What is the resolution limit using vga outputs of a video card?

[techs]

I was checking around and I can't seem to find an agp (haven't checked pci express cards) video card that can do better than 1280x1024 or 1600x1200 thru the vga outputs. Many cards can do 2560x1600 @ 60hz thru the dvi output yet still only can do 1280x1024 or 1600x1200 thru the vga.
Is this a limitation of the vga connector? A bandwidth limitation?
Or just a random choice by video card makers?

 

[TonyG]

I am running an old geforce 3 ti200 and it appears to be able to crank all the way up to 2048 by 1536, and this is through the vga port.

 

[Matthias99]

Many cards can do 2560x1600 @ 60hz thru the dvi output

Dual-link DVI, yes. Single-link DVI, no (it maxes out at 1600x1200, or 1920x1080 with some slightly out-of-spec tweaks).

VGA is normally a 2048x1536@60Hz maximum, and has been that way for years. You're probably running out of bandwidth around that point, plus there are few displays commonly available that could truly make use of higher resolution. Many, many, many AGP video cards can do this.

 

[soccerballtux]

There isn't one. It depends on what the monitor will accept.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: techs
I was checking around and I can't seem to find an agp (haven't checked pci express cards) video card that can do better than 1280x1024 or 1600x1200 thru the vga outputs. Many cards can do 2560x1600 @ 60hz thru the dvi output yet still only can do 1280x1024 or 1600x1200 thru the vga.
Is this a limitation of the vga connector? A bandwidth limitation?
Or just a random choice by video card makers?

This belongs in HT?

 

[rbV5]

Many cards can do 2560x1600 @ 60hz thru the dvi output yet still only can do 1280x1024 or 1600x1200 thru the vga

Not true and definately not Highly Technical.

 

[Zoomer]

Originally posted by: soccerballtux
There isn't one. It depends on what the monitor will accept.

No, it depends on the RAMDAC. Generally, anything modern (400Mhz) should be able to exceed 2560x1600@60Hz. But can your monitor's electronics take it?

 

[StopSign]

Originally posted by: rbV5

Many cards can do 2560x1600 @ 60hz thru the dvi output yet still only can do 1280x1024 or 1600x1200 thru the vga

Not true and definately not Highly Technical.

It is for the OP who is still using AGP

 

[rbV5]

Originally posted by: StopSign

Originally posted by: rbV5

Many cards can do 2560x1600 @ 60hz thru the dvi output yet still only can do 1280x1024 or 1600x1200 thru the vga

Not true and definately not Highly Technical.

It is for the OP who is still using AGP

Uhmmm, you're kidding...right the graphic card's bus itself has nothing to do with a video cards output resolution. The OP is simply misinformed, and should have posted in the video forum.

Terms to google:

VGA
RAMDAC
AGP
DVI-I
TMDS