Cannot set Max Screen Resolution of 2560x1440 with DELL U2711 Monitor

Question

I have a DELL U2711 Monitor (27" Inches) with a Nvidia GTX 460 video card. The monitor can reach 2560 x 1440 max and the Video card 2560 x 1600 max. But The monitor only reaches 1680x1050. If I use a higher resolution all the screen looks scramble (like the image below).

I have search the Internet and they say the solution was to use a DVI-D (Dual Link DVI) cable. I have been using that cable, but I got a new one just in case and the problem stills the same.

As an extra data for the problem: The DELL Monitor has its own "on screen" Menu, used to choose its settings. In it you can see the info about the resolution. When the resolution is at 1680x1050 or less the Resolution on the Display Menu will show the same. But if I choose the 2560 x 1440 resolution on Windows 7 the Display Menu will show 1280x1440 (as also the image will look as I describe above, please use the link).

Any suggestions?

Solution 1

The bandwith can be a problem. Because the crt monitors died out, the refresh rate isn't a real important thing. I suggest try to reduce it so low as it is possible (if you use windows, it is in the advanced properties of your display settings). If it works, you can set higher refresh rate, if the very realtime graphics is to you important.

If it worked, please don't forget to accept my answer. :-)

Solution 2

Check the cable and make sure it's Dual Link as the behavior your seeing suggests it is not. The graphics card is listed as having two Dual Link DVI ports so either port should work.

Image from Wikipedia article on DVI.

Solution 3

I have a u2713hm and had the same problem. I am using a DVI-D cable but it was a cheap one so have ordered something more premium, i'll try that when it arrives. In the meantime I managed to get a decent picture by going into the Nvidia control panel > change resolution > customise and dropped the refresh rate 1Hz at a time and testing the new setting. Eventually got a good picture at 40Hz, not perfect for gaming but fine for everything else.

GTX 550ti on Win 10, screen worked perfectly on Win 7 at 60Hz.

Solution 4

I had this problem myself, and it was indeed due to not using a DVI dual link cable. And on top of that, the first videocard I tried on didn't support the resolution 2560x1440, but that was at work just to test. At home, I thought to make it quick and just replaced my monitor, and kept the cable I was using for years.

Luckily the monitor comes with a dual-link cable so just hooking that one up should do the trick.

Alternatively (and if possible, my suggestion as well) use a DisplayPort cable.

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Comments

[Admin]

I fixed the images you posted, but what exactly do they indicate? You've given no context for the pictures so they're really not too helpful.

[EdurdoRG]

Thank you !!! but at the end of the first paragraph says: "But The monitor only reaches 1680x1050. If I use a higher resolution all the screen looks scramble (like the image below)"

[Admin]

Ahh. I did not catch that part, my mistake.

[EdurdoRG]

I am sure I am using the last one in your picture: DVI-D (Dual Link). Thank You !!!

[EdurdoRG]

Really Thanks !!! but I am having a hard time trying to find the bandwidth of my monitor. In "Advance Settings" I can only see "Monitor Settings": Screen Rate (59 and 60 Hertz), Colors: True Color (32 bit), Monitor Type: Properties Screen with 3 Tabs: General, Driver and Details which only give me information but nothing to change or something like bandwidth. I also searched in the "Nvidia Control Panel" but nothing about Bandwidth. Please help me and thanks for the already given help.

[peterh]

No, you don't need to worry about bandwidth calculations. You should only set the lowest possible refresh rate in your display properties.

[EdurdoRG]

Well that did it. I created a custom resolution at 2560x1440 at 37 hertz and worked. I did it using the Nvidia Control Panel. It´s great to have the big resolution but anyway I wonder why I can not use its native Refresh Rate of 60 Hertz. Thanks a lot !!!

[Marie. P.]

This did it for me, too.