Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Need new Graphics card for widescreen?

by Rod2 Apr 15, 2007 3:30PM PDT

HP Win XP Pent4 3GB 512mb ram GForce FX5200 128mb.

I updated the card drivers sill 1280 X 1024 is highest resolution. Would like to buy a wide screen 19" to 21" so I assume I need a new card.

I'm looking for suggestions for a new card. It would be simple if I could call and order a card and monitor at the same time. Maybe I can but it's hard to trust one is getting the correct information. Any help in the right direction is appreciated without breaking the bank.

Rod

Discussion is locked

7 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details
- Collapse -
FX5200 has a max resolution of 1600*1200
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 15, 2007 10:56PM PDT

But most drivers will not show this if the monitor can't do it. On some OS you'll find the show all modes button. Have you tried that?

To repeat. The card's drivers may show what your display can support so many replace cards needlessly.

Bob

- Collapse -
Thats better
by Rod2 Apr 16, 2007 2:59AM PDT

Thanks, after unchecking the box (hide modes this monitor can not display) then show all modes, it has several more options.

It appears though nothing exact for wide screen. Most larger wide screens are 1680 X 1050. I have a setting for 1600 X 1024. This aspect ratio is close but I'm not sure I would trust it to work and look good.

Again any comments are appreciated. In the end I could by a larger monitor. This card will support 1600 X 1200.

Rod

- Collapse -
And even more modes after we...
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 16, 2007 3:11AM PDT

Install the MONITOR.INF file for said display.

As you can imagine, many replace video cards needlessly.

Bob

- Collapse -
help please
by Rod2 Apr 16, 2007 3:47AM PDT

Thanks again, I found monitor.inf and MONITOR.INF. monitor.inf has all settings listed in note pad. Didn't notice any 1680 X 1050 but I run through rather quick. However I don't have a clue how to install such file even if I found it. You're going a bit beyond my know how at this point.

Would you explain a bit more?

Rod

- Collapse -
Hint. Use the one that comes with the new monitor?
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 16, 2007 3:49AM PDT

Sorry about that.

Bob

- Collapse -
so to be clear
by Rod2 Apr 16, 2007 4:02AM PDT

I buy a wide screen with a native resolution of 1680 X 1050. On the CD it will install the .inf file for that display mode. YES?

- Collapse -
No it won't.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 16, 2007 4:55AM PDT

That step is left to you to perform. Nothing has changed here in decades for us to plug in a device and it do the drivers or other files for us automatically.

It also doesn't mean it will hit the native resolution but the fx5200 is certainly in the ball park and might given the right monitor information file.

Bob

Back to Peripherals forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info