7600GT at 1600 x 1024

silverbird · 06-20-2008, 07:51 PM

I have only just installed Slackware and managed to setup a file server, which was my main aim.

Since then I have dabbled with loading source files using SlackBuild (xfe and wxPython) - all with great success.

While on a roll I though I might install Slackware on my main PC and check out using it as a development PC (mainly python).

I have a 7600GT video card and a 22 inch ViewSonic monitor that used 1600 x 1024 pixels. What would I need to do when installing Slackware to make this work with X11.

I do like having the easy choice of windows managers (xwmconfig) and would look forward to testing them out on my main PC.

On a different tack, using a file server it recommend a static IP address. Very occasionally I might want to connect to the internet using DHCP - could I just somehow setup a different boot parameters to be a server or access the internet (the pc doesn't have to do both at the same time, quite happy to reboot to access the internet and then reboot again to go back to being a server. I tried to read stuff about gateways, but got lost.

Loving this system.

Bruce Hill · 06-21-2008, 05:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverbird

I have a 7600GT video card and a 22 inch ViewSonic monitor that used 1600 x 1024 pixels. What would I need to do when installing Slackware to make this work with X11.

Welcome to LQ!

Download the latest Nvidia driver. Shutdown the X server from the KDE menu, then su to root and type "sh NVIDIA-Linux-x86-173.14.09.pkg1.run". When it asks if you want a precompiled kernel, say No. You should be able to answer the other questions easily enough. At the end allow the installer to write a new /etc/X11/xorg.conf file. After the install is finished, logout as root, then as a normal user, type "startx" and press enter. If you see the Nvidia splash screen, you should be setup.

Once you are back in KDE, you can check your settings at KDE Menu > Control Center > Peripherals > Display. If you don't have the correct settings, edit the file "/etc/X11/xorg.conf" and in the Screen section you can put something like this:

Code:

SubSection     "Display"
        Depth       24
        Modes      "1600x1024"
EndSubSection

PsychoticDude85 · 06-21-2008, 07:24 AM

Also, if you've used the official nvidia drivers you are given a graphical tool to modify the xorg.conf, if you're using KDE then (as a normal user) do ALT+F2, and enter "kdesu /usr/bin/nvidia-settings" and enter the root password at the prompt given. Then you can alter settings as you like and save to /etc/X11/xorg.conf.

T3slider · 06-21-2008, 07:56 AM

With such a high resolution you may also need to create a custom Modeline in /etc/X11/xorg.conf to get your monitor working at full resolution. It may not be required, but if you can't seem to get full resolution, this is likely the problem. You should search these forums if you encounter that problem (most of the recent Modeline posts are probably from me if that helps your search).

H_TeXMeX_H · 06-21-2008, 12:42 PM

If you use the proprietary nvidia driver, you not only don't need a custom modeline, but I'm pretty sure it won't accept it either. To get the most out of that card, I guess you should install the proprietary nvidia driver, then restart and run 'nvidia-settings', you can set many settings from there, if you run it as root you can then save it globally to xorg.conf.

T3slider · 06-21-2008, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H_TeXMeX_H

If you use the proprietary nvidia driver, you not only don't need a custom modeline, but I'm pretty sure it won't accept it either. To get the most out of that card, I guess you should install the proprietary nvidia driver, then restart and run 'nvidia-settings', you can set many settings from there, if you run it as root you can then save it globally to xorg.conf.

Well, I can tell you that it will accept a Modeline, as I am using one right now with the proprietary nVidia drivers. As to whether it's required when you can run nvidia-settings, now I am not so sure. I couldn't get full resolution without the Modeline on my 1680x1050 monitor, but this was so long ago (12.0) that I can't remember whether I tried that or not. Interesting experiment though.

silverbird · 06-22-2008, 07:21 AM

I have installed the nvidia driver and obtained the 1600x1024 resolution.

I ran the nvidia settings also - it has got the video card and I think the monitor is ok (Videosonic 22-something)

But when I open an appilcation on the left hand side of the screen are some flashing white lines. I thought it might be refresh rate but that seems ok (59.9x in settings)

I did search in the forum for modelines but couldn't find anything similar in recent posts.

The lines are the same whichever window manager I use.

Bruce Hill · 06-22-2008, 07:31 AM

That 1600 x 1024 size sounds a bit odd. Are you sure it's correct?

Check these resolutions and check your monitor's manual or
the specifications on the manufacturer's website.

Edit: Is this yours? It says 1680 x 1050 ... same as this monitor of mine.

Perhaps with the correct resolution those lines will disappear.

silverbird · 06-22-2008, 08:03 PM

That did the trick - 1680x1050. I had to edit the xorg.conf file to get that option, but it works perfectly now - thank you.

By the way I love the monitor...

Bruce Hill · 06-22-2008, 11:48 PM

Editing /etc/X11/xorg.conf in the Screen section is the proper way
to handle that configuration. Glad your monitor works well, now.