Computer Question - Can't match screen resolutions, two monitors

[Crater101 (Warren)]

Hi folks;

OK, been banging my head on the table with this one.

I've recently upgraded my PC, and I run two 27" BenQ monitors. My previous PC ran both monitors at their native resolution of 2560 x 1440. However now I can only run one monitor at that resolution, with the other being at a maximum of 1980 x 1080. I can switch them back and forth, i.e. either one will run at the higher resolution, but I can't get both to run at 2560 x 1440.

Some technical details...
Windows 10, 64Gb RAM
8Gb nVidia GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card
Latest drivers for the card
AMD Ryzen 7 processor

The previous card had a DVI output, this one doesn't. I'm guessing that part of the issue may lie in my running a HDMI to DVI cable from the PC to one monitor, and a HDMI to HDMI cable to the other.

Ideas / thoughts / suggestions / abuse all welcome.

[Leo.G (Leo)]

Warren it could possibly be a driver issue OR, the HDMI to DVI adapter. I've had less than ideal results trying to do that and now only buy good brand adapters and pay a little more.
I'd still check the driver and settings first.
With Windows 10 I have no idea where the settings are for graphics, as of Windows 8, I'm useless.

Latest drivers for the card

Sorry, didn't see that, do you have another adapter to try out?
Meanwhile I'll search to see if running the two different standards as output from one graphics card can cause the issues.


EDIT:
I don't know if these links may point you in the right direction (other people's issues):


https://profound-tips.com/common/can...dual-monitors/


https://linustechtips.com/topic/1414...-driver-update


And this one (different card):


https://forums.tomshardware.com/thre...#post-21606379


Are you running HDMI output to DVI or display port to DVI?
what I read shows the 3070 with one HDMI output and a few display port outputs. Running screens at different resolutions can cause issues.


Sorry, beyond that I'm useless, I find computer issues are a "how long is a piece of string" question unless I'm right in front of the machine (and I've been asked some weird questions over the phone by friends back when I could remember all of this stuff (cert III in IT 17 years ago, wow, that time went fast......))

[NTgazer (Chris)]

Hi Warren, can you get 1440 out of just one when using the DVI adapter?

Generally, passive (single link) DVI - HDMI adapters max out at 1080 when used in that direction ie HDMI from GPU into DVI on the monitor, dual link adapters will give 1440 in both directions I believe.

What ports do your monitors have? The 3070 should have 1 x HDMI and 3 x DP. Ideal scenario is DP - DP for both monitors - provided your monitors have them

[Crater101 (Warren)]

Folks;

My thanks for all of the advice. I suspect that I'll be off today to source some cables.

The 3070 has what appear to be 2 x HDMI and 2 x Display Ports. And yes, I can get 1440 out of just one when using the DVI cable. The monitors appear to have one each of DVI, HDMI, and Display Port. I'll pick up some 4K supported DP to DP cables and let you know how I go.

Leo - as of Windows 8? Half your luck! I maxed out at XP.

I'll update with results in a day or so. Cheers!

[Leo.G (Leo)]

There are quality issues in cables. I remember a friend asked another friend what's the difference between a $10 HDMI cable and a $100 HDMI cable. My other friend came around bragging about how he told him "none, Just the $90".
My son and I went off at him because he was a fool with absolutely no knowledge. Good quality cables do cost more (not necessarily the dearest means higher quality but within reason)..
Though, in saying that I have no issues buying the cables at Aldi when they have them in stock, I've found them to be good cables for the money but some shops like Reject shop, Smart dollar and very cheap places I've had issues.

[Crater101 (Warren)]

Originally Posted by Leo.G

There are quality issues in cables. I remember a friend asked another friend what's the difference between a $10 HDMI cable and a $100 HDMI cable. My other friend came around bragging about how he told him "none, Just the $90".
My son and I went off at him because he was a fool with absolutely no knowledge. Good quality cables do cost more (not necessarily the dearest means higher quality but within reason)..
Though, in saying that I have no issues buying the cables at Aldi when they have them in stock, I've found them to be good cables for the money but some shops like Reject shop, Smart dollar and very cheap places I've had issues.

Cheers mate. I've got a couple from Office Works and I'll be sorting it all out later today. I'll let you know how it all goes.

[Matthieu (Matt)]

It does sound likely that the adapter would be the issue.

There are multiple HDMI standards that support different resolutions. If your cable (or adapter) is only supporting an earlier version of the standard, it won't be able to use resolutions that were released later on. It's very disappointing that you often cannot find out what versions are supported so need to pay premium to get something that is likelier to support the latest...

As you've confirmed that your monitors both support the resolution and the 3070 is a modern card that will definitely also support that, it's more likely to be down to drivers (which you've upgraded so probably ruled out), cables or the adapter.

Let us know how you go.

[Crater101 (Warren)]

Hi again folks;

The problem appears to be solved. The DP to DP cables from the card to the monitor have now allowed both monitors to run seamlessly at their native resolution (2560x1440). I've run some basic tests and re-booted from scratch as well, and all is going just fine.

Sincere thanks to all for the helpful advice! It's very much appreciated.

[Leo.G (Leo)]

Good to hear Warren and cables are cheaper than new monitors.
Back in the days of VGA monitors I found plenty of systems where someone had wedged the plugs into the monitors crooked (15 pin 3 row equivalent of an RS232 basically, more pins, one more row) and had bent pins, Not the easiest things to straighten either but I've done it several times (and the pins on a CPU socket (LGA2011 socket on dual CPU server motherboard, 2011 pins thankfully not all damaged but well over 200-300 I'd guess) done under a microscope, FUN times). Now monitors are far cheaper than their cathode ray counterparts.
Aldi currently have a 24" IPS on sale for under $100 and it has a power supply with it which means it's a great, low voltage DC monitor for out in the field but it may be 19 volts. I've seen both 12 and 19 volt units, have one of both here somewhere I believe (DC not the things on special in Aldi).

[Crater101 (Warren)]

Originally Posted by Leo.G

Aldi currently have a 24" IPS on sale for under $100 and it has a power supply with it which means it's a great, low voltage DC monitor for out in the field but it may be 19 volts. I've seen both 12 and 19 volt units, have one of both here somewhere I believe (DC not the things on special in Aldi).

I might chase that one up. Cheers mate!