Nvidia drivers in linux

[Sharpe]

I've installed Nvidia's 4363 drivers, but now I can't use 1400x1050 as my resolution anymore. My monitor is a Sony CPD200ES. It's not supposed to be able to use 1400x1050, but howcome the old "nv" drivers built in the kernel can?

 

[Booty]

I don't know for sure, since I'm far from a linux guru (a lot closer to the n00b end of the scale), but I would think you'd be able to just edit one of X's config files and add that resolution... maybe not, someone else will be able to tell you for sure... I don't want to say too much else because I don't want to be the one to steer you in the wrong direction.

 

[drag]

Yes, It has usually has to do with you XF86Config file. It's your configuration file for X windows and it is located in the /etc/X11 folder, although it location may vary, There are several things that can limit your resolution, if you didn't change anything in your XF86Config file it is likely that the drivers or video card simply does not support this. The nv drivers are somewhat software driven, meaning that it uses CPU time is used in the rendering instead of using the video card, so I suppose you will get quite a bit more flexability,

If you want to check out your file to make sure that it isn't your config file limiting the display size here are 2 sections you should check out. These exerts are from my config for the computer I am using right now, but it can differ quite a bit depending on your tastes.

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Monitor0"
VendorName "My custom config"
ModelName "Cheapo LCD"
Option "DPMS"
HorizSync 30-60
VertRefresh 50-75 #(this and above line is basicly your monitors "drivers" if the refresh is not high enough for certian resolutions then you can't run them.)
DisplaySize 304.1 228.1 #(optional)
EndSection

Some distros Like SuSE still use Modelines... It's a obsolete method were you specify each and every specification of monitor for each and every resolution instead of the sync ranges, realy irritating, but specific.

Newer method is what I use and most use:

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Screen0"
Device "Card0"
Monitor "Monitor0"
DefaultDepth 16
SubSection "Display" #(this sets the display resolutions and color depth.
Depth 16 #(only depth I have specified in this config is 16bits pseudo color, others are 8 bits and 24 bits. 24Bits =32 bits because part of the 6 bits is used for extra infomation per pixel that doesn't have to do with color ranges)
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480" #(this line isn't used all the time, but I use it whenever possible)
EndSubSection
EndSection



Check out the man files for more specifics and different options you can use. type: "man XF86Config" at the command line for the man file.

 

[Sharpe]

Thanks for your answers.

I don't think it has anything to do with my XF86Config file, because the only thing I have changed is the "nv" to "nvidia" as Nvidia says you should do. What I really don't understand is, that in my display properties my resolution is set to 1400x1050, but it only shows 1280x1024 which is the biggest resolution my monitor is supposed to handle.

But maybe it has something to do with the "nv" drivers being software bound or whatever you said