Using "unsupported" (actually is supported) resolution on monitor.

[Audigex]

Hey, I've mentioned this in a few other threads, but to avoid hi-jacking I figure it'd better have it's own.

Basically I have a 22" monitor (native res 1680x1050) connected via VGA analogue to a laptop running an integrated Intel GMA 965 Express graphics chip.

The problem is essentially that the monitor isn't transmitting it's maximum image sizes: below is copied directly from the intel driver. It can definately run the resolution (It was until a week ago, and still works fine on my xbox360 on DVI). It's also not the laptop (my Eee 901 gives the same results). It's not the cable (tried another, also Digimate, and it's fine).

Maximum Image Size: Horizontal: Not Available
Vertical: Not Available
Monitor Supported Modes:
1280 by 800 (60 Hz)

Interestingly, it won't even let me use 1280x800. It gives me a range of 4:3 modes from 800x600 up to something just over 2000x1500, along with a handful of variations.

Now, I'm having problems with the store I purchased it from (they're slow to respond, telling me I have to RMA it to digimate even though it was sold as "own brand" and generally being crap. I also have the hassle of arranging pick-up (I live in university halls of residence, so I have to arrange it to be picked up at an office)

Basically, is there any way to force the intel driver to transmit at 1680x1050 when it thinks it shouldn't. I'm pretty sure the ATI and nVidia drivers can do this. If any of the three can't do that, I'm going to have to RMA it: but I'd rather avoid it if I can just force the mode.

Thanks
~Jon

 

[dovey]

I had a simiar issue with a 720p tv not too long ago. Instead of showing 1280*720 or similar i got 800*600 1024*... and 1400*1050. Turned out it was the vga cable I was using, when swapping it with one of higher quality the correct modes were all available. Not really sure why it did this but it was an intel chipset laptop so might be worth trying.

oops just read it again and saw you tried a diff cable!

 

[Audigex]

Yeah, and since it stopped working rather than just didn't work from the start I doubt it's a problem with two cables at once

I'm pretty sure I've hit it on the head with the port not sending max image size data to the laptop: I'm about to try a new intel driver from the intel support website which hopefully allows more resolutions at the risk of it being untested and slowing down resuming from standby.

Can I just check though, do standard ATI and nVidia drivers allow you to set resolutions manually? If they don't the monitor is no use to me

Edit: About to try installing the intel driver now. If I don't post results soon, assume I'm reformatting xD

Edit2: Open message to Intel: You're bloody gorgeous! Okay, driver works perfectly. I have my extra 150pixels back! +1 for Intel support.

Now, as long as ATI and nVidia standard drivers let you do the same thing? Anyone?

 

[jak731]

Unless i'm missing something you can just go to display properties -> settings -> advanced -> monitor and untick the checkbox that says hide modes this monitor cannot display. You can then select any refresh rate or resolution you like. The monitor will either display it or not.

 

[Audigex]

I tried that, and with the intel at least it didn't work. That was suggestion #1 on their support page. The checkbox was greyed out and unticked.

I think it might be because the monitor wasn't SENDING any information the laptop couldn't tell which resolutions it was meant to allow or not.

 

[Dubi]

You can try something like PowerStrip, is a tool that allow you to create custom resolutions but I'm not sure it would work with a GMA 965.
I've used in the past to get my 1024x576 projector but only with an NVIDIA card. With ATI is easier just to change a key in the registry.

 

[Audigex]

I don't mind about the intel now - I have a working driver. As long as it can be done in nVidia and ATI I don't mind a few minutes of messing about on each install. Thanks