096x2160@60Hz | 5120x2160@30Hz |
*Note: 5120x2160@50Hz does not render video; SKVM scales down resolution to 5120x2160@30Hz to display video successfully.
Important Notes
- Refresh Rate Differences: Actual refresh rates depend on:
- Processor/GPU output capability
- Type of connection (HDMI vs DP)
- Host-to-display conversion support of the KVM switch
- HDMI 1.4 Limitation: Some systems (e.g., certain Dell Intel 770 implementations) only offer HDMI 1.4b, which does not support 5K resolutions.
- No Override: Secure KVM switches cannot upscale or override refresh rate limitations imposed by the system or port version.
- If using a docking station, refresh rates may be limited by its capabilities.
Important Notes about Dell 5K Support
Please refer to the Belkin Knowledge Base article Understanding DQHD Display Support on Universal Secure KVM for information about 5120x1440 Dell display support.
Recommendations
- For best 5K2K performance using a Secure KVM, use HDMI connections from the console.
- Avoid HDMI 1.4-based outputs if 5K is required; use HDMI 2.0+ cables.
- DP-to-DP connections are optimal for 4K@60Hz; HDMI-to-HDMI supports up to 5K@50Hz (if GPU-supported).
