1680 x 1050 Resolution for GeForce2 MX400

[robert2183]

I have an (old) Dell Dimension 4400 (P4 2GHz, 768MB DDR-SDRAM PC2100, Windows XP Home SP2). I currently have a PLANAR 15" LCD that I bought with this computer from Dell... the system and the computer are both 5 years old. The Planar monitor I have is horrible... 40ms typ. response, 250nit brightness, 350:1 contrast...The video card installed in the computer is a 64MB NVidia GeForce2 MX400 (w/ TV Out).

To make a long story short, I am looking into a good upgrade from my lousy 15" LCD, preferably to a widescreen (since I would like to watch movies on my PC). I have the latest version of the drivers for Windows XP, however the 1680x1050 resolution does not seem to be supported.

I know that LCDs should run in their native resolution in order to look best. However I do not want to purchase a widescreen LCD if my video card can't support WS resolutions. All the possible resolutions listed seem to be 4:3 or 5:4 (no 16:9, 16:10).

Would it be possible for someone to help me determine if I'm just stuck looking for a 4:3 or 5:4 monitor... or if I can get my GPU to run 1680x1050 so I can get a 20/22" Widescreen.

Many thanks in advance!

 

[JBT]

It is very unlikely it will list 1680x1050 for a valid resolution, but more than likely once you plug the monitor in it will become available. I'm not 100% if your video card will support it but I'd say it is very likely you can run that resolution. If you see 1600x1200 anywhere in the list of possible resolutions than it shoud be capabled.

 

[mcmikemc]

It should work just fine.

The only problem you might have is if the card has a DVI port and you try to use that. Older cards (pre-6x00 series) maxed out at 1280x1024 over DVI. I actually found out about this problem the hard way at work.

 

[ShockwaveVT]

I had no trouble setting up 1680x1050 on my server's GeForce 2 MX/400.
Simply install the latest Nvidia drivers (www.nvidia.com) as well as the drivers that come with the LCD monitor and you'll see 1680x1050 as a choice on the resolution slider. Also, I used the d-sub video connector, since the DVI plug on my monitor is used by my main computer, so I can't comment on the capabilities of this card's DVI connection.

 

[robert2183]

Thank all you guys so much for your answers.

So I suppose I will go in search of a widescreen monitor after all and give it a try... now which monitor *sigh*. I've read the LCD review/buying guide on the forum and I still can't decide. ANY size would be an upgrade from my 15" LCD 1024x768... but I think I might be getting greedy. At first I was like "A 19 inch 4:3 is a huge increase" and now I'm thinking "22 inch widescreen!". Essentially a 22 inch Widescreen is a big time increase in screen real estate... i think nearly doubling space...

Any suggestions? I've looked at the Acer AL2216Wbd, Dell E228WFP, Dell 2007WFP (darn panel lottery...) ... I simply can't afford a NEC MultiSync 20WMGX2. I heard that all the 22" are TN panels anyway so the quality is nearly the same across the board. I really would like a 3yr warranty though...in case something happens.

Thoughts/ideas? Much appreciated.

 

[InFeXiOn]

I'm partial to the Dell E228WFP. I've tried the Acer AL2216WBD that you listed as well and preferred the Dell to it, for just a few small things really. The Dell has a much better stand in my opinion and I prefer the Dell bezel and just the overall look of the monitor, over the Acer. Also, I noticed a little less backlight bleeding on the Dell than I did on the Acer, but that could also be because how I've tuned my settings on the Dell, and never really messed with them a whole lot on the Acer. Games look great on this 22'' at 1680x1050 and I couldn't be happier for the price I paid. At first, I was looking at the 24'' that Dell offers but I just couldn't justify a $300 difference for a higher grade panel; cause I'm not really that picky anyway.

From what I've heard Dell also incredible warranties, so if you want a 3 year that's another plus for Dell.

 

[robert2183]

Yeah --- I'm fairly sure I want a 22" Widescreen LCD... and I keep reading all kinds of LCD reviews that keep changing my mind. Basically I have effectively narrowed it down to:

Acer AL2216Wbd (concerned about backlight bleeding)
Dell E228WFP (concerned about backlight bleed / image quality, but the warranty service seems awesome)
LG L204WT (Smaller 20" WS... but it IS above the Acer on the list of good multimedia monitors in the LCD guide thread)

ANYTHING is an improvement over my current monitor for sure... backlight bleeding, image quality, and all... So I'm not really sure why I'm being that picky now. Thanks all for all your answers. Other opinions/replies GREATLY appreciated.