1280 x 1024 Resolution

[Josh7289]

Since the aspect ratio of most 17-19" LCD monitors is 5:4 for the native resolution of 1280 x 1024, what would the image be like if it was changed to a 4:3 one like 1024 x 768? Would it be compressed since 1280 x 1024 looks stretched on my 4:3 17" CRT monitor? Or would it be centered in the LCD's display and only use the pixels it needs, with black bars on the sides or something like that?

Thank you very much!

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: Josh7289
Since the aspect ratio of most 17-19" LCD monitors is 5:4 for the native resolution of 1280 x 1024, what would the image be like if it was changed to a 4:3 one like 1024 x 768? Would it be compressed since 1280 x 1024 looks stretched on my 4:3 17" CRT monitor? Or would it be centered in the LCD's display and only use the pixels it needs, with black bars on the sides or something like that?

Thank you very much!

Either, depending on the monitor and what you set it to do.

Most discrete graphics cards made in the last few years can also do either of those things on the card itself, even if the LCD doesn't support stretching or won't let you use only the active pixels.

Bottom line is that it's pretty dumb to run an LCD at a non-native resolution.

 

[Josh7289]

But what if I'm playing a game that my computer can't handle at a high resolution like 1280 x 1024 and I have to use something lower?

 

[lansalot]

nVidia and a DVI connected monitor will let you set the display so that non-native (but lower) resolutions will be shown in the center of the monitor, with black borders round. Frequently, this is much preferable to poor scaling.

 

[Bar81]

ATI drivers also provide this function.

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: Josh7289
But what if I'm playing a game that my computer can't handle at a high resolution like 1280 x 1024 and I have to use something lower?

Then you spent too much on your monitor and not enough on your video card?

If you *have* to play at a lower resolution, either the image will be stretched to fit the screen, or some of the outside edges will be cut off with black bars. Your choice.

 

[corkyg]

Why not just try and see? IF you intend to keep the game, what difference does it make? LCDs should be run at native resolution if at all practicable. If not - live with the results - or get a better video card - or - get rid of the game.