Resolution/Refresh Rates

[gdman]

I can't stand low refresh rates. However, I like to work at 1280x1024 for normal computer use and 1600x1200 when using Adobe Photoshop. I use a Winfast GF3 Ti 500 and a (somewhat old) Dell-branded, 19", Sony Trinitron monitor. (It identifies in win2k as "Dell P990".) Clicking the "List all modes" button in the driver properties allow me to select up to 85 kHz at 1280x1024 and 72 kHz at 1600x1200. 85 is not bad, but 72 is grating on the eyes after a short while. By unclicking "Hide modes that this monitor cannot display", I can select higher refresh rates--up to 120 kHz for the lower and 85 kHz for the higher of the two resolutions. So my questions are:

What is the upper refresh rate of the GF3 at 1600x1200? 85 kHz?

Does my monitor really have a problem with the hidden refresh rates, or are they hidden just to be safe? What would happen if I tried to jack up the rates beyond what is usually shown?

Do most new monitors support the higher refresh rates? What do you recommend in terms of a 19" or 21" that has very good image quality but isn't exorbitantly expensive? (I would switch to a slat screen if I could, but the price is prohibitive.)

Answers to any of the above questions is greatly appreciated

 

[EveryonesGrudge]

hrmmmm...
First off, look at the box that the video card came with, it SHOULD have a list of all refresh rates
supported at certain resolutions. If you don't have the box anymore, you could go to the place
where such a card can be bought and look at the box. If you can't do that, you could go to winfast's
website and search for your particular videocard's model. If you can't do that, you can do a search
on google.com. There are many other ways, I'm sure.\
However, be aware that your system's refresh rate will be as high as the lowest refresh
rate supported by either the videocard or the monitor at any given resolution.

 

[Gosharkss]

Your Dell P990 is a 96Khz monitor meaning it is optimized for 1280 x 1024 at 85Hz, or 1600 x 1200 at 75Hz. You need a monitor like this one that has a horizontal scan frequency of at least 107Khz in order to get 1600 x 1200 at 85Hz.

When purchasing a monitor, the horizontal scan frequency is the key specification to look at.
92-96Khz class is optimized for 1280 x 1024 at 85Hz
107 ? 110Khz monitor is optimized for 1600 x 1200 at 85Hz
115 ? 117Khz Monitor is optimized for 1856 x 1392 at 85Hz
121Khz is optimized for 1900 x 1200 Cinema screen
You will need a monitor capable of at least 137Khz to run 2048 x 1536 at 85Hz.

If you try to run above its horizontal scan range the monitor will go into power save mode to protect it. You will need to reboot in safe mode in order to get back.

 

[gdman]

Ah...thank you very much, especially gosharkss. I guess I need a new monitor; I now know the key spec to look for. My aching eyes thank you as well