Can't get the screen resolution I need

ivanfdm · #1 (**permalink**) 12-10-08, 02:42 PM

Hi, I got myself a brand new cool hp screen, and the resolution of the screen is 1680 x 1050 px but I haven't been able to get that resolution.

I have windows xp, the integrated card is an Unicrome Pro IGP K8M800.

I installed the latest drivers for both the screen and the video card, and all I got was the option of a new resolution of 1600 x 1200 that wasn't there before, but still isn't good for me.

thanks for any help

Mr. Chris · #2 (**permalink**) 12-10-08, 05:11 PM

Personally, I can't stand 1680x1050 on my View Sonic 20" widescreen, it makes everything look like it's squished sideways. So I run 1600x1200 and everything looks more natural. But to each there own.

You have 2 options now:

1) go to the website for the board's maker and ask for a custom BIOS flash to add the resolution that you want. The VIA chipset is capable of running that resolution, but it has to be enabled by the BIOS.

2) buy an add in video card.

Good luck. Chris.

ivanfdm · #3 (**permalink**) 14-10-08, 01:36 AM

Well, from what I'm reading, I wont get the best image unless the resolution is the same as the screen's 1680 x 1050 "native" resolution.
Thanks for your help, I guess its time for a CPU upgrade anyway...

Mr. Chris · #4 (**permalink**) 14-10-08, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ivanfdm

Well, from what I'm reading, I wont get the best image unless the resolution is the same as the screen's 1680 x 1050 "native" resolution.
Thanks for your help, I guess its time for a CPU upgrade anyway...

Did you try 1600x1200? Like I said, it seems to be a more natural look for me, the native resolution doesn't really matter that much, your flat screen witll be happy with whatever you set it at. But you need to decide for yourself, you will be the one using the PC, not me, eh?

You mean GPU upgrade, not CPU. Upgrading the CPU will not change the onboard graphics that you already have. Putting in a video card will. Chris.

ivanfdm · #5 (**permalink**) 19-10-08, 01:47 AM

I did try 1600x1200, and things seem to look ok, except for a little rectangle in the middle of the screen that says 'Input signal out of range / change settings to 1680 x 1050', there doesn't seem to be any way to turn off this little window and after a minute or so the screen turns itself off, so I guess the screen just doesn't support this resolution.

I'm thinking of getting a whole new computer, this is another Sign

Mr. Chris · #6 (**permalink**) 19-10-08, 04:50 PM

Wow, never seen that on a monitor. Weird, but then again, sounds like something HP would do.

New PC's are nice, no doubt, but if you get one with onboard graphics, make sure those graphics are not VIA. The stuff from Nvidia or ATI is good and you will have the custom resolutions you want right out of the box.

Of course, unless your current PC is a laptop, you can get an add in video card really cheap these days. Check out New Egg, prices are really good there. Chris.

ivanfdm · #7 (**permalink**) 20-10-08, 02:41 AM

lol you're right, this is it

Yeah, I'm already looking into what I need. Last time I left it all to the guy who pulled the computer together and this is what I got. I was also thinking of looking for a card that may help with 3d studio and 3d rendering in general, but those are even much more expensive so I don't know.

And the newegg prices always look soo good, but unfortunately the import costs to Colombia are too high... I'll see what I can find.