30" monitors ability to do non-native resolutions

[robininni]

Hi. I am in the market for a 27 to 30 inch monitor for my computer. I have been looking all over the internet for answers to a question that doesn't seem to be addressed much:

Can 30" monitors with native resolutions of 2560 x 1600, such as the Samsung 305T, display at resolutions such as 1920 x 1200, 1680 x 1050, 1440 x 900, etc?

I realize that some monitors, such as the Dell 3008, have a scaler built in and can scale things, but I also understand that this creates lag for gaming.

So, what about monitors without scalers? For instance, I might want to play most games at 2560 x 1600 but not Crysis or something equally graphically challenging. I might rather have in at 1920 x 1200 with more goodies enabled. Will the Samsung 305T do this? If it can, will it look good with out an in-monitor scaler?

Thanks for your help!

Rob

 

[Harvey]

Just guessing, but they should be able to handle exact integer sub-multilples of the native resolutions. For example dividing 2560 x 1600 by two = 1280 x 800.

 

[Redox]

I have the 305T but prefer the "do not scale" option if I have to use a lower resolution (e.g. Crysis) which leaves black bars around the image. Even though the monitor will display lower resolutions at full screen it doesn't look as good as the native resolution. Even with the black bars, 1920x1200 is still a decent size, about equivalent to a 22" monitor display.

The monitor is great for PC use but the input is limited to a single dual link DVI connection and no HDCP compatibility if that is important to you.

If you want more input flexibility the Samsung 275T is nice but it is 1920x1200 native and the larger pixel size is noticeable compared with the high resolution of the 305T.

For the 305T, there is an alternative native resolution of 1280x800 which can be used which will also display full screen.

It is far better to stick with the native 2560x1600 but you will need a powerful video card - 9800 GX2 or the new GTX 280.

Hope this helps.

 

[Calculator83]

Originally posted by: Redox
I have the 305T but prefer the "do not scale" option if I have to use a lower resolution (e.g. Crysis) which leaves black bars around the image. Even though the monitor will display lower resolutions at full screen it doesn't look as good as the native resolution. Even with the black bars, 1920x1200 is still a decent size, about equivalent to a 22" monitor display.

The monitor is great for PC use but the input is limited to a single dual link DVI connection and no HDCP compatibility if that is important to you.

If you want more input flexibility the Samsung 275T is nice but it is 1920x1200 native and the larger pixel size is noticeable compared with the high resolution of the 305T.

For the 305T, there is an alternative native resolution of 1280x800 which can be used which will also display full screen.

It is far better to stick with the native 2560x1600 but you will need a powerful video card - 9800 GX2 or the new GTX 280.

Hope this helps.

N00ber card advice man.

Dell 3008wfp, Can't go wrong. Best monitor out.

I have a 3007 myself and am looking to upgrade in the coming months. No reasons, just want dual monitors.

The monitors don't HAVE to do the scaling if you're using a computer, because the G-card will do it for the monitor. BUT if you're trying to hook up a console, then the monitor will have to do internal scaling.. Sadly 3007 That i have lacks this ability. BUT the 3008 Is TOP NOTCH and will handle ALL.

If you want to game at this resolution though. You're going to need SLI or Crossfire.

Since 280 in sli costs as much as a 3007wfp,, Clearly a bad choice.

But 4870 thats coming out will hopefully be able to do that for you in crossfire.

YOU DON"T need these cards, But it will be nice since ur going all out on the monitor.

 

[Redox]

About the NOOber comments Calculator83 ... it is insulting and really not appreciated.

Speaking from experience with my 305T, my 8800 Ultra still choked at times at 25x16 and SLI has it's own issues vs. single card. I did mention the 9800 GX2 which is really just 8800 GTS 512 in SLI but if you want the fastest single card, the GTX 280 is it right now, albeit pricey. It is also especially well suited to 25x16 considering the 512 bit memory interface.

It does not appear that AMD/ATI will have a competitive single card option with the GTX280 - you will have to rely on Crossfire which does not scale equally in all applications. It will be a cheaper option though.