How to choose your monitor screen resolution. Monitor screen resolution

Question from a user

Hello.

I had an error with the image... One game was launched, for some reason the error suddenly appeared: "... that the AMD video driver was stopped due to...", and then I noticed that everything on the monitor screen became large .

Also, if earlier I could place a hundred shortcuts on the desktop, now there are already 10 - and almost half of the space is gone! How so, what needs to be done to return everything to its previous state?

Anatoly.

Good time everyone!

This happens due to the fact that the optimal screen resolution (in your case, the video driver may have crashed, and because of this the resolution has gone down).

In general, if explained in simple words, then screen resolution- this is the number of points along which the picture is built on the monitor. Of course, the more dots, the clearer and more accurate the contours of the image.

Each monitor has its own optimal resolution, which, in most cases, is worth choosing (if you set the resolution higher than the recommended one, then the text and some elements will become too small and difficult to read, if less than the recommended one, everything on the screen will become large, like from the author of the question).

So, let's get down to business...

Ratio to screen diagonal

In general, as I said above, each monitor has its own optimal resolution, which (usually) is what Windows sets by default (at least if you have all the necessary drivers installed). In some cases this doesn't happen...

Permission is related to monitor diagonal . The larger the diagonal, the higher the resolution, as a rule. If anyone doesn’t know, the diagonal is measured in inches (1 inch = 2.53 cm).

What is diagonal and how is it measured (1 inch = 2.53 cm)

Just below I have given a table that relates the diagonal of the monitor and its resolution (please note that the numbers are relative (although this is most often the case), because each manufacturer sets its own parameters).

Diagonal	Permission	Designation	Format (aspect ratio)
15.0	1024x768	XGA	4:3
15.6 (laptop)	1366x768	HD	16:9
17.0	1280x1024	SXGA	5:4
17.0	1440x900	WXGA+	16:10
17.3 (laptop)	1600:900 or	Full HD	16:9
19.0	1280x1024	SXGA	5:4
19.0	1440x900	WXGA+	16:10
20.1	1400x1050	SXGA+	4:3
20.1	1680x1050	WSXGA+	16:10
20.1	1600x1200	UXGA	4:3
20.8	2048x1536	QXGA	4:3
21.0	1680x1050	WSXGA+	16:10
21.3	1600x1200	UXGA	4:3
22.0	1680x1050	WSXGA+	16:10
22.2	3840x2400	WQUXGA	16:10
23.0	1920x1200	WUXGA	16:10
24.0	1920x1200	WUXGA	16:10
26.0	1920x1200	WUXGA	16:10
27.0	1920x1200	WUXGA	16:10
30.0	2560x1600	WQXGA+	16:10

Also, monitors can have different aspect ratios (square-shaped, elongated rectangular, etc.). The table below just links the resolution to the aspect ratio.

Setting the optimal resolution

By the way, to find out the current monitor resolution, you can use online services:

Important!

If you do not have video driver icons in the tray, on the desktop, or in the Windows Control Panel, you most likely do not have video drivers.

Also, if they are not there, you will not be able to change the resolution (there will simply not be an optimal option in the list). Until you install new drivers (or update the “old ones”), the problem cannot be fixed.

I have a detailed article on updating video adapter drivers on my blog, I recommend you read it:

In the IntelHD video driver (nVidia, AMD)

This is one of the easiest ways to quickly change many screen parameters: resolution, brightness, contrast, color gamut, refresh rate, etc.

If you have a video driver installed, then you just need to use the tray icon next to the clock (or right-click anywhere on the desktop). In my case it is IntelHD, in yours it may also be AMD (Ati Radeon) or nVidia (GeForce).

In the settings, as a rule, you need to open the main parameters section (in IntelHD this is “Basic Settings”. In general, many parameters and menu variations depend on the version of your video driver: it is unrealistic to provide all possible options in the article ☺).

You need to alternately change the resolution - choose the one that is most convenient and comfortable for work. Focus first on what is recommended. If the elements on the screen are too small, try moving the resolution down 1-2 points, making it a little smaller.

On Windows 7

If you have Windows 7, then you just need to right-click on any free space on the desktop, and select “Screen Resolution” in the menu that appears, see the screenshot below.

Next, in the “Resolution” tab, you can see what you currently have selected and what else you can set. The optimal resolution is usually marked as “Recommended” (see screenshot below). Most often, they choose either the best option or 1-2 points lower (so that the picture and text on the screen are larger, important for monitors with a large diagonal).

Screen customization in Windows 7

On Windows 8/10

Press a combination of buttons Win+R, then enter the command desk.cpl and press Enter. See screenshot below.

Next, the “Screen” section will open and you can change many parameters: brightness, text (font) size, resolution, etc. Open additional settings, see what resolutions you can set (see example below).

By the way, if you don’t have such a list, and the optimal resolution is not indicated at all, most likely (as I said above) you simply don’t have a video driver. Try updating it (I provided the link to the article above).

Important!

If you have an old CRT monitor (these are so thick ☺, there are few of them now, but they are used in some places) - be sure to check sweep frequency (measured in Hz).

This parameter should not be less than 85 Hz (at 60 Hz, the flickering of the monitor is very noticeable, which causes discomfort and). It's even better if you set it to 100 Hz.

To make your computer screen settings as comfortable as possible for your eyes, you need to know how to change the screen resolution of your personal computer or laptop monitor.

Screen resolution is an indicator that determines the clarity of the display of all icons, pictures, that is, graphics in general. It is important to determine what will be best for the monitor.

Changing an extension using built-in OS features

The higher the resolution, the better the clarity of the display. For example, a 22-inch display will have a standard resolution of 1680*1050, which is optimal and maximum for this screen.

All available sizes are available in the settings; it is advisable to choose the largest one offered.

Follow the instructions to change the image resolution of your display:

• Go to the operating system desktop. Right-click on it and select screen options, as shown in the figure below;

• In the window that opens, you can adjust the size of text, icons and other system elements in real time. You can also adjust the screen orientation. To go to the selection tab, enter the word “resolution” at the top in the search bar;
• Select “change screen resolution”;

• Click on the drop-down list as shown in the figure and select the standard recommended one. Save the new settings.

Important! It happens that the recommended resolution is higher than the display. That is, the size of the final image does not correspond to the screen size, so some elements of the desktop may disappear from the user’s field of view. Adjusting your monitor will resolve this issue. In the selection options, choose not the recommended one, but the one that fully displays all the elements of the desktop. At the same time, all graphics must be clear.

Several common types of expansion and corresponding display sizes:

• 1024*768 – perfect for screens of 15 or 17 inches. In a display with a resolution of 1024*768 pixels, the color depth is 16 bits;
• 1280*1024 – intended for displays whose size is 19 inches;
• Types of monitors measuring 24 inches most accurately convey the image at a resolution of 1920*1080. All displays with these parameters are FullHD.

Adjusting the screen refresh rate

The higher the display refresh rate, the correspondingly better the image quality. That is why, in addition to size, it is necessary to pay attention to this parameter. To change the refresh rate follow the instructions:

• Go to the control panel. In the search bar, enter “Screen” (without quotes);
• In the proposed search result, select the item that is responsible for the screen refresh rate, as shown in the figure;

• Set the refresh rate to the highest possible. This will eliminate possible periodic flickering of the monitor.

NVIDIA Software

How to find out the right resolution for your display? This can be done on the official website of the manufacturer or in the instructions that come with the device.

On the boxes of monitors and laptops from Samsung there is information on how to set the correct resolution and what to do if the real one does not match the declared one.

Using a special program that is preinstalled on all computers equipped with an Nvidia family video card, you can also adjust the resolution of the user's monitor. Follow the instructions.

Do you need to buy a new monitor, but don’t know where to start or how to choose? You need to choose the right screen resolution, because the quality of the resulting picture will largely depend on this. And this is important both when working with computer programs and when watching videos. This article will help you figure out which screen resolution is best for your monitor in your case. Let's start with everything in order.

In fact, it is very difficult to choose the best screen extension. Obviously, the choice of resolution depends on the purpose of purchasing the monitor. Games? Social media? What screens are there and what should they be for good viewing? Each purpose has its own optimal resolution. In order not to miss the choice, you need to get acquainted with the terminology.

Basic classification

Resolution - the maximum number of pixels located horizontally and vertically:

• A display that supports resolutions below 640x480 pixels is called VGA.
• If there are 800x600 or more points - SVGA.
• Monitors with a resolution of 1024x768 pixels are sometimes called XGA.

Each display is characterized by resolution. Display device size and resolution are two different things. When choosing, it is best to be guided by the characteristics of the existing device.

Important! Which screen resolution is better? Each monitor has recommended settings for it, which are selected in such a way that each pixel on the display device matches the pixel in the image, which will lead to the clearest picture. The optimal “dimensions” are indicated in the technical specifications of the device.

Monitor resolutions and types

What normal or high screen resolution should it be? The maximum resolution of an LCD monitor is determined by the resolution of its matrix. The higher it is, the more different data can be displayed on the screen. Let's look at specific examples:

• For LCD monitors, everything depends on the size of the matrix. Do not forget that the maximum screen resolution depends on the screen diagonal. 15-inch displays have a resolution of 1024x768 pixels. Perfect for most basic office monitors.
• 19 and 17 inch monitors are equipped with a resolution of 1280x1024 pixels. Such monitors perform a wider range of tasks.
• Modern monitors have higher resolution. It is 1600x1200 pixels or more.
• Every year more and more points fit on the same diagonal. Who knows what will await us in a couple of years?

Setting the screen resolution

To adjust the device resolution, you do not need to have special knowledge of modern technology:

1. Open the Start menu and then go to Control Panel.
2. In the Appearance and Personalization category, select Adjust Screen Resolution.
3. In the “Resolution” menu you can set the values ​​you need.

Diagonal size

Screen diagonal is an important characteristic that distinguishes monitors from each other, while greatly influencing the price category. There are mainly four categories of monitors:

1. 20 inches is the choice for the office. Budget is the main selection criterion if you are an entrepreneur.
2. 20-24 inches. More than half of the display devices sold in 2016 belong to this category.
3. 27 inches. Such “devices” should not be installed at the usual “working” distance, since such a diagonal will make individual pixels noticeable.
4. 30 inches or more. They are not a mass product due to their high price and overall dimensions.

Important! The last two categories are not particularly popular and are not suitable for “standard” home use.

Occasionally you can find special systems consisting of several monitors. Such systems have their advantages, especially for gamers. But for trouble-free operation you will need a fairly powerful computer. And the market is no longer deprived of virtual reality devices, which are cheaper and have an order of magnitude higher effect and better quality.

A little about TVs

Each format has its own merits. But you need to choose a value that determines the number of points per unit area based on the existing signal source:

• HD-Ready - screens are suitable for all types of modern television. But this format is best suited for watching DVD movies.
• Full HD - devices with 1920x1080 parameters. Great for use with game consoles, satellite TV channels and Blue-Ray disc players

Aspect Ratio

When choosing a display, you should consider the aspect ratio. Let's talk about several of the most popular screen formats these days.

The most famous screen formats:

• Previously, the monitors of the first computers and televisions came in a 4 to 3 format. These numbers express the aspect ratio of the display object. The vast majority of TVs have this format.
• The ratio 5:4 is also considered popular. This format is often used in the manufacture of computer screens.
• But a new format is gradually gaining popularity - 16:9. It is this format that is the founder of the new image size.

Benefits and convenience of a wide format

The main bet of a wide format is convenience. It is easier for the user to perceive information from the sides, rather than from the sides and below. But let's not miss all the nuances. Widescreen monitors are significantly cheaper to produce.

Devices of this format have both opponents and supporters:

• Some people find it more convenient to work and relax behind a widescreen monitor.
• Some people get tired of flipping back and forth on the page looking for the information they need and will prefer to use a 4:3 screen.

Important! For work and relaxation on social networks, 4:3 or 5:4 screens are suitable, since it will be possible to open several windows at the same time, and there will be more space for work. But let’s not forget that all this is statistics, and each user has the right to independently decide which “dimensions” it is more convenient for him to work with.

Optimal distance to the monitor

For any monitor size, you need to know the correct distance to it. To determine the optimal distance to the screen, there is a universal formula - a coefficient of 1 or 1.5 must be multiplied by the diagonal.

Important! Placing the information display device at a calculated distance will help not tire your eyes when working with a computer.

Matrix types

Today, matrices are known that are manufactured according to the following principles:

• TN matrices are inexpensive and fast. Technology based on them is relatively inexpensive and is well suited for computer games with dynamics.

Important! The disadvantage of such matrices is a small viewing angle and not the most acceptable color rendition. Such devices are definitely not suitable for professionals.

• IPS - higher quality and more expensive matrices. Color reproduction is noticeably better than the previous type. Not deprived of a good viewing angle.

Important! The disadvantage of these matrices is the longer response time.

• VA is a compromise between TN and IPS matrices in both price and quality. Fast response time and better color reproduction than previous ones. But this type is highly dependent on the viewing angle and does not have the best transmission of halftones.

The most important thing when choosing is to take into account your individual preferences and purchasing goals:

• Monitors with a short response time are suitable for computer games;
• for design - with good color rendering.

Video material

Based on the information in this article, you will easily understand all the nuances of choosing a high-quality display, and its further operation will not cause you any difficulties or discomfort.

Good day! Many users understand permission as anything, so before starting to talk about it, I want to write a few words of introduction...

Screen resolution- roughly speaking, this is the number of image pixels per certain area. The more dots, the clearer and better the image. So, each monitor has its own optimal resolution, in most cases, which needs to be set for a high-quality picture on the screen.

In this article I will consider the issue of changing resolution, and typical problems and their solutions to this action. So …

What resolution should I set?

This is perhaps one of the most popular questions when changing resolution. I’ll give you one piece of advice: when setting this parameter, I primarily focus on ease of use.

As a rule, this convenience is achieved by setting the optimal resolution for a specific monitor (each has its own). Usually, the optimal resolution is indicated in the documentation for the monitor (I won’t dwell on this :)).

How to find out the optimal resolution?

2. Next, right-click anywhere on the desktop and select screen settings (screen resolution) in the context menu. Actually, in the screen settings, you will see the option to select a resolution, one of which will be marked as recommended (screenshot below).

You can also use various instructions for selecting the optimal resolution (and tables from them). Here, for example, is a clipping from one such instruction:

• - for 15-inch: 1024x768;
• - for 17-inch: 1280×768;
• - for 21-inch: 1600x1200;
• - for 24-inch: 1920x1200;
• 15.6-inch laptops: 1366x768.

Important! By the way, for older CRT monitors, it is important to choose not only the correct resolution, but also sweep frequency(roughly speaking, how many times the monitor blinks per second). This parameter is measured in Hz; most often monitors support modes of: 60, 75, 85, 100 Hz. To prevent your eyes from getting tired, set it to at least 85 Hz!

Changing the resolution

1) In video drivers (for example Nvidia, Ati Radeon, IntelHD)

One of the easiest ways to change the screen resolution (and in general, adjust brightness, contrast, picture quality and other parameters) is to use the video driver settings. In principle, they are all configured in the same way (I will show a few examples below).

IntelHD

Extremely popular video cards, especially recently. In almost half of budget laptops you can find a similar card.

After installing the drivers for it, simply click on the tray icon (next to the clock) to open the IntelHD settings (see screenshot below).

Actually, in this section you can set the required resolution (see screenshot below).

AMD (Ati Radeon)

You can also use the tray icon (but not every driver version has it), or simply right-click anywhere on the desktop. Next, in the pop-up context menu, open the line “Catalyst Control Center" (note: see photo below. By the way, the name of the setup center may vary slightly, depending on the software version).

Nvidia

1. First, right-click anywhere on the desktop.

2. In the pop-up context menu, select “ Nvidia Control Panel"(screenshot below).

2) On Windows 8, 10

It happens that there is no video driver icon. This can happen for several reasons:

• reinstalled Windows, and you have a universal driver installed (which comes with the OS). Those. there is no driver from the manufacturer...;
• There are some versions of video drivers that do not automatically put the icon in the tray. In this case, you can find a link to the driver settings in the Windows Control Panel.

Well, to change the resolution, you can also use control panel. In the search bar, type “Screen” (without quotes) and select the coveted link (screen below).

3) On Windows 7

Right-click on the desktop and select " Screen resolution"(this item can also be found in the control panel).

Next you will see a menu that will display all the possible modes available for your monitor. By the way, the native resolution will be marked as recommended (as I already wrote, in most cases it provides the best picture).

For example, for a 19-inch screen the native resolution is 1280 x 1024 pixels, for a 20-inch: 1600 x 1200 pixels, for a 22-inch: 1680 x 1050 pixels.

Older CRT-based monitors allow you to set the resolution much higher than recommended for them. True, a very important quantity in them is frequency, measured in hertz. If it is below 85 Hz, your eyes begin to ripple, especially in light colors.

After changing the resolution, click "OK". You are given 10-15 seconds. time to confirm settings changes. If you do not confirm within this time, it will be restored to its previous value. This is done so that if your picture becomes distorted so that you cannot recognize anything, the computer will return to its working configuration.

4) On Windows XP

Almost no different from the settings in Windows 7. Right-click anywhere on the desktop and select “properties”.

Here you can select the screen resolution and color quality (16/32 bits).

By the way, the quality of color reproduction is typical for old CRT-based monitors. In modern ones the default is 16 bits. In general, this parameter is responsible for the number of colors displayed on the monitor screen. Only a person is practically unable to distinguish the difference between 32-bit color and 16-bit (perhaps experienced editors or gamers who work a lot and often with graphics). Whether it’s the butterfly’s business...

PS

For additions on the topic of the article, thank you in advance. I have everything for this, the topic is completely covered (I think :)). Good luck!

The information capacity of a monitor is determined by the number of image pixels that can be simultaneously reproduced on the screen. For liquid crystal monitors, this value is constant - it is determined by the size of the matrix. For monitors based on a cathode ray tube (CRT), this value is variable - it is determined by the settings of the computer’s video adapter. Standard values: 640x480; 800x600; 1024x768; 1152x864; 1280x1024; 1600x1200; 1920x1440 and others. For monitors, this value is called screen resolution. The minimum acceptable screen resolution required for the Windows 7 operating system and its applications is 800x600 pixels.

Monitor size is measured diagonally. Unit of measurement is inch. Standard monitor sizes are 12", 14", 15", 17", 19", 21", 22", 24". Since the aspect ratio of the monitor is fixed (usually 4:3 or 16:9), the diagonal size uniquely characterizes the width and screen height.

If you don’t have an inch ruler at hand and don’t want to bother converting centimeters to inches, find out the length of the horizontal side of the screen in centimeters and divide it in half.

There are as many centimeters in segment AB as there are inches in segment AC.

Setting the screen resolution.

The main tool for managing the graphical parameters of the Desktop is a dialog box. Properties: Screen. It can be opened using the Control Panel via the Start menu - Control Panel - Screen). You can also right-click on an empty space on the Desktop and select Screen Resolution from the context menu that opens.

In the Display Properties dialog box, open the Options tab. To set the screen resolution, use the Screen Resolution slider. The set of possible resolutions depends on the hardware capabilities of the video system. If the correct video adapter and monitor drivers are installed, only the correct values ​​are available here.

Screen resolution is selected based on comfortable working conditions. Since the size of the monitor screen does not change, we can roughly say that individual pixels become larger or smaller when the resolution changes. If the resolution decreases, the pixels increase. Accordingly, the image elements become larger, but fewer of them fit on the screen - the information capacity of the screen decreases.

As the resolution increases, the information capacity of the screen increases. Modern programs have a lot of controls. The more of them that fit on the screen, the better. Therefore, when setting up a video card, you should select the maximum screen resolution at which the visual load remains within acceptable limits. These limits depend on the state of the visual organs, the nature of the work and the quality of the video system devices. Approximate data are presented in the table.

For LCD monitors, resolution is chosen differently. The optimal resolution is one at which the image pixel coincides with the element of the liquid crystal matrix. It is most convenient to work with this technical resolution.

Sometimes you have to work with different programs at different resolutions. Unfortunately, there is no automatic resolution change in Windows 7. Programs (mostly computer games) that require full-screen mode set the screen resolution themselves when launched. For older programs, you can choose to automatically switch to 640x480 mode using the compatibility settings.

Color depth

The color depth value, or color resolution, indicates how many different color variations a single pixel can produce. The Windows 7 operating system supports the following color modes:

• 65,536 colors (High Color, 16-bit color);
• 16,777,216 colors (True Color, 24-bit color).

Modern video adapters can allocate 32 bits for color, although there are still 24 significant bits. Old programs designed for 256 colors can also work in Windows 7.

The color resolution is selected from the drop-down list. Color Quality on the Options tab of the Display Properties dialog box. For modern video adapters, enable 32-bit color. There is almost no difference in performance between High Color and True Color modes, so reducing the number of colors makes no sense.

Screen refresh rate

The convenience of working with a computer is greatly influenced by the refresh rate of the image on the screen - the frame rate. This setting is only important for CRT monitors. Before constructing the frame, the monitor's kinescope beam returns from the bottom of the screen to the upper left corner. This is why people sometimes talk about vertical frequency. For LCD monitors, this parameter cannot be changed.

At a low frame rate, the eye notices a “jitter” in the image, which leads to rapid visual fatigue. The minimum acceptable frequency is 60 Hz. Long-term work on the computer is possible with a refresh rate of 75 Hz and higher. Comfortable operation is ensured by a frequency of more than 85 Hz.

Acceptable refresh rates depend on your monitor's capabilities. The higher the screen resolution, the greater the information capacity of the frame, therefore, with a fixed amount of video data flow, an increase in resolution is accompanied by a decrease in the maximum frame rate. This should be taken into account if you want to work with the highest resolutions available to the monitor.

In extreme modes, when the refresh rate is close to the maximum allowable value, image quality may decrease. Sometimes sharp boundaries, such as lines in letters and other symbols, become blurred. In this case, the update frequency must be reduced. For some monitors, the manufacturer does not recommend choosing the maximum frequency.

Setting the screen refresh rate:

1. Open the Settings tab.
2. Open the Monitor tab and make sure that the monitor model is set correctly.
3. Check the box. Hide modes that the monitor cannot use.
4. Select a refresh rate from the Screen refresh rate drop-down list.

After changing the refresh rate, check if the image quality has improved. If this is not the case, restore the old settings or select a different setting.

The operating system receives possible update rates from the monitor driver. If the driver is correct, it is impossible to set invalid settings, since if the frame rate is too high, the monitor may fail.

All graphics mode parameters (resolution, number of colors, frame rate) can be set simultaneously. This setting is recommended for advanced users.

Efficient Graphics Mode Assignment

1. Open the Display Properties utility via the Start menu - Control Panel - Display.
2. Open the Settings tab.
3. Click the Advanced button to open the video system properties dialog box.
4. Open the Adapter tab.
5. Click the List of all modes command button - a dialog box of the same name will open. It lists the BCCL modes allowed by the computer's video system.
6. 6. Select the desired mode and check how the image quality has changed.

If the video system cannot set the ordered mode, the image on the screen will most likely disappear. In this case, if you know exactly what you want to get, the screen parameters can be configured in one go. It's not clear what to do next. As a security measure in Windows 7, you need to confirm that the mode switch is correct. If confirmation is not received, the previous mode will be restored after a few seconds. If you see such a window, click Yes to accept the settings made.