Max resolution through DVI?

I've got a general question about laptop video cards. Is the maximum resolution that they can display dependent more on the video cards themselves or the size of the screen you're trying to output to? I'm looking to buy a laptop with a DVI output, but I want to hook it up to my HDTV, and I want to make sure that it can output in 1080p resolution. Someone on the Doom9 forums told me that the max resolution you could see over the VGA PC-input was 1360x768, but that DVI/HDMI could output 1080p full HD resolution, and that it didn't really matter what kind of video card your laptop had, as long as your HDTV could go up to that resolution.

Is that true? Because if so I'll probably save some money and just get the standard Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950. Unless someone tells me otherwise.

 

Actually, it's dependent on the video card in question and the monitor's maximum supported resolution.

Normally, monitors up to 19" support WXGA+ (1440x900) resolution. 20.1"-22" monitors support WSXGA+ (1680x1050), 24" monitors support WUXGA (1900x1200), and 30" monitors support WQXGA (2560x1600).

Integrated graphics like the GMA950 support a maximum resolution of 1600x1200. Better dedicated video cards support WQXGA resolutions. However, if you really plan on running HDTV, you should still consider getting a dedicated graphics card, because the GMA950 will be pretty taxed when it comes to HDTV (it doesn't really have HDTV features that Nvidia or ATI dedicated cards have, either).

 

And VGA outputs up to QXGA (2048×1536), if your video card supports it (which I think most dedicated cards do)

 

Ok I see now. I think I misunderstood the guy on the other forum - he was saying his particular TV could only support 720p over VGA.

Specifically, I'm looking at a Dell Inspiron E1705. It gives you 3 options between Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, 256MB ATI MOBILITY RADEON x1400, and 256MB NVIDIA GeForce Go7900 GS. Would either the ATI x1400 or GeForce Go7900 GS support WQXGA?

Thanks for all your help!

 

The X1400 and 7900GS would both support WQXGA. However, considering the 7900GS is several times more powerful than the X1400 (not just twice as powerful - think 4 or 5 times as powerful), the 7900GS would definitely be the best choice, especially if you want to do any gaming.

 

The go7900gs definitly supports it, GPU wise. But I don't think the DVI-port is dual linked. Basicly, if the port is dual linked, it will be able to output more information and it will have a higher resolution.

And there are no TV's that are WQXGA. There's only like 5 or so MONITORS that have that high a resolution. HD-Tv's are either XGA (1024x768, cheaper plasmas), WXGA-ish (1360~x768), Full-HD/True-hd (1920x1080, haven't seen it in less than 37"). There might be more resolutions, but those are the most used ones.

The X1400 supports Full-HD resolution, as does the 7900gs. I don't think the E1705 has dual link though, so when you choose ask your self if you will be playing games and want to play new games at high-ish setting. If yes, go for the 7900gs. If no, it's not worth going for the more expensive one.

 

1920x1200 for single dvi, 2560x1600 for dual link dvi.

 

The go 7600 in my notebook lets me set custom resolutions--and is capable of very high resolutions should I ever connect it to an external monitor. This is in contrast to a workstation I recently purchased for business that has integrated graphics--and only allows for an already determined number of preset resolutions. I can't run my 22" LCD at WSXGA+ because it's not available and customizing resolution is not an option with that particular IGP.

I'd say the x1400 should work well for what you're planning to do.

 

I should add that 1920x1200 is the current computer monitor res that a single dvi can run. and that 2560x1600 is the max average computer monitor res (current 30" panels) it can run but the actual limits on a dual link dvi should be higher if for some reason we actually see higher resolutions than that on a home pc monitor.

However by that time it will be hdmi 1.3 or most probably "display port" the new standard that dell has had adpoted with much more bandwidth than hdmi or dvi.

 

Well I'm definitely not going to be doing any high-end gaming on it, so I think I'd be okay with the x1400. Thanks a lot, you've all been very helpful!

I'm curious though, could someone explain to me what dual link is and what it's used for? I've never heard of it. Thanks!

 

Single link DVI: Standard VEGA: 1600*200@60Hz. When reducing blanking (no problem for LCD's) 1920*1200@60Hz works just fine.

Dual link DVI: WQXGA should be OK

VGA: There are no theoretical limits. The GMA 950 can do up to 2048x1536@75HZ, but the actual upper limit depends on the board designer, which is the only reason some notebooks VGA outputs are limited.

 

Certian video cards have a dual link output, it has more pins on the connection. Its pretty much in laymans terms 2 single dvi cords in one... so you get 2x the bandwidth.

 

I see...but what use does that have other than just double-resolution?

 

Oh? I'm running 1920x1440 (at 100hz) quite comfortably through VGA on my PC.
Someone told you wrong. Both DVI and VGA can handle very high resolutions.

However, it's also true that virtually any modern graphics card can handle all the high resolutions without a problem. You certainly don't need anything special to run at 1080p or anything like that.

(Now, getting games to actually run well at that resolution, that might require a bit more horsepower)

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Basically just what it says on the box.
The ability to drive more data to the monitor, giving you higher resolution or better refresh rates.

 

Yeah, as I said I misunderstood the guy, he meant his TV could only output that resolution through VGA. But it was an HDTV though, so I guess the VGA input capabilities varies by TV.

 

HD and VGA is a no-no anways. You want to keep it digital via DVI or HDMI.

Right now its not the biggest issue but once they start enforcing HDCP protection only DVI/HDMI will have HDCP on them to allow HD playback. VGA will eather downsize the rez to 480, or not display at all.

 

Displaying at 1080p is no problem, but do not expect to playback full HD on your laptop. My laptop starts dropping frames just when bitrates gets over 35mbps. So I would recommend getting the 8600m for any hd playback. On the other hand if you just need it for things other than hd video playback get your self anything but the poor integrated ones.

 

if you can't playback 180p without dropping frames something's wrong. Most likely your processor is in pwersaving mode. What GPUs do is that they offload the CPU and help with playback. Your CPU should be able to play 1080p without dropping frames. I know i can.