1400x1050 XFree resolution on 500m

Question

Does anybody know how to run XFree86 in 1400x1050 resolution. I am actually able to run 1400x1050 when I disable a certain setting in the BIOS that scales the any resolution to fit the whole screen. But because of XFree the entire screen isn't used (there is a black margin). When you run e.g. 1024x768 only a fraction of the screen is used because of the huge black margin.

I haven't been able to find a solution on this forum. Only people complaining about Dell not supporting Linux. I don't know anything about modelines, framebuffers, or what else has been mentioned, but this time I think it's XFree that has the problem, rather than the Dell hardware not supporting Linux.

Best regards.

Agent Orange · Answer

It is not possible. At all. XFree86 uses the BIOS to programme all video modes, and the old intel Video Bios used by dell does not list this as a valid mode. Intel has apparently released a new video bios with this mode listed, but it has not been incorporated by Dell in a flash bios update.

The old linux-portable board had a continuuing discussion of these issues before the board was killed. May have some useful info:
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=linuxport&message.id=234

cheers

Message Edited by Agent Orange on 02-18-2004 09:57 PM

davidek · Answer

Hello,
I wonder what did you modified in Bios to restrict the screen and thus get effectively the natiuve resolution 1400x1050 ? Please tell us.

Concerning the Bios problem - to run this resolution in Linux, we just need Dell adds this resolution into Bios. Is it _really_ so big problem ?

Best regards
Tomas

LudvigHoldberg · Answer

The setting in the bios makes the computer run in 1400x1050, regardless what the operating system says (apparently). But XFree has a maximum resolution of 1280x1024, which results in a quite huge margin on the screen. The advantage is a crystal clear picture, but the screen size is reduced. I can't understand why it not possible to make XFree show 1400x1050?

davidek · Answer

I think this is not true, XFree86 (I am running 4.3 version) is able to go with the 1400x1050 resolution (even 1600x1200 is possible, provided you have a good video card), the problem (see also discussion on http://www.mail-archive.com/devel@xfree86.org/msg05979.html) should be in Bios since i810 driver looks for the definition into it.....

Anyway, please how/what did you change to reduce the screen size so that the 1280x1024 resolution becomes "native" ?

Looking forward for any hint,

best regards
Tomas

LudvigHoldberg · Answer

On page 4 in my bios (version A06), I disable the 'video expansion' setting. It has an immidiate effect.

Linux General

1400x1050 XFree resolution on 500m

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