CRT Refresh Rate

Higher is better but too high causes problems (too low and you can sometimes visually perceive the screen flicker during the redraw).

What is the maximum refresh rate your monitor can display? It will depend on what resolution you are running, the monitor type (CRT, plasma, monitor size, etc). This information is in the monitor manual and should match the available settings on your computer (unless you have installed the monitor as a generic one). You should be setting your refresh to this.

I dont even have the manual :D It's a 16" CRT - Dell M770 CRT Screen dimensions : 17" (43.2) flat & square Viewable image size (VIS) : 16.0" Preset Display area: Horizontal : 306±5 mm (12.03±0.20 inches) Vertical : 230±5 mm (9.02±0.02 inches) Phosphor Dot pitch : 0.27 mm Deflection angle : 90° Phosphor type : P22 or equivalent, medium short persistence Faceplate coating : Anti-glare, anti-static Resolution Horizontal scan range : 30 - 70 kHz (automatic) Vertical scan range : 50 - 160 Hz (automatic) Optimal preset resolution : 1024 x 768 at 75 Hz Highest preset resolution : 1280 x 1024 at 60 Hz* Highest capable resolution: 1280 x 1024 at 60 Hz* * Dell does not recommend this mode because text may appear too small.

Well there you go

1024 x 768 at 75 Hz

1280 x 1024 at 60 Hz

Try both and see which resolution looks best for your viewing.

What jack of all trades said,

default and then increase until you find the sweet spot

Hi Bondy,

Try this link for info

If set too high on a CRT monitor, you may only see smoke signals.......these signals mean:-

Buy a new monitor and set the refresh rate correctly for that monitor!!

LCD can generally take a higher rate, I would still say set it correctly to what the manufacturer says......you never know.....!!

Monitor won't go smoking. It just won't display anything.

Most video will detect the monitor spec and won't allow higher refresh rate.

Even if it does, it won't do any harm. One you make the change, you'll need to click in a confrimation box to keep the setting. If you don't or can't click the box because you can see it, it'll return to old setting in 15 sec.

BTW I can't live with anything below 72Hz. My girlfriend could see flickering up to 120Hz.

It depends upon the quality of the CRT....I have seen several "smoked" for good in this way.......

See:-

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/311403

This is a few lines from this web page.....

If you use a higher refresh rate, you can reduce the rate that your screen flickers; however, if you specify a refresh rate that is too high for your monitor, your screen may become unusable and your hardware may be damaged.