GeForceFX5600T and widescreen monitor

[bogart]

According to the nVidia website the FX5600T adapter can support up to 2048 x 1536 or 1600 x 1200 for DVI output.
Ive loaded latest driver but best option I get is 1280 x 1024.
Im looking to get a widescreen monitor but dont want to have buy new graphics card if avoidable.
Am I not seeing the wood for the trees?

Regards

[nichomach]

What screen are you currently using? If it's a 17" or 19" TFT, then 1280x1024 is all that it will support, so XP (happily plugging and playing it) won't let you select a higher res.

[Speedo]

It will only allow you to select as high as the current monitor will support, which as above is likely only 1280x1024. When you get your new monitor, it will be redetected and the higher resolutions should be available for you.

[bogart]

Thanks lads always knew I was a numpty. Am currently using a 17 in so enough said.

Now can i pick your brains. Is it worth bothering to get a widescreen monitor as i dont play games, maybe watch the odd DVD but thats about it, or stick to a 4:3 format?
Thanks again.

[nichomach]

Actually, if you're going to be watching DVDs, I'd say it's DEFINITELY worth it.

[Curly]

in display properties/advanced/monitor untick the hide modes that this monitor can't display and re-check and the slider will go up to the resolutions your gfx card supports.

[bogart]

Hi done that and it now displays up to 2048 x 1536 but doesnt show 1440 x 900 which I believe is the 19in widescreen default. Nearest it comes to is 1360 x768 and the next one up is 1600 x 900 neither of which are ideal. So do I make the assumption this graphics card is not really suitable for widescreen?
Regards

[Speedo]

I would assume the resolution will become available once you have plugged in the monitor/installed the monitors drivers. The graphics card being unable to support that particular resolution is unlikely.

[Curly]

my 7800GT was the same, untill I had installed the monitor drivers it didn't show 1440 x 900, even without the monitor drivers you can set a custom resolution/timeings, it's an option in the gfx drivers.

Curly