limited refresh rate on external monitor

[dali111]

I am using a Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 15IHU6 (model 82K1, BIOS H4CN37WW V2.06) with Intel Iris Xe Graphics (Device ID: 8086:9A49).
My external monitor is an MSI MAG 275QF which supports up to 2k@180hz connected through the laptop’s HDMI port.

The Intel HDMI output is limiting the available refresh rates as follows:

• At 2560×1440, the GPU only exposes 60 Hz.

• At 1920×1080, the GPU only exposes 120 Hz.

• Higher refresh rates at either resolution do not appear in Windows, Intel Graphics Command Center, or when added through CRU—even though the monitor supports up to 144 Hz over HDMI 2.0b.

The monitor EDID shows:

• HDMI 2.0 max pixel clock 600 MHz.

I tested all Intel drivers from Lenovo OEM (31.0.101.4502) up to the most recent Intel WHQL (32.0.101.7080).
The problem occurs on all versions.

Adding custom resolutions through CRU (CVT-RB and CVT-RB2) does not work because the Intel driver appears to ignore custom HDMI timings that are not already present in the EDID’s CEA-861 block.

The laptop’s USB-C port does not support DisplayPort Alt Mode, so HDMI is the only external display path.

I would like to know whether the Intel Iris Xe HDMI output has a driver restriction that prevents the use of 2560×1440 above 60 Hz or 1920×1080 above 120 Hz on this hardware, and is there a fix ?
for additional info this is the HDMI cable I am using https://mpshop.tn/fr/cables-hdmi/6971-cable-hdmi-15-metres-4k-hdtv-20v.html.
Finally there is nothing in the monitor settings that indicates an overclock mode or something of similar nature in the monitor settings.

[VonM_Intel]

Hi dali111,

Thank you for posting in our Community and for the detailed description of your setup, which really helps us understand the situation clearly. I appreciate the time you’ve taken to test multiple driver versions, review the EDID, and even experiment with custom resolutions through CRU. You’ve done excellent groundwork so far. Based on the information you’ve shared, it appears the HDMI refresh rate limitation may be related to either a driver-level constraint or the hardware interface configuration between the laptop’s HDMI port and the Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics. To investigate this further, I’d like to confirm a few additional details:

1. Could you please confirm the exact HDMI cable specification (e.g., HDMI 2.0b or 2.1) and whether it’s a certified high-speed or ultra high-speed cable? Sometimes refresh rate limitations can occur with non-certified or lower-spec cables, especially at 1440p.

2. Have you tried connecting the same monitor and HDMI cable to a different system or device (such as another laptop or desktop) to verify whether it can achieve 144 Hz or higher at 2560×1440?

3. When connecting your MSI MAG 275QF monitor, could you please check if the monitor’s on-screen display (OSD) correctly detects the input signal (e.g., HDMI 2.0 or 1.4) and the active refresh rate?

4. Just to confirm, are you using any HDMI adapters, docking stations, or converters, or is the cable directly connected to the laptop’s HDMI port?

5. Have you tested the same setup while the system is running on AC power (not battery) with Windows set to maximum performance mode?

Have a nice day!

Best regards,

Von M.
Intel Customer Support Technician

[VonM_Intel]

Hello dali111,

Have you had a chance to review my previous response? Please let us know if you require any further assistance. I'm here to help.

Have a nice day!

Best regards,

Von M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[MUC]

Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 15IHU6

1 x HDMI 2.0b

MSI MAG 275QF (page 19)

1 x DisplayPort HBR2

2 x HDMI 2.0b (2560 x 1440 @ 144 Hz)

Higher refresh rates than 144 Hz are not possible via HDMI due to insufficient bandwidth.

Does CRU list 1440p @ 120Hz/144 Hz ?

[VonM_Intel]

Hello dali111,

I noticed that SuperUser @MUC provided some information that may help resolve the issue regarding display output and refresh rates. To better understand the situation, could you please confirm whether CRU (Custom Resolution Utility) lists 1440p at 120Hz or 144Hz for your display?

Please let us know if you require any further assistance. I'm here to help.

Have a nice day!

Best regards,

Von M.

Intel Customer Support Technician