Problems with HDMI

[bluesc]

I built a PC the other day, I can't use my old VGA cable as the 6870 only has HDMI/DVI/MiniDP ports.

Basically everything is a little fuzzy, I have black bars on the side and bottom of my screen no matter what resolution I use (underscan/overscan doesn't help), and it looks 10x worse than my 6yo PC did using VGA. Also, no matter what resolution I set my PC to, my tv always recognises it as 1080p/i. I have already tried 2 different HDMI cables that worked perfectly with my 360.

My monitor/tv is a Samsung SyncMaster 225mw, native resolution of 1680x1050, and is apparenty a tv/monitor hybrid.

I was considering buying a DVI-D cable to use, but I read that it uses the same signal as HDMI. The only thing I can think of that could help is using an analog cable as I used to, but my tv only has VGA and DVI-D, and I'm not sure if an analog DVI cable would work in there.

Is there any way I can use an analog signal, or make digital work?

Thanks

 

[juicycrapachino]

Sounds like a graphics card problem to me. First check to see that your ATI drivers are up to date; if you have to, use the default drivers that came with your graphics card. However, sometimes driver updates can be the cause of more problems. Check around AMD's support forums for any problems reported with the new drivers and see if your problem relates to another user's issue, if so then that is the cause of the malfunction. If the problem proceeds, the next step is to: Turn off your computer, ground yourself so you don't damage your card with static electricity, take out your graphics card and re-seat it, turn your computer on again and see if the problem is fixed. If the problem is still present, take the graphics card out again. Scan the card closely for any damage or poor soldiering work. If you notice any suspicions, ANYTHING at all, feel free to take a detailed photo of it and post it here on the forums so we can determine if it deserves to be RMA'D or not. The last thing I can suggest would be to buy this cable: http://www.datapro.net/products/dvi-i-dual-link-digital-analog-cable.html and try that out. (NOTE!) [ I would NOT recommend buying the cable from the site provided but to check your local hardware stores first before ordering from a trusted online source.] If it works and fixes your problem, then you know it was only your cables. If it does not work, then un-doubtingly it is your graphics card, see to it that you return it As Soon As Possible for either a full refund or a replacement card.

Hope this helps!

Sincerely,
-JuicyCrapachino

 

[juicycrapachino]

Also, another option. Try connecting your computer to another monitor and see if that helps. If not, then take the advice from my post above...

 

[bluesc]

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately the only other monitor in my house only supports VGA. I don't think it is a graphics card problem as it can run Crysis at close to max settings @1680x1050, with the only problem being the black borders at the top and bottom of the screen.

I'll go with your suggestion to try a DVI-D cable. My only concern is that from what I've read, it seems to carry the exact same signal as the HDMI cable. If I were to buy a VGA adapter for the DVI-D cable, would that convert the signal to analog?

Thanks

 

[juicycrapachino]

Well, the important thing is that you need to get a DVI-I cable and not a DVI-D cable as a DVI-I cable carries over both analog and digital and applies them according to your needs. I've been getting my information from this source: http://www.thesmallest.com/lessonettes/dviandvga.html If you want to solve your problem I strongly suggest that you read carefully through that article as it will explain how your connections work and what applies to what, hopefully you'll learn something new from it too. As for it being able to run Crysis, your graphics card can be damaged but not bad enough to not be able to function. As you've explained you seem to get black bars vertically on your screen. This can easily be a cable problem or potentially a port problem on your graphics card. If your problem still occurs after you buy a DVI-I cable and adapt it to VGA, then it is 100% at that point your graphics card. If you find out it is your graphics card, I would immediately attempt to RMA the card or contact the manufacturer regarding your warranty.

Hope I was of some assistance!

Sincerely,
-JuicyCrapachino

 

[bluesc]

Best answer selected by bluesc.

 

[bluesc]

I'll try everything you said when the cables come tomorrow.

Thanks a lot for the help!

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey