Radeon 9600, dual monitor issue

[jr2037]

I'm really hoping someone could shed some light on this.

I have one small monitor hooked up through DVI - works fine.

Then I have a Sony Bravia 42" HDTV hooked up through VGA at the same time in extended mode - the screen resolution options dont show 1920x1400, it only goes up to 1600x1200.

I'm using1360x768 now and it works but I have to zoom in on the picture. How I can I get 1920x1400 to show up in the resolution options? Seems like this should be straight forward. Messed around in the ATI Control Center with no luck.

When I had vista installed, hooking up the same TV through VGA was no issue.

Thanks in advance.

 

[torrentg]

You can't get HD res with a vga cable.

 

[jr2037]

Ok, after reading more I realized this is an on going problem. I know for a fact I used to get HD resolution when I hooked up my comp with a vga. Switched to windows 7 and suddenly it didnt work. This this has something to do with the refresh rate, and a glitch that actually has the screen running at 59 hertz when it says 60, messing with the available resolutions.

 

[torrentg]

VGA really leaves much to be desired compared to the digital HDMI and DVI solutions. If you try to play HDCP protected content like Blu-Ray discs, they will automatically be lowered in resolution because you're using a VGA cable.

So, you'd be a lot better off connecting digitally.

Other than that, there is a 59 HZ thread with a solution near the middle.

 

[Qdos]

The Radeon 9600's, especially the passive Sapphire models, were lovely little cards for basic video output tasks in their day - however they're not awfully suitable for todays demands under Windows7 and are certainly not a choice for anyone wanting HD video.

 

[torrentg]

Very true. Good point Qdos.

 

[Qdos]

I still have one, installed in a P-IV Shuttle. It beats the onboard graphics, and renders very well for what it is, is great for DVD playback, and even lends substance to older style 3D games

 

[jr2037]

Hey thanks for responding everyone. I have an ATI brand 9600XT, and honestly except for new 3D games, it runs very smoothly. No problems at all.

I've been reading alot about the VGA HD issue and I know VGA can put out true HD. For example, XBOX 360 makes a VGA connector that outputs in 1080p HD. Used it for months. I personally used to get crystal clear HD resolution @ 1920x1200 with vga with my PC, but now since I'm using a 25' new vga cable, its not available.

It looks like some VGA cords can handle it, and some can't. And they usually don't specify. Its a giant pain in the ass. Some people say the VGA cords with the 1 pin missing don't do it. But there's no solid answer. Seems like its hit or miss. I've seen threads where people have tried multiple VGA cords and gotten some that offered HD and some that didn't.

I'm going to try custom resolutions with Powerstrip (a resolution program). and see if I can force a 1920x1200 resolution through my current VGA.

 

[vbkun]

You can try alternate catalyst cccs too
if i recall well, the ati 9.3 driver works with ccc 8.5 (it will pup a no suport error in starting but suports it), ati's 8.5 ccc had some more options avaible for radeon 9600, when compared to 9.3 ccc.

Also, if i again recall well the wdm windows driver works with ccc 8.3.

Since you used to do the 1920x1200 with vga on previous o.s. the 9600 suports it, the problem is just a matter of findin a driver that allows you to do it.

A tip thou would be advice you to put the smaller monitor on d-sub and the hd display on dvi, since 9600 series suports dual-dvi....

(i owned a 9600 and was in 7 up to last month ^^, gladly moved to a 4770)

edit------

i forgot to mention, i could only get the resolution i used since forever (1280x960@72hz) in my 2 monitors (yes dual also) with those ccc mess up, the ones from the drivers/microsoft wouldn't allow me to do it, even thou that's what i used in xp for 3 years almost.

 

[jr2037]

Good advice, thanks. Ill definitely try the older drivers. As for putting the HDTV on the DVI, I don't have DVI inputs on my tv, or have a long enough cable. Really trying to get this 25 foot vga I just bought to work.

 

[shelbourne104]

can i run 2 monitors with my ati radeon 9600?