videocard vs. monitor vs. XP

[AZZenny]

I just got a new computer, locally manufactured. Yes, Intel dual core. Fast.

It's a smidge noisy, but that may be because we put in a new video card with its own fan. It's a Diamond S9250 card. OS is Windows XP Pro. Monitor is Samsung Syncmaster which has Magic Tune and Natural Color Pro software. We got the Diamond card because it was one of the more reasonable of those recommended for the monitor (which I've had for about 6 months and adore.) I do NOT have a digital cable yet because my computer guy forgot to bring it when he set me up and then went on vacation for 5 days.

Needless to say, figuring out how to adjust color, brightness etc. has suddenly gotten confusing. After banging my head against the Magic Tune and Natural Color Pro, which kept not allowing me to do certain adjustments, I went into Windows Display Settings advanced and messed with that as I have in the past -- some things were maybe a little better, but my screensaver gorgeous photos looked washed out and a trifle fuzzy.

So got my nerve up and went to the Diamond software, fiddled for under 5 minutes, and got it close to crystal clear and gorgeous. Obviously that's the way to go --

Now, which display set-up will actually rule the roost? Do I need to/should I reset the monitor and XP display stuff to default and make it perfect with the Diamond, or doesn't it matter what they're set on? I don't want to get it exactly right and have to redo it all the time because of competing programs or devices.

Thanks


p.s. I realize this is probably a very stupid question, and if I have to ask, I don't deserve the card or monitor, but Oh Well.

 

[AZZenny]

That stupid, hunh?

 

[82CardsGrad]

That stupid, hunh?

The only stupid questions Zenny are the ones that go unanswered... err... I mean, not asked... right? LMAO....

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

I've never had three different monitor utilities at once, but typically when there are two of them, these programs are smart enough to know that the last settings configured will overrule any of the others. As long as the Diamond utility was the last one saved, your settings should return as they are after a reboot. Its tough to know for sure though until its tried, there are unfortunately lots of goofy programs out there.

 

[KloD]

The software that controls the drivers for your video card is dominate.

 

[AZZenny]

Thanks. That's what I needed to know. I notice that when it starts up, the image goes through a couple variations before finally ending up the way I want it after a minute or two. I think when Bruce comes out this weekend to tinker with a few things I'll have him disable the competing monitor software. The fewer potential conflicts, the better.

 

[Covert Rain]

Thanks. That's what I needed to know. I notice that when it starts up, the image goes through a couple variations before finally ending up the way I want it after a minute or two. I think when Bruce comes out this weekend to tinker with a few things I'll have him disable the competing monitor software. The fewer potential conflicts, the better.

Yep, your system does a "reset" every time you reboot. Graphics Card settings are saved so that when your drivers are loaded your settings are "remembered". That little flash you see is your video card adjusting your settings.