Monitor Resolution out of range when trying to set 1680x1050

Same problem here, and my monitor is VGA-only as well. I've had limited success getting it to work in 1680x1050 by using a program called PowerStrip 3.84. I think what the problem is, is Windows 7 can't read the monitor's EDID information over the VGA cable. They must have changed something since XP/Vista, because this monitor works fine in its native resolution in those OSes. PowerStrip can read the EDID fine and when I use it to set the resolution, bypassing Windows's settings, the monitor works fine.

Using ATI HD 3450 with latest drivers here. So I do not think this is a video card problem. Anyone else using a monitor that is VGA cable only that has a native resolution of 1680x1050? What is your experience with this?

Update: I went out and bought a DVI-to-VGA converter ($12.49 at Best Buy) and after a reboot, it now runs in 1680x1050 perfectly (even via the Windows panel). This just adds to my suspicion that 7 has trouble with LCD VGA connections.

daelo said:

Not sure how to edit posts but i just tried that temp fix for 59Hz with directrefresh but that didnt work either

Should be an Edit button on the bottom right of your posts. Make the changes and click save.

Gary

daelo said:

Hello renthor, i tried that little program you pointed out and it seems to work a treat! now running at 1680x1050 without any hiccups. Only 1 being that when i was running a game fallout 3 , it crashed then screen when out of sync(something got buggered up) and had to use a mates monitor to set back to lower res in order to see windows again!

But apart from that all seems good , funny i have one of those adapters too that came with my graphics card (8800gtx, 2 infact) but still windows cannot change resolution itself, maybe its the adapter because ive had a few before which havent worked!

Thanks anyway for your fix and yes windows 7 does seem to have a problem with analogue VGA monitors, but i will live with it because of the performance increases in 7 compared to vista!

You're welcome, glad it helped you out! Odd about the adapter not working for you. And yeah, Power Strip is a bit flaky, especially when switching in and out of another program that also sets a resolution (like a game). I don't think Power Strip re-applies your settings, so it just defaults to whatever Windows wants, meaning you'd have to tell Power Strip to set the resolution every time it changes. Hence my limited success, hah. Here's hoping Microsoft fixes the VGA issues soon!

pantera989 said:

im using a chimei cmv 221d that has tha same 1680x1080 native RES as yours. It worked fine at this res until 2 days ago now it wont go past 1024x768 with drivers installed and the screen comes up as "Unknown display device".

The weird thing is if i uninstall all drivers, it detects the screen fine and will run native RES, but of course i cant run any games or anything without drivers 8-(

Im using a DVI not VGA though

What video card and driver version?