How do I enable 1280x960 with CAT drivers?

[Ice D]

[specs: P4 1,9Ghz, Radeon 8500, WinXP]
I've been through driver upgrade hell yesterday, trying to get 1280x960
working with CAT 3.9 drivers. I was upgrading from CAT 3.1, because of major
Tron 2.0 problems. I had just installed this game, and there was definitely
some big problem: intro screens, menus, and gameplay were all /extremely/
slow (like 1 frame every 5 seconds). I then tried my luck with the new CAT
3.9 drivers, but I couldn't get 1280x960 with Powerstrip, which normally
added this resolution to the registry. It would appear after a reboot, but
not anymore with these newer CAT drivers! I use 1280x960 for desktop and
games, so this sucks. I tried to force 1280x960 with RefreshForce
(http://www.pagehosting.co.uk/rf/) and Rage3D Tweak, but it wouldn't take. I
searched the registry, but I couldn't find the resolution settings. Also
tried the omega drivers, but still no 1280x960.

So, does anyone have a clue how the hell I get my 1280x960 working with the
latest drivers? I'm back to 3.1 from a restore point right now. Tips on how
to get Tron 2.0 working properly are also welcome.

Thx,

Ice D

 

[J.Clarke]

All I found at Rage3D on this subject was people freaking out over the
same thing. Before CAT 3.4 (or there about) you could 'hack in' a
custom resolution with tools like Powerstrip, but something has
changed so you can't do that anymore.

?!?!?!? I'm running 3.8 and PowerStrip works fine.

Not in a straightforward manner
anyway, but I'm sure it can still be done. Don't know how though,
that's the problem. I can't believe they've done this, what's so bad
about 1280x960? It's the normal step up from 1024x768, both are 4:3
ratio, whereas 1280x1024 is 5:4!

Ice D

Did you make sure to install the latest monitor .inf for you
monitor? I have
noticed before when installing new Catalysts that they switch back
to a generic plug 'n pray monitor driver that doesn't include all
the supported resolutions.

There is a way to hack it into the registry, but I don't know how.

You can probably find the answers in the forums at www.rage3d.com

[specs: P4 1,9Ghz, Radeon 8500, WinXP]
I've been through driver upgrade hell yesterday, trying to get
1280x960 working with CAT 3.9 drivers. I was upgrading from CAT
3.1, because of major
Tron 2.0 problems. I had just installed this game, and there was definitely
some big problem: intro screens, menus, and gameplay were all /extremely/
slow (like 1 frame every 5 seconds). I then tried my luck with the
new CAT
3.9 drivers, but I couldn't get 1280x960 with Powerstrip, which
normally added this resolution to the registry. It would appear
after a reboot, but
not anymore with these newer CAT drivers! I use 1280x960 for
desktop and games, so this sucks. I tried to force 1280x960 with
RefreshForce(http://www.pagehosting.co.uk/rf/) and Rage3D Tweak,
but it wouldn't

take.

I
searched the registry, but I couldn't find the resolution
settings. Also tried the omega drivers, but still no 1280x960.

So, does anyone have a clue how the hell I get my 1280x960 working
with the
latest drivers? I'm back to 3.1 from a restore point right now.
Tips on how
to get Tron 2.0 working properly are also welcome.

Thx,

Ice D

 

[Skid]

Did you make sure to install the latest monitor .inf for you monitor? I have
noticed before when installing new Catalysts that they switch back to a
generic plug 'n pray monitor driver that doesn't include all the supported
resolutions.

There is a way to hack it into the registry, but I don't know how.

You can probably find the answers in the forums at www.rage3d.com

 

[Ice D]

All I found at Rage3D on this subject was people freaking out over the same
thing. Before CAT 3.4 (or there about) you could 'hack in' a custom
resolution with tools like Powerstrip, but something has changed so you
can't do that anymore. Not in a straightforward manner anyway, but I'm sure
it can still be done. Don't know how though, that's the problem. I can't
believe they've done this, what's so bad about 1280x960? It's the normal
step up from 1024x768, both are 4:3 ratio, whereas 1280x1024 is 5:4!

Ice D

Did you make sure to install the latest monitor .inf for you monitor? I have
noticed before when installing new Catalysts that they switch back to a
generic plug 'n pray monitor driver that doesn't include all the supported
resolutions.

There is a way to hack it into the registry, but I don't know how.

You can probably find the answers in the forums at www.rage3d.com

[specs: P4 1,9Ghz, Radeon 8500, WinXP]
I've been through driver upgrade hell yesterday, trying to get 1280x960
working with CAT 3.9 drivers. I was upgrading from CAT 3.1, because of major
Tron 2.0 problems. I had just installed this game, and there was definitely
some big problem: intro screens, menus, and gameplay were all /extremely/
slow (like 1 frame every 5 seconds). I then tried my luck with the new CAT
3.9 drivers, but I couldn't get 1280x960 with Powerstrip, which normally
added this resolution to the registry. It would appear after a reboot, but
not anymore with these newer CAT drivers! I use 1280x960 for desktop and
games, so this sucks. I tried to force 1280x960 with RefreshForce
(http://www.pagehosting.co.uk/rf/) and Rage3D Tweak, but it wouldn't

take.

I
searched the registry, but I couldn't find the resolution settings. Also
tried the omega drivers, but still no 1280x960.

So, does anyone have a clue how the hell I get my 1280x960 working with the
latest drivers? I'm back to 3.1 from a restore point right now. Tips on how
to get Tron 2.0 working properly are also welcome.

Thx,

Ice D

 

[Skid]

I know what you mean. I used 1280x960 for a long stretch. It's still
available in my display properties and under "list all modes" on the adapter
tab in advanced settings, but then I'm still using the old faithful Cat 3.6.

I remember reading back when the "Cat 3.8 destroys monitors" rumors were
flying that part of ATI's refutation was that the drivers took their
resolution and refresh cues straight from the DDC information supplied
directly by the monitor, and not from the .inf.

That would explain why people with certain cables and adapters lost certain
options. It's a wild theory, but you could always disable "Use DDC" in bios
to see if it made a difference.

All I found at Rage3D on this subject was people freaking out over the same
thing. Before CAT 3.4 (or there about) you could 'hack in' a custom
resolution with tools like Powerstrip, but something has changed so you
can't do that anymore. Not in a straightforward manner anyway, but I'm sure
it can still be done. Don't know how though, that's the problem. I can't
believe they've done this, what's so bad about 1280x960? It's the normal
step up from 1024x768, both are 4:3 ratio, whereas 1280x1024 is 5:4!

Ice D

Did you make sure to install the latest monitor .inf for you monitor? I have
noticed before when installing new Catalysts that they switch back to a
generic plug 'n pray monitor driver that doesn't include all the supported
resolutions.

There is a way to hack it into the registry, but I don't know how.

You can probably find the answers in the forums at www.rage3d.com

[specs: P4 1,9Ghz, Radeon 8500, WinXP]
I've been through driver upgrade hell yesterday, trying to get 1280x960
working with CAT 3.9 drivers. I was upgrading from CAT 3.1, because of major
Tron 2.0 problems. I had just installed this game, and there was definitely
some big problem: intro screens, menus, and gameplay were all /extremely/
slow (like 1 frame every 5 seconds). I then tried my luck with the new CAT
3.9 drivers, but I couldn't get 1280x960 with Powerstrip, which normally
added this resolution to the registry. It would appear after a reboot, but
not anymore with these newer CAT drivers! I use 1280x960 for desktop and
games, so this sucks. I tried to force 1280x960 with RefreshForce
(http://www.pagehosting.co.uk/rf/) and Rage3D Tweak, but it wouldn't

take.

I
searched the registry, but I couldn't find the resolution settings. Also
tried the omega drivers, but still no 1280x960.

So, does anyone have a clue how the hell I get my 1280x960 working

with
the

latest drivers? I'm back to 3.1 from a restore point right now. Tips

on
how

to get Tron 2.0 working properly are also welcome.

Thx,

Ice D

 

[Les]

[specs: P4 1,9Ghz, Radeon 8500, WinXP]
I've been through driver upgrade hell yesterday, trying to get 1280x960
working with CAT 3.9 drivers. I was upgrading from CAT 3.1, because of major
Tron 2.0 problems. I had just installed this game, and there was definitely
some big problem: intro screens, menus, and gameplay were all /extremely/
slow (like 1 frame every 5 seconds). I then tried my luck with the new CAT
3.9 drivers, but I couldn't get 1280x960 with Powerstrip, which normally
added this resolution to the registry. It would appear after a reboot, but
not anymore with these newer CAT drivers! I use 1280x960 for desktop and
games, so this sucks. I tried to force 1280x960 with RefreshForce
(http://www.pagehosting.co.uk/rf/) and Rage3D Tweak, but it wouldn't take. I
searched the registry, but I couldn't find the resolution settings. Also
tried the omega drivers, but still no 1280x960.

So, does anyone have a clue how the hell I get my 1280x960 working with the
latest drivers? I'm back to 3.1 from a restore point right now. Tips on how
to get Tron 2.0 working properly are also welcome.

Thx,

Ice D

I have that resolution available automatically in all versions of the cat
drivers.

Why not try refresh force to see if that will add in that resoltion for you.
FYI I am using a Dell P991 19" Monitor that supports all the usual screen
res's upto 1600x1200.

 

[Ice D]

I'll try the CAT 3.9 again, and see if the monitor inf is causing this. I
did disable DDC in Powerstrip I think, so I don't expect that that to be the
problem.

Thanks for the feedback,

Ice D

I know what you mean. I used 1280x960 for a long stretch. It's still
available in my display properties and under "list all modes" on the adapter
tab in advanced settings, but then I'm still using the old faithful Cat 3.6.

I remember reading back when the "Cat 3.8 destroys monitors" rumors were
flying that part of ATI's refutation was that the drivers took their
resolution and refresh cues straight from the DDC information supplied
directly by the monitor, and not from the .inf.

That would explain why people with certain cables and adapters lost certain
options. It's a wild theory, but you could always disable "Use DDC" in bios
to see if it made a difference.

All I found at Rage3D on this subject was people freaking out over the same
thing. Before CAT 3.4 (or there about) you could 'hack in' a custom
resolution with tools like Powerstrip, but something has changed so you
can't do that anymore. Not in a straightforward manner anyway, but I'm sure
it can still be done. Don't know how though, that's the problem. I can't
believe they've done this, what's so bad about 1280x960? It's the normal
step up from 1024x768, both are 4:3 ratio, whereas 1280x1024 is 5:4!

Ice D

Did you make sure to install the latest monitor .inf for you monitor?

I
have

noticed before when installing new Catalysts that they switch back to a
generic plug 'n pray monitor driver that doesn't include all the supported
resolutions.

There is a way to hack it into the registry, but I don't know how.

You can probably find the answers in the forums at www.rage3d.com

[specs: P4 1,9Ghz, Radeon 8500, WinXP]
I've been through driver upgrade hell yesterday, trying to get 1280x960
working with CAT 3.9 drivers. I was upgrading from CAT 3.1, because of
major
Tron 2.0 problems. I had just installed this game, and there was
definitely
some big problem: intro screens, menus, and gameplay were all /extremely/
slow (like 1 frame every 5 seconds). I then tried my luck with the

new
CAT

3.9 drivers, but I couldn't get 1280x960 with Powerstrip, which normally
added this resolution to the registry. It would appear after a

reboot,
but

not anymore with these newer CAT drivers! I use 1280x960 for desktop and
games, so this sucks. I tried to force 1280x960 with RefreshForce
(http://www.pagehosting.co.uk/rf/) and Rage3D Tweak, but it wouldn't take.
I
searched the registry, but I couldn't find the resolution settings. Also
tried the omega drivers, but still no 1280x960.

So, does anyone have a clue how the hell I get my 1280x960 working with
the
latest drivers? I'm back to 3.1 from a restore point right now. Tips on
how
to get Tron 2.0 working properly are also welcome.

Thx,

Ice D

 

[Frank]

It will work. I understand that you are going to see if the monitor.inf will
fix your problems. I hope it does. I really don't have any advise for you
but what was already stated. I am using 1280x960 with Cat 3.8 and now 3.9 as
I speak.

I agree, why the 1280x1024 has become the 'standard' is beyond me. Notice
how there are a lot of 5:4 LCDs cropping up? That is jsut so dumb. Now,
people will have to look at a distored picture if they want to use any other
resolution besides the native 1280x1024 with those monitors. I have never
seen a 1280x960 LCD yet. I wonder why? I would by one right away if someone
made a 19" 1280x960 with good quality parts. Geez, this is such a pet peeve
for me. I can feel the vien in my neck swelling as I think about it....lol

 

[Ice D]

I've done a new install of CAT 3.9, after a very thorough uninstall. I even
unplugged my network cable, because previously Win XP somehow managed to
sneak in its own drivers for the Radeon 8500, although I removed all traces
of previous drivers, including registry settings, inf files, renaming
sp1.cab, drivers.cab, etc. I also made sure Powerstrip didn't run at
startup. Anyway, this time 1280x960 was available straight away from the ATI
display settings, only problem was it didn't fill out my screen (it did
before at 1280x960). I then upgraded Powerstrip to the latest version, and
chose 1280x960 from Powerstrip display settings. My monitor flashed, and
came back on with 1280x960, screen filled out as before. Monitor is
recognized as Dell P1110, and 'use DCC information' is checked.

So everything is back to normal, or should I say better than before: Tron
2.0 runs great now, which is what I wanted in the first place!

Cheers everyone, thanks for helping out!

Ice D

 

[Andrew Rossmann]

It will work. I understand that you are going to see if the monitor.inf will
fix your problems. I hope it does. I really don't have any advise for you
but what was already stated. I am using 1280x960 with Cat 3.8 and now 3.9 as
I speak.

I agree, why the 1280x1024 has become the 'standard' is beyond me. Notice
how there are a lot of 5:4 LCDs cropping up? That is jsut so dumb. Now,
people will have to look at a distored picture if they want to use any other
resolution besides the native 1280x1024 with those monitors. I have never
seen a 1280x960 LCD yet. I wonder why? I would by one right away if someone
made a 19" 1280x960 with good quality parts. Geez, this is such a pet peeve
for me. I can feel the vien in my neck swelling as I think about it....lol

There is no reason why a ratio change should cause geometric distortion.
If it does, then it's badly written software that doesn't compensate for
various screen sizes. Widescreen LCD's are starting to appear, so programs
will be forced to do things properly.