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I was having an interesting discussion with RM_Bizkid (and aren't they all, lol) about display resolutions. Some questions:

1) Should a display always be set at it's "native" resolution?

2) Should PF always be set at the same resolution as the "native" resolution?

3) If they are set differently, as I have been experimenting with, is it evil and bad?

4) I did notice tremendous frame rate increases in PF at lower resolutions. I have been running the game at 768x1024, getting mid-200's at best, at 1200x1600 (my display's native resolution [Dell 2007FP]) lower frame rates (90 tops).

Now, Biz, I realize we all have opinions, and I know you are often right, so don't get all pissed-off at me, I don't have enough friends as it is and I can't afford to lose any. But, I would like to hear some opinions, I am curious by nature.

EURO_MajTalus

I think the man needs a second opinion! Please give him three or four and really confuse him. Then he can have an opinion like the rest of us lol.

LOL Talus...

I don't have enough friends as it is and I can't afford to lose any

ROFL

It's really a matter of opinion and what works for you personally. I try to set all games to the same res I run normally, but you don't have to. As far as frames go, as a rule, the lower the res, the more frames. In your case, it shouldn't make a difference as far as what your eye can detect.

In CFS1 days, it was a mix for me. At the lower res, your 'targets' looked bigger but the game wasn't as pretty. Anymore, I run everything the same...

- EURO_Talus

1) Should a display always be set at it's "native" resolution?

A CRT monitor doesn't have a native resolution, just a maximum one, so it can run at any res you want.

A LCD/TFT flat panel monitor does have a native resolution, the screen is made up of pixels at a set resolution that is it's native resolution, it displays pictures best at that resolution, you can run it at a lower resolution but then the monitor starts to 'average' pixels for lower resolutions resulting in a 'softer or fuzzier' picture.

Your graphics card should be capable of running the monitor at it's native resolution for best quality.

- EURO_Talus

1) Should PF always be set at the same resolution as the "native" resolution?

Yes if your graphics card can handle it, lower resolutions will improve frame rates if your struggling but will also reduce picture sharpness.

- EURO_Talus

1) If they are set differently, as I have been experimenting with, is it evil and bad?

Not really evil or bad. I find that running a game at a different resolution than my desktop resolution, messes up the position of the desktop icons after quitting the game sometimes.

I run everything at the native resolution for my TFT monitor to produce the best quality picture.
If you can, you should.

Good points Kit between CRT and LCD/TFT monitors.

I still use a CRT for gaming, but that's just my preference, so res isn't really as much of an issue as using the LCD/TFT monitors.

MR Talus,
With a low end of 90 fps,The question you have asked is like asking if the sand in the sahara desert is smaller then the sand in the gobi desert, can I fit more in a mason jar......Who Cares.....lol...J/K no actually I did learn something of the difference between a CRT and Lcd monitor thanks to kits post. Actually I try to set my resolution the same as game and desktop, My comp seems to like it better...anyway m8 see you soon

Rigel

For the moment, I am leaving my monitor at 768x1024, and putting the game at the next step up and keep the higher frame rates.

As I understand it, the human eye (or brain, if applicable) only needs 24 fps to perceive continuous motion, so the rest is rather theoretical (expensive, too). My 256MB nVidia 7300LE, modest by today's standards, handles the game fine, as well as FSX. I did the Toyo helicopter mission (or tried to) on ultra settings, though, and was getting only 6-8 fps.

Talus

I totally agree, as you know, with those that responded to your post.

If you are comfortable with your set up, I can appreciate your thoughts.

For myself, it is not about high FPS, but how to use the excess FPS to create better graphics and "eye candy" Intentionally, my setup is to reduce the FPS to the minimum necessary to create smooth play and the highest graphics that my computer can produce.

Again....just an opinion lol