Solved How do I set custom resolution on Intel GMA?

[ish4d0w]

Hi,

I want to use a custom resolution because the display's resolution is not recognized.

I want to use 1920x1080 (progressive, 60Hz). It's the native resolution of the display.

It's a Toshiba A200 notebook with Intel GMA x3100. Latest GPU Driver is installed but it doesn't have the custom resolution menu so I think I'll have to use registry hacks. Can you please help me with that?

 

[alphanumeric]

External display? If yes go to its manufacturers web site and look for a driver (inf file) for that monitor.

 

[ish4d0w]

Yes, it's an external display. The monitor driver didn't work, I need to create a custom resolution, that's my only way to go.

 

[alphanumeric]

I did a quick Google and it looks like the Intel GMA x3100 supports 1080i. Just to clarify there is a difference between a Video card driver and a monitor driver. In most cases all that is required is the video card driver. On the screen where you set the screen resolution, look for "advanced options". Once on that screen look for a "list all modes" option. Click that and then see if what you want is in the list. I'm on my Windows 8 laptop at the moment and I'm not sure the menus are the same or Id give you more direct instructions.

 

[ish4d0w]

it looks like the Intel GMA x3100 supports 1080i.

Oh. That's good to know. I didn't notice that it this GMA only supported 1080i instead of 1080p
Thanks for pointing out!

I found out this display also supports 1080i (along with 1080p) so if I can get it to display in 1080i that'd be great, too.

Just to clarify there is a difference between a Video card driver and a monitor driver. In most cases all that is required is the video card driver.

I know. There's a monitor driver available but it's not working.

[...] screen resolution, look for "advanced options". Once on that screen look for a "list all modes" option. Click that and then see if what you want is in the list. [...]

Yes. There are many resolutions in that list, but the problem is that 1920x1080 is missing from that list. There's 1920x1200 instead which isn't supported by the display.
I want to add 1920x1080 to that list.

Update: I found this guide, do you think I should try this? Would it work?

 

[alphanumeric]

I did another quick Google and 1080p is also supported. That's weird that 1920 x 1080 is missing? I would think that would be a pretty common resolution these days. What type of connection are you using, VGA, DVI, or HDMI? If it's VGA maybe there is a limit on the max resolution of that port on your laptop.

EDIT: I personally have never tried what is detailed in that link. I would class it as a "use at your own risk" endeavor. I'm not sure what happens if you get it wrong. Just keep track of what you do so you can undo it if need be.

 

[ish4d0w]

I did another quick Google and 1080p is also supported. That's weird that 1920 x 1080 is missing? I would think that would be a pretty common resolution these days.

Yes, that's the same I think. It's weird that it's missing.

What type of connection are you using, VGA, DVI, or HDMI?

It's VGA and it's the only one display port on that notebook.

If it's VGA maybe there is a limit on the max resolution of that port on your laptop.

Yes that's possible, but 1920x1200 appears in that list, so I don't get it if 1920x1200 is there why isn't 1920x1080.

EDIT: I personally have never tried what is detailed in that link. I would class it as a "use at your own risk" endeavor. I'm not sure what happens if you get it wrong. Just keep track of what you do so you can undo it if need be.

I'm also not sure if it would work but I could do a full system image restore if things go wrong. (with Macrium Free)

 

[alphanumeric]

I wish I had an answer for you. I don't think anything major bad will happen if you attempt what's detailed in that link. I wouldn't think anything is going to blow up. If things do get messed up there should be an "Enable low-resolution video (640×480)" option in the F8 boot menu. That will load the basic VGA driver and maybe let you see what your doing to fix it.
Advanced startup options (including safe mode)

 

[ish4d0w]

Okay. I think I'll try it then. Thank you!

 

[alphanumeric]

Oh, 1080i is interlaced, and 1080p is progressive. As my buddy used to say, It's the same thing but different.

Interlaced video - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia