Bug 492524

Summary: Can't use 165hz monitor with 10bit HDR on KDE Plasma 6
Product: [Applications] systemsettings Reporter: jayden.zangari2
Component: generalAssignee: Plasma Bugs List <plasma-bugs-null>
Status: RESOLVED UPSTREAM    
Severity: normal CC: duha.bugs
Priority: NOR    
Version First Reported In: unspecified   
Target Milestone: ---   
Platform: Other   
OS: Linux   
Latest Commit: Version Fixed/Implemented In:
Sentry Crash Report:

Description jayden.zangari2 2024-09-02 06:44:38 UTC
SUMMARY
Hello,

I recently made the switch from Windows to Linux (Nobara - KDE Plasma 6 with Wayland) and have been having trouble getting HDR to work on my [AW3423DWF](https://www.dell.com/en-au/shop/alienware-34-curved-qd-oled-gaming-monitor-aw3423dwf/apd/210-bfsb/monitors-monitor-accessories) monitor. Technically this monitor is advertised as being able to run at 165hz with HDR at 3440x1440 however that is only with 8bit HDR not 10bit. At 10bit HDR, the monitor's refresh rate is set to its next lowest mode which is unfortunately 100hz.

I did not experience this issue on Windows because Windows will automatically lower the HDR to 8bit with dithering which is supported by the monitor. There does seem to be workarounds to get 144hz or 165hz with 10bit HDR (see [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/ultrawidemasterrace/comments/18qszjp/comment/kexokww/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)) however all of these workarounds are Windows specific.

The new and experimental HDR support for KDE plasma 6 seems to be 10bit to my knowledge as I am unable to set my refresh rate to 165hz and am instead limited to 100hz. When I disable HDR I am able to get to 165hz. This is pretty disappointing to me and I'm wondering if anyone has a solution that either:

1. Involves a Linux specific workaround similar to the Windows where I am able to get the monitor to 144hz or 165hz with 10bit HDR

2. Downgrades the HDR on my OS to 8bit or 8bit + dithering so that I can make use of the full 165hz refresh rate

3. Does some clever trick that I haven't thought of

Thanks in advance! 

STEPS TO REPRODUCE
1. Open system settings
2. Enable HDR
3. Set refresh rate to 165hz 

OBSERVED RESULT
Monitor freezes and refresh rate is set to previous value


EXPECTED RESULT
Monitor refresh rate successfully set to 165hz with HDR on.

SOFTWARE/OS VERSIONS
Linux/KDE Plasma: Nobara 40 (Nvidia)
KDE Plasma Version: 6

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
My PC specs in case they matter:
Distro: Nobara 40 - NVIDIA
GPU: RTX 4090
CPU: Ryzen 9 5900X
RAM: 32GB
Motherboard: rog strix gaming wifi ii
Comment 1 duha.bugs 2024-09-02 18:11:40 UTC
As noted in your reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/kde/comments/1f6ffgv/kde_plasma_6_a_battle_between_hdr_and_refresh_rate/

this needs to be fixed by Nvidia.