LCD in non-native resolution?

Question

I am considering getting a Dell E228WFP 22" LCD monitor. Its native resolution is 1680x1050 pixels. Unfortunately, my graphics card (dual 7800GTXs in SLI) do not support that resolution natively. The only other resolution that is supported by my graphics card with the same aspect ratio is 1280x800. I have two questions: 1) Will the LCD look decent with non-native resolution? and 2) Would it be possible to use a resolution with a slightly different aspect ratio like 1900x1200?

Answer 1

Using an LCD below its native resolution can have two effects. You can have the display non scaled so there is a black border around the image where the picture is smaller than the screen. Although there will be borders, the image will be clear and defined.

The other option is to stretch the image to fill the whole screen. This will look slightly blurry with edges and text the most noticeable.

If you run the desktop larger than the screen, most display drivers will allow you to scroll around the larger desktop. I find this really anoying.

If I were you, I would defer buying the new screen until I could afford a new video card that supports a widescreen resolution.

Answer 2

I would agree with planetmatt's comments.

However, I am surprised that your card does not support 1680 by 1050 It's 146 Mpel, which should not be too hard.

Try updating your video drivers to the latest version and see if that mode is added.

If plug and play works as it really should, then when you plug the monitor into the system, the system should read the plug and play information and then use that to run in the native mode of the panel. However, I would want to make sure I could return the panel before trying this in case it did not work.

Answer 3

If you run 1280x800 on a monitor set up for 1680x1050 it will look really fuzzy. So fuzzy that it will hurt your eyes to look at longer than 5 minutes. I absolutely hate blurry monitors. Try to find a driver for your video card that would allow you to ruun 1680x1050. If not, and you have a desktop, I would invest in a better video card before you get the monitor. Theres no point in buying a huge monitor only to have it look stretched or fuzzy.

Answer 4

While your lcd would be most like be able to play at a different resolution it would be best to consider buying a different monitor. LCD screens work because there are millions of pixels that just change color and because of that they have a hard time changing their resolution. If you would like some more detail here is a link that may help answer some of you questions

http://www.cnet.com/4520-7874_1-5137915-1.html

Answer 5

Your graphics cards should easily be able to handle a 22" monitor with no problem. It may require changing your Refresh Rate and your resolution, but otherwise it should be no problem at all. If worse comes to worse you can easily return it to Dell.