What is a 5K monitor?
"5K" describes a display about 5,000 pixels wide. It covers several different shapes, from 5120 × 1440 ultrawides to 5120 × 2160 and 5120 × 2880. What each one is for.
A 5K monitor is a display with a horizontal resolution of about 5,000 pixels, usually 5120. The vertical resolution varies, and that is what decides how the display feels to use.
The three common shapes
| Name | Resolution | Shape | Pixels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dual QHD (5K ultrawide) | 5120 × 1440 | 32:9 | 7.4 million |
| 5K2K | 5120 × 2160 | 21:9 | 11.1 million |
| 5K | 5120 × 2880 | 16:9 | 14.7 million |
5120 × 1440: width
This is two 2560 × 1440 screens side by side, usually on a 49-inch curved panel. It gives you width for windows, timelines and immersion. Alter Ego offers it as Horizon 49, a 5K ultrawide at 120 Hz in Noir or Blanc, and as Nocturne 49, with a QD-OLED panel at 240 Hz.
5120 × 2160: width and height
5K2K adds vertical room. On a 40-inch panel like Atelier 40, it works out to about 139 pixels per inch, fits a full 4K video frame with room to spare, and suits photography, video and design. The case for 5K2K.
5120 × 2880: density
This 16:9 5K format is typically used at 27 inches for very high pixel density, designed to be run at a 2× scale for extremely sharp text.
What you need to drive one
High-resolution, high-refresh displays need modern connections: DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, or USB-C with DisplayPort support. Check that your computer supports the resolution and refresh rate you want.
