17" WSXGA+ enabler anyone?

[bkjanime]

I just got a Gateway MX8530 17" notebook yesterday. The Gateway site says the LCD panel supports up to 1680 x 1050 (WSXGA+), but I can't change the settings in the control panel past 1400 x 900. It has an ATI Radeon X700 which says it can handle WUXGA in the 1900 width realm. What gives?

The response from Gateway was that the "integrated video card only supports up to 1400 x 900" which I know is BS.

Is there a mod/patch whatever that would allow me to add additional resolutions to my control panel?


Thanks in advance.


bkjanime

[bchur83]

They most likely have a optional screen that supports the 1680 x 1050 resolution. The main screen that it sells with, probably only supports the 1400 x 900 resolution. I know that dell calls their higher end monitors "Ultrasharp", but they come with the standard resolution one by default. The ad states "Up to" in there, meaning it is an upgrade.

[Vengance_01]

I am guessing you got a 1440-900 pannel instead of the intended one. The X700 can do that resolution very easy.

[bkjanime]

According to the gateway site, only one LCD (part #105137) comes with the MX8530. It lists:

"17-inch active matrix (TFT) LCD color display
Maximum panel resolution: 1680 × 1050
Maximum color depth: 32-bit (16.7 million colors)
LCD supported video modes: WXGA and WSXGA
LCD maximum refresh rate 60 Hz"

I'm kind of a tech guy, but is there anything other than the panel and the video card that would govern resolution? Any fixes out there?

Thanks for the replies.

bkjanime

[bchur83]

Does Windows see the monitor as just "Plug and Play Monitor", or does it list the model name in the Device Manager? If it says just Plug and Play, then you may need a driver for that panel to get the full potential out of it.

[Como]

my lcd is 1680x1050, it looks like ass at any other res

[bkjanime]

Thanks guys. It is showing up as "Default." Gateway in their infiniite wisdom doesn't do specific drivers for their monitors. I unlocked additional resolutions through ATI's control panel, but the closest I got is 1600 x 1200 (which cuts off the top and forces me to scroll to see my entire desktop).

So, any way to add resolution modes to ATI's list? I doubt it is as easy as finding a list and changing out some numbers.

Thanks again.

[Lionsault_100]

you might need a whole new panel, if you are handy can you take the panel out and run the numbers on the back ? this will solve the mystery

[eXCeSS]

There is a way to add resolutions to the video drivers, I forget how I did it, but I've done it on an old ocmputer of mine, I think I may have used powerstrip?

[bkjanime]

Powerstrip? I'll look for it. I knew there had to be a way. Anything else you think I'll need? Any "How to" forums that you came across?

Thanks,


bkjanime

[realtadiquantu]

I'm pretty sure from what you have said that: you bought the lower option panel, and thus it won't run naturally at the said resolution unless you force it; in which case it will cause you to scrool to see the whole area.

[d94]

perhaps you can find a driver for the lcd?

[bkjanime]

Yep. It's the panel. Downloaded and used Powerstrip to set it at 1680 x 1050, 60 HZ. The manufacturer specified this res as doable, yet I have to scroll to see the whole desktop. I'm contacting support to exchange the LCD panel. SOAB!!

Thanks to everyone for your help. That Powerstrip is pretty cool. Wish it would have worked for me...


bkjanime