NEWB QUESTION: Brand new comp & can't figure out how to get max resolution.

[dregal]

Hey guys,

I have very rudimentary understanding of computers, so please forgive the probable basic nature of this problem.

I just got a new PC today with a Intel GMA X4500 graphics card. I have a Dell 3008 WFP monitor that is connected to my comp via a VGA cable. As far as I can tell (from looking up online), this graphics card should be capable of displaying 2560x1600 resolution; same goes for the monitor.

However the max resolution it is allowing for right now is 1900x1200. What do I do? If you need any more specs on my comp, let me know what they are and where to find them

Thx in advance.

 

[blanketyblank]

Dude you need a dedicated graphics card if you're spending $1000 on a 30" monitor.
The problem here is you are using VGA out on an integrated graphics chip.
That's as good as it gets. You need a dedicated card with dual dvi to get 2560 x 1600.

 

[dregal]

Dude you need a dedicated graphics card if you're spending $1000 on a 30" monitor.
The problem here is you are using VGA out on an integrated graphics chip.
That's as good as it gets. You need a dedicated card with dual dvi to get 2560 x 1600.

Thx for the response. So if I am understanding correctly, I need to go buy & install a new graphics card that has 2 DVI ports in order for this monitor to to get any higher resolution?

If so, can anyone link me to a reasonably priced one?


Fwiw the existing card has one DVI port, but when I try to connect it using the DVI cable it insta goes into "Power save mode."

 

[Rifter]

That Intel 4500 sucks and i thought the max res was 2048 x 1536???

Seriously why did you spend $1000 on a monitor and pair it with one of the worst IGP's ever made?

ANY cheap video card will get you what you want, you do have a 16x PCIe slot in that PC right? if you dont that will be a problem.

 

[blanketyblank]

Not quite, but close enough. By dual dvi I don't mean it needs two DVI ports, but it has a single DVI port capable of sending information through a dual link cable. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Visual_Interface

Basically what you want to do is shop for a card that says it supports your resolution 2560 x 1600. Look at the specification section in newegg and it should list it under Max Resolution, I've provided a link for you to see.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121310

What will you be doing with the card at that resolution? If you plan to play any type of game you will need a more powerful card while if you just need something to web browse etc... a $50 or under card will work.

This is the cheapest card I saw, but it will be very slow at that resolution. As I said it will be good for office applications/ web browsing and maybe HD video playback (not sure how smooth it will be). Very limited gaming.

If you do want to play games what games are you thinking and what's your budget?

 

[kylebisme]

Not quite, but close enough. By dual dvi I don't mean it needs two DVI ports, but it has a single DVI port capable of sending information through a dual link cable.

Yeah, you mean he needs a dual-link DVI port. However, Intel says max resolution on the GMA X4500 is VGA: 2048x1536 HDMI: 1920x1200 Displayport: 2560x1600. So, it seems he just needs a Displayport cable to get native resolution on his monitor, assuming his motherboard has a Displayport output. If so, and assuming he has no intrest in gaming, there is no real reason to get a dedicated card.

 

[dregal]

Not quite, but close enough. By dual dvi I don't mean it needs two DVI ports, but it has a single DVI port capable of sending information through a dual link cable. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Visual_Interface

Basically what you want to do is shop for a card that says it supports your resolution 2560 x 1600. Look at the specification section in newegg and it should list it under Max Resolution, I've provided a link for you to see.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121310

What will you be doing with the card at that resolution? If you plan to play any type of game you will need a more powerful card while if you just need something to web browse etc... a $50 or under card will work.

This is the cheapest card I saw, but it will be very slow at that resolution. As I said it will be good for office applications/ web browsing and maybe HD video playback (not sure how smooth it will be). Very limited gaming.

If you do want to play games what games are you thinking and what's your budget?

Ahhh ok, very helpful link. My port is a DVI-D dual link however the cable I tried to use is only a DVI-D single link. Getting the correct DVI cable I assume will allow me to run the monitor through the DVI port...hypothetically will that allow me to get the resolution I am looking for?

Thanks agin for the help.

 

[kylebisme]

I'd bet a dual-link cable would do the trick.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Ahhh ok, very helpful link. My port is a DVI-D dual link however the cable I tried to use is only a DVI-D single link. Getting the correct DVI cable I assume will allow me to run the monitor through the DVI port...hypothetically will that allow me to get the resolution I am looking for?

Thanks agin for the help.

Yes, and worse case you'll still need that cable even if you do need to get a new graphics card. Also, monoprice.

 

[THERESONATOR]

If you haven't got a 16x PCI Express slot, God help you.

 

[dregal]

Awesome, TY TY for all the help.

 

[dregal]

Okay, so I got my dual link cable and I hook it up to my dual link port on the back of my comp. Switch the imput setting to DVI and I get a message that the comp is entering "Power Save Mode" and then it goes into what looks like standby mode. Only way I can the screen back is to go back to VGA mode.

wtf

 

[SolMiester]

Is there a input button on the monitor, this switches between the DVI and VGA inputs..

 

[happy medium]

If your not gaming,save your self the trouble and get one of these cards for 50$ shipped.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102877

Edit : if you dont get it working

 

[blanketyblank]

Okay, so I got my dual link cable and I hook it up to my dual link port on the back of my comp. Switch the imput setting to DVI and I get a message that the comp is entering "Power Save Mode" and then it goes into what looks like standby mode. Only way I can the screen back is to go back to VGA mode.

wtf

I did say it was your graphics chip didn't I?
The cable is only part of the solution. It's worthless if the graphics chip can't support the resolution. IGPs are designed to be cheap for mass consumer products. Most consumers have displays under 1920 x 1200.
You need to get a modern dedicated graphics card that says it supports 2560 x 1600.

http://www.intel.com/technology/graphics/gma.htm?iid=tech_graphics+gma
Don't get confused by what the other poster said, Intel specifically lists 2560 x 1600 only under DisplayPort which is a unique type of port that you probably do not have. DisplayPort is supposedly the future interface since it has more bandwidth than DVI or hdmi however currently it's rare.
Just go buy a cheap video card, or list your needs if you want something that performs well.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

If you'll help us, we'll be better able to help you. Please list exactly what PC and cable you purchased.