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Configuring video adapters

Understanding resolutions

The first time the display manager runs in a new graphical environment, either a newly installed system or one with new graphics hardware, the X server attempts to create a default resolution of 800x600 with 256 colors using a compatible accelerated graphics driver. If an accelerated driver is not available, the server will attempt the default resolution (800x600 with 256 colors) using the SCO VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) driver. This driver is compatible with many contemporary graphics adapters. If your adapter cannot be configured with the VESA driver, the X server defaults to standard IBM VGA mode. After the initial login, you can continue to use the default, or run the Video Configuration Manager to select another resolution supported by your hardware.

Some resolutions only work if you have enough video adapter memory. Make sure you have at least the minimum DRAM or VRAM to support the desired number of colors at the specified resolution:

Memory requirements for color support at specified resolutions

Resolutions Colors
  16 256 32K/64K 16M 16M
  (4 bits) (8 bits) (15/16 bits) (24 bits) (32 bits)
1600x1200 N/A 2MB 4MB 6MB 8MB
1280x1024 1MB 2MB 4MB 4MB 6MB
1024x768 .5MB 1MB 2MB 4MB 4MB
800x600 .5MB .5MB 1MB 2MB 2MB
640x480 .5MB .5MB 1MB 1MB 2MB


NOTE: Some drivers may require memory above these minimum levels for off-screen memory.

Refer to your video adapter documentation for additional information on memory requirements.


If you select resolutions of 1024x768 or higher, you may need to determine if your monitor works in interlaced or non-interlaced mode at these resolutions. Consult your monitor's documentation regarding supported resolutions.


WARNING: Although your video adapter supports the resolutions listed, your monitor may not. Do not select a resolution that is higher than the maximum resolution supported by your monitor. Selecting a resolution that is too high can cause double or jumbled images to display on the monitor; it can also severely damage your non-multi-synch monitor. If this occurs, try selecting a lower resolution or a lower scan rate frequency.


© 2004 The SCO Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
UnixWare 7 Release 7.1.4 - 22 April 2004