Can't set 1280x1024 on Ubuntu with Nvidia Geforce 8400 GS

resolution nvidia-graphics-card ubuntu-9.04

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Here is why detecting monitor matters: In Ubuntu, the default set in /etc/X11/xorg.conf for the supported refresh rates of the monitor are extremely conservative. This is because some CRT monitors could stop working if you set refresh rates too high.

The solution with an undetected monitor is usually this:
1- Find somewhere the actual supported refresh rates for your monitor
(for example you can find from that page: http://www0.shopping.com/xPF-BenQ-BenQ-19-LCD-T905-TCO99-Monitor-Silver-Black-12ms that the vertical range is 56-76 and the horizontal range is 31-81).
2- Edit the /etc/X11/xorg.conf file in section "Monitor" to use those ranges:
Section "Monitor" Identifier "Monitor0" VendorName "Unknown" ModelName "CRT-0" HorizSync 31.0 - 81.0 VertRefresh 56.0 - 76.0 EndSection
3- Restart X or your computer
4- Run nvidia-settings and the resolution you're looking for should be there.

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Murray Furtado

Hello, world! I enjoy using my experience to help others. That is why I am active at a number of other sites in the StackExchange network on topics that interest me. I'm something of a Swiss army knife both professionally and in private, able to juggle a wild variety of things at once. I've worked in every kind of business that uses software. I'm also very good with tools, both IT and mechanic. Whether you need software design or assembling some IKEA furniture, I'm your man for the job. I'm generally soft-spoken but driven by clear principles. I'm a twin, I've lived in five countries, I speak four languages fluently and two more embarrassingly. Also, being a father routinely develops my patience which is useful for moderating on StackExchange too. To learn more about me, see my Google+ profile.

Updated on September 17, 2022

Comments

Murray Furtado almost 2 years

FINAL UPDATE: Here is the best solution that I found after going through this problem lots of times. The question below is outdated because as it turns out the computer is not the problem; the monitor is the problem.

Ubuntu doesn't offer 1280x1024 but that's what my monitor has
--> I want to set that resolution but need help doing so.

Ubuntu offers 1360x768, 1152x864, 1024x768 when using the Nvidia driver version 180. This is Ubuntu 9.04 installed as "Wubi" through Windows, I believe it's the amd64 version.

Google gave me this precise explanation which is complete latin to me; I'm a Windows guy and not familiar with Terminal. These SU questions also don't provide answers, hence this new question. I hope you can help, and I will provide additional info if required.
Murray Furtado over 14 years

Yay, this provided the desired resolution! Oddly, the refresh rate is 50 Hz and 52 Hz is also available, but neither 60 Hz nor higher is available. It works fine, though!
Murray Furtado over 14 years

Restart X with the command sudo /etc/init.d/gdm restart.