Dual monitors... CRT "jumping"

[Tougas]

So here is the setup, eVGA 7600GT with a DVI and analog output. I'm running the DVI to my Fijiplus FP-768 LCD(through a DVI->VGA adapter as the LCD doesn't accept DVI) and the analog output to some old CRT. I'm on Vista Ultimate. Also worth noting is the LCD is setup as the primary display and the CRT acts as the extended desktop.

The LCD can handle a max of 1280x1024 and the CRT can handle 1600x1200(85Hz). The problem is, when I set both at 1280x1024 and 85Hz, the CRT jumps pretty badly. I don't mean flickering... I mean actually shifting up and down a millimeter or two. The problem is solved only when I lower the refresh to 60Hz which is pretty intolerable.

The problem is independent of the resolution as well; even at 800x600 I experience the exact same thing.

I've tried googling and searching the forums but to no avail. Any suggestions?

One search turned up an application called multires, which I figured might be worth trying. It's got no vista support, however.

 

[Tougas]

Guess I'll give it one bump.

 

[DigitalCancer]

I would dare to say its something to do w/ the Vista drivers. Ran this setup before on XP by chance?

 

[Smilin]

Is the jumping at a rapid rate...say similar to the refresh?

You're setting the LCD at 85? Should that typically be 60?

If the CRT can do 16x12 and you're only running at 12x10 try bumping it up to 100hz

I would doubt it's a Vista (or other OS) driver thing. Refresh rate is just clicking a setting on the RAMDAC which doesn't otherwise get many instructions from the driver.

If both video card outputs are DVI and you're converting on to VGA for the CRT try just swapping them and see how it behaves.

 

[Tougas]

DigitalCancer - Yes, I briefly ran it on XP and same results. I was actually encouraged to post because I noticed someone here at work had a similiar problem running XP, so I figured there should be a quick fix.

Smilin -

Yes, I was setting the LCD at 85, but does it really matter for an LCD? I was of the opinion that it didn't affect anything for LCDs, so I was just trying to keep it consistent with the CRT.

And yes, the "jumping" at 85Hz is pretty much what looking at 60Hz is to me, except instead of the "flickering" it's the jumping. That may be pretty confusing, but it's the best way I can explain it. I will try reversing which monitor gets which output and post results when I get home. I'll also see if I can try 1280x1024 at 100Hz. Thanks.

 

[Smilin]

No it doesn't matter for the LCD. It will reject it if you hit a freq it doesn't like. As long as it works its fine. I was thinking more along the lines of the ramdac on the video card. very odd that you would be ok at one freq but not another. I can't put my finger on why I'm suggesting changing this. some hunch. It's worth a shot tho.

So try:
lcd @60, crt @85
lcd @60, crt @100
lcd @75, crt @100
flip inputs, try the same.

If the problem stays when you flip inputs there could be something up with the CRT. Try it with a 2nd monitor on a different PC altogether.

If the problem goes away when you flip inputs there could be something up with your video card.

Also look closely where your video cables are routed and keep them away from power sources. Try also plugging the power of your CRT into another outlet. For testing, just extension cord it across the room or something and see what happens.

 

[Tougas]

Argh sorry for the delay... Smilin thank you so much for your advice and your tips but I had no success. I used two different CRTs which I know are both good and arrived at the same problem. Tried all sorts of different resolutions and refresh rates to no avail. Also tried different power sources with no success. I guess my eyes will just have to suffer for convenience

 

[Smilin]

Yuck, screw that! RMA the video card.