Display resolution not available but should be

Brad Orfall · 22 Dec 2010

I recently bought a new computer from Dell. It's a Dell Optiplex 780. Here in the office, we run three 19" displays per computer, so I had them install an Nvidia Quadro NVS 420 graphics card. The specs on the card from Nvidia's website say that it supports up to four displays at "2560x1600 through DisplayPort, 1920x1200 through Single Link DVI-D". I actually called Nvidia and asked them specifically if the card supports 1024x1280 @60Hz resolution, and they say it does.

In setting up the computer, I connected a Dell P190Sb monitor. The specifications on the monitor say the native resolution is 1280 x 1024 @60 Hz. The problem is that I cannot select that resolution in the resolution dialog box. I get choices of 1280x720, 1024x768, and 800x600.

So, if the monitor supports it, the graphics card supports it, why can't I select the appropriate resolution for the monitor?

I have downloaded and updated the video drivers from Nvidia's website. In trouble shooting with Dell's tech support, we updated the Bios and monitor drivers, and still no resolution to the problem. Dell is ready to have us ship the systems back to them (we bought two).

I found a number of articles online complaining about the way Windows Vista and Windows 7 use the EDID data that is supposed to be supplied by the monitor. In reading this thread:

Force DVI/HDMI resolutions and refresh rates

I went so far as to download the Phoenix and Moninfo software listed, but nothing shows up when I try to read the EDID data from the monitor.

Changing monitors really isn't an option as I need to reuse the six monitors we have. We will soon have to replace other systems, so I need a work around, or I am going to have to deal with 18 monitors that won't work.

I'm fairly knowledgeable about computers and troubleshooting, but this is beyond my abilities. What can I do?

Hopalong X · 22 Dec 2010

Brad
Give this a go. I posted it up and it worked twice in the last two weeks for others.

Just in case Click the picture below and it gets bigger.

Right click an open area of the desktop then go down the list to Nvidia Control Panel. Left click it. This takes you to Nvidia Change Resolution page. See pic below.
1)Select monitor- your new one should be outlined all ready. If more than one connected select the monitor you wish to set.

2) Select PC resolution. As you see mine is 1440x900 at 75MHz.
Almost all monitors use setting at 60MHz so yours should be 60 MAYBE 75MHz.
If your resolution is in this list you are done. Close page.
Only go to Step 3 if yours isn't listed at Step 2.
Custom Resolutions as the ones I have shown are totally unstable with MY monitor. So don't go further unless necessary.
3) If your Resolution isn't listed click "Customize"
4) Select a PC res that may work. You can always change or try others.
5) Click OKAY to accept and try.

I hope that helps and gets you fixed.
Mike

Brad Orfall · 22 Dec 2010

Hopalong X,

I have tried the areas you describe. All of the options are grayed out, unless I select the "show resolutions not supported by this display". I tried selecting some of the formerly grayed out options, and I get a message saying the resolution is not supported by the display. It doesn't appear to even try to display it. The list of resolutions does not have an option for 1280x1024. I even tried creating a custom resolution, but I get the same message about resolution not supported.

Hopalong X · 22 Dec 2010

I wasn't sure if you had that info.
I don't have anything else.

Hopefully some of the other people will have some better ideas.

Sorry I couldn't help.
Mike