X1900XT Not Retaining Refresh Rate

[ddarko]

I've had a Powercolor X1900XT card for less than a week. For some reason, it seems to be having problem retaining the refresh rate for my CRT, a Sony GDM-F520. My monitor is set to 1280x960 at 85 Hz. For the past two days, when I've turned on my computer after getting home, the monitor starts up at 120 Hz. Also, Windows no longer identifies the monitor as a Sony GDM-F520 but as "Default Monitor."

I can fix these problems by resetting the refresh rate to 85 Hz and by loading the ATI CCC (I set it up so that it doesn't automatically load on boot). When I load CCC, the program correctly identifies my monitor as a GDM-F520. Then, I restart and everything is fine; monitor remains at 85 Hz and Windows no longer says it's a default monitor but correctly identifies my monitor by its model name.

Although it's an easy fix, it's obviously not something I want to have to do everytime I start my computer. Powercolor is willing to swap out my card for a new one - and I can probably get Newegg to send me a new card without restocking fee because this card may be defective - but can anyone shed some light on my problem? Replacing my card is a hassle that I'd like to avoid if I can. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Immacolata]

I have the exact same model. Installed today on Windows XP. I have a Sony CPD 420GS 19" CRT, and it runs 85HZ at 1280x1024 and 100hz or more at lower resolutions.However, Windows or Catalyst 6.4 keeps running the screen at 60hz, no matter what I do. If I enter a different resolution and refresh rate in the Monitor control panel, it just dumps to 60 hz. I can run 43 or 47 hz Interlaced, interestingly. Just not anything above 60 hz. Any tips?

 

[Un4given]

This is not a hardware problem, it's software. Try removing and reinstalling the drivers.

 

[Immacolata]

Nah, it turned out that I had to twitch with some setting on ATI Control, to default to Desktop refresh rate or something. Just quite annoying you have to trawl 6 levels deep of control panels to find this very needed feature. I have my full refresh rates in desktop now. Just the games that are 60 Hz

 

[The_Dark_Abyss]

Nah, it turned out that I had to twitch with some setting on ATI Control, to default to Desktop refresh rate or something. Just quite annoying you have to trawl 6 levels deep of control panels to find this very needed feature. I have my full refresh rates in desktop now. Just the games that are 60 Hz

I suggest using Powerstrip and locking your desired refresh rates. That's one of the things that's always bugged me about catalysts is the poor refresh rate settings. With nvidia drivers all you needed to do was use the refresh rate override settings and even set your own custom refresh rates for each resolution, but with the Catalysts you can only force one refresh rate independent of the resolution. It doesn't matter to the LCD crowd of course but for those of us who still have CRT monitors in usage, it can be annoying . . .

 

[Immacolata]

I got that sorted too, using ATI Tray Tool, luck and sheer determination. And yes, you are right. ATI drivers are a bit wank with the refresh rates, but all is fine and dandy now. I suspect flat panelers does not have to bother with such things. I think the Ati Tray Tools doesn't support clocking on my card, it says "Overclocking disabled"

 

[The_Dark_Abyss]

I think the Ati Tray Tools doesn't support clocking on my card, it says "Overclocking disabled"

Yeah, overclocking isn't supported with ATI Tray Tools just yet but I wouldn't count it out for future releases. For now, ATI Tool is your best bet.