20" Widescreen Dilema

[PatzCU]

Hey all,

I just made the CRT -> LCD switch for space issues. Unfortunately, I am a complete noob when it comes to LCD Display devices. I was referenced here by a good friend so I'm hoping someone will be able to point me in the right direction.

I just got a new 20" Widescreen (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824116075) monitor. I was able to downgrade from 1680x1050 to 1280x800 with an analog connection; however, now that I've switched to DVI, my only 16:10 option is 1680x1050...

I'm thinking the DVI issue might be a video card problem. I am running a 6600GT. I have updated both video card and monitor drivers. I have tried various Nvidia scaling options, but most of them completely fail (screen becomes a scrambled mess)

Do any of you have 20" monitors that will scale down to 1440x900 or 1280x800 with DVI input? I have troubleshooted to hell and back with my current setup and have come to the conclusion to Craigslist the current monitor and order a new one (that hopefully one of you can recommend, I'm looking at 20" Dells).

The biggest problem I have with the current Viewsonic that I have is that it, under no circumstances, supports 1440x900. While I know monitors should be run in their native resolution, I would like to squeeze a little more life out of my current rig before upgrading. I know I'll be able to run Team Fortress 2 and Left 4 Dead. However, it will be a big problem if I can't play these at 16:10 resolutions lower than 1680x1050.

So I guess the basic questions here would be:
-Why is there a difference in what resolutions I can run in switching from Analog to DVI?
-If I'm having this issue with this monitor, would this most likely be a global issue based on my video card/system?
-Can any of you recommend a 20" widescreen in the $250ish range that can display 1680x1050, 1440x900, and 1280x800 (preferably Dell as I get a massive discount through my work)?

Thanks for any help you can provide. I've been tearing my hair out over these issues, and honestly, I should have put more research in before jumping to LCD. Even the most basic pointers would be great as I truly am in the dark (other than I realize the native resolution of a monitor is the very optimum for all applications).

 

[joemama]

Lcd monitors have a "native" resolution...in your case it is 1680x1050 and anything else is going to look like crap (and you can't go higher). What you are looking for is a monitor with 1:1 pixel mapping which yours doesn't have. You can do scaling through the Nvidia drivers but I really suggest upgrading to at least a 7950GT which won't have a problem running most games at 1680x1050 as long as you don't go overboard with the eyecandy.

edit- The Dell 2007WFP has 1:1 pixel mapping

 

[PatzCU]

Thanks for the response!

Ya I know stuff will look like crap below the 1680x1050 native resolution of the monitor. But just for the sake of being able to scale down the graphics would be nice, since upkeeping a computer to play all the latest games at 1680x1050 would get really pricey.