An HDMI cable’s length can affect PlayStation 5 performance in certain situations, particularly when the console is outputting HDMI 2.1 video at up to 4K resolution and 120Hz. The impact is not the same for every setup: it depends on the cable and the video settings being used.
For runs of up to three metres, even a lower-quality cable is unlikely to cause problems, according to the information provided. A high-quality passive cable certified as Ultra High Speed can generally reach five metres without notable issues.
Beyond five metres, even premium passive cables may become unstable. Possible symptoms include flickering, brief black screens or signal loss. The connection may also fail to maintain 4K at 120Hz, or HDR and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) may switch off.
For distances between five and ten metres, an active optical cable (AOC) is an option. Copper cables can lose signal quality over these lengths, while optical models are designed to preserve the signal over longer runs. AOC cables have a source end and a display end, so they must be connected in the correct orientation. Higher-quality models can also cover distances of tens of metres.
These limitations mainly concern gaming at the highest settings. Playing at 1080p and 60Hz is less demanding and can generally work with longer cables with fewer problems.
Sources: Everyeye.it.