Report How do you set your resolution for PC gaming?

Poll started by Henley with 7,567 votes and 202 comments. Browse the poll archive.

 74%

(5626 votes)Fullscreen max res!

 14%

(1073 votes)Fullscreen smaller res

 3%

(249 votes)Window mode max res

 2%

(180 votes)Window mode smaller res

 1%

(110 votes)Output to a tv/projector

 4%

(329 votes)I dunno how to game, I read books.

Post comment Comments  (0 - 50 of 202)
Henley Creator
Henley

Window mode gamer here, I also get pissy when a new game does not support it, will mod game files until it works.

Reply Good karma+32 votes
ambershee
ambershee

Windowed is slower than full screen. I want max efficiency for max frames at max detail ;)

Reply Good karma Bad karma+49 votes
Xylemon
Xylemon

(buried)

Wouldn't windowed be faster? It's less to render than full. Plus you can multi-task with window mode.

Reply Good karma Bad karma-24 votes
Nickel_Dare
Nickel_Dare

nope it uses same resources as in Full Mode , but besides that it has to smaller them to the windows size and when you do something besides the game then the CPU has even more to do then just the game ..

FULLSCREEN FTW !!! xD
I dont know how so many people can play with window mode ..
Window mod annoys me :P

Reply Good karma Bad karma+43 votes
Sam1209
Sam1209

same >.>

Reply Good karma Bad karma+4 votes
rorios
rorios

You would think, but no when you run it windowed it goes slower cus it's still having to render exactly the same, but it's using more CPU to run everything thats showing in the background. it's like when you render something in wire frame you would think it would be quicker, but no it's much slower.

Reply Good karma Bad karma+4 votes
Brainlaag
Brainlaag

Well on 24" viewsonic fullscreen is maybe a bit too much for playing without spraining your neck xD

Reply Good karma Bad karma+2 votes
Erikonr
Erikonr

I don't get why people always vote comments down when someone makes a guess that is wrong or overall says something that is wrong, Their trying to say the right thing!

Reply Good karma Bad karma+8 votes
Knight_Ken
Knight_Ken

I remenber when i was playing UT 1 engine games on windowed mode this is terribly slow... because it will be on software rendered..

Reply Good karma Bad karma+2 votes
Wiweeyum
Wiweeyum

Also.

Reply Good karma Bad karma0 votes
Coconutdoobie
Coconutdoobie

(buried)

Windowed ftw.

Reply Good karma Bad karma-12 votes
preowned
preowned

I like windowed,
As long as it has a "no border" option

So it looks full screen, but i can place windows over it.
----------------------
Pro Tip:
To do this with source game on steam, Right click the game, go to property, go to "Set launch options" then type this in

"-sw -noborder" (sw= start windowed)

Very useful.

Reply Good karma Bad karma+7 votes
Theon
Theon

Wat?
You never play seriously in windowed mode... Unless it's some TBS or puzzle-game which doesn't require reaction skills or precision.

I understand playing in windowed mode when you're editing game files and watching changes on the run, but otherwise it just hampers gaming experience (precision, perception, etc.).

Reply Good karma Bad karma+7 votes
Crawlinson
Crawlinson

Why would you go to such lengths to window mode it?
I can't see any benefit other than multi-tasking.

If you are going to why not buy two smaller cheaper monitors and dual them. No boarder problems then :)

Reply Good karma Bad karma+3 votes
Maxen1416
Maxen1416

my crap-top can barely play Source 2007 engine and newer games D;

Reply Good karma Bad karma+25 votes
Dr.Worm
Dr.Worm

Good news I just built my friend a gaming PC for $368 on newegg play's UT3 High and L4D2 and TF2 on High flawlessly

Reply Good karma Bad karma+3 votes
SweatbackSTEEN
SweatbackSTEEN

please tell me of this computer which you speak of

Reply Good karma Bad karma+7 votes
Capt.Harrington
Capt.Harrington

Tell me as well please!

Reply Good karma Bad karma+3 votes
dsi1
dsi1

(buried)

TF2 on high for 368$? Thats unpossible!

Give him a few days or an update or two, TF2 is the new Crysis.

Reply Good karma Bad karma-15 votes
GeneralOwn3d
GeneralOwn3d

(buried)

Reqlly? I had to make mine with... like 1300euros, or something around that... How did you do that? Do you know a guy who works at a computer retail or building shop!
Ya lucky bastard...

Reply Good karma Bad karma-5 votes
Awesome_ninja
Awesome_ninja

(buried)

wow...how did you do that? I build mine to play Crysis full def and full settings for 1200$ CAD (around 1000$ USD), but 368$ is unstoppable... How did ya do that?

Reply Good karma Bad karma-5 votes
sdkillah
sdkillah

umm... pc under 400$ say good bye for games wich comes this and next year.. u cant play them :S

Reply Good karma Bad karma-1 votes
MitchellS
MitchellS

I like to play max res, but I cant.... lawl.

Can't even run CS:S Completely low with decent frames

Reply Good karma Bad karma+3 votes
Cremat0r
Cremat0r

My PC is near explosion, when playing TF2 or EP2, so I have to set resolution lower to avoid death. :(

Reply Good karma Bad karma+5 votes
sasasa
sasasa

blue screen of death... almost everytime to medium shader

Reply Good karma Bad karma+4 votes
MadMonkey119
MadMonkey119

Come on. OF course max resolution for me!

Reply Good karma Bad karma+6 votes
KZM95
KZM95

Fullscreen 1280x1024(max)and although my PC is not very good i still push the limit a bit to keep that resolution and fullscreen!For me there is no other way to play a game than fullscreen! :D

Reply Good karma Bad karma+11 votes
TheSkunk
TheSkunk

Same here, my computer is a bit old, but I have a nice monitor and will settle for nothing less than 1280x1204 res. I too must push the limit when the time calls for it.

Reply Good karma Bad karma+5 votes
Marffy
Marffy

my comp sux to much for full res. =(

Reply Good karma Bad karma+6 votes
Silverfisk
Silverfisk

It depends, if I'm developing or have for example chats going on I go windowed. But generally when gaming I'm fullscreen.

Reply Good karma Bad karma+7 votes
DedMustDie
DedMustDie

Fullscreen with max resolution ofcourse! It lets you feel game's atmosphere much better. Don't like window mode coz you always getting diverted from game by ICQ, Skype, Update news for some random soft etc. Atleast on Windows.

Reply Good karma Bad karma+4 votes
MrSkwidge
MrSkwidge

Fullscreen max!

Reply Good karma Bad karma+4 votes
GriffinZ
GriffinZ

Not fullscreen, because my settings are totally messed up and fullscreen means everything gets short and fat... compressed heightwhise.

So I say whatever resolution that doesn't compress the screen

Reply Good karma Bad karma+5 votes
Dreadacide
Dreadacide

Full screen Gaming FTW

BTW anyone who votes for "I dunno how to game, I read books" should be Bi**h Slapped :P

Reply Good karma Bad karma+9 votes
Dremth
Dremth

Damn people and their books. What have books ever done for humanity? Nothing. Games on the other hand provides millions with quality entertainment. Hooked on Phonics can suck my nuts. I'm Hooked on Electronics.

Reply Good karma Bad karma+9 votes
ThatBritishBloke
ThatBritishBloke

Well the ancient egyptians won't be happy with you will they, being the forefathers of paper an' all.

Reply Good karma Bad karma+7 votes
stephan262
stephan262

Well game manuals (Which are books) have informed gamers how to operate their games.

Reply Good karma Bad karma+9 votes
ThatBritishBloke
ThatBritishBloke

Well I'm sorry if I like to partake in reading a good sci-fi novel whilst I sit comfortably in a large arm chair whilst wearing a nice smoking jacket and fez.. Nothing wrong with a bit of civilized behavior old bean!

Reply Good karma Bad karma+9 votes
TheSkunk
TheSkunk

Aw yeah!! Read Philip K ****? he is my favorite sci-fi writer. Undoubtedly one of the best. I heartily agree with you, my friend!

Reply Good karma Bad karma+5 votes
PytoX
PytoX

24" Fullscreen max 1900x1200 :D

Reply Good karma Bad karma+4 votes
peterpatat
peterpatat

i read books.

Reply Good karma Bad karma+10 votes
DedMustDie
DedMustDie

And what are you doing here then?^^

Reply Good karma Bad karma+13 votes
crusader148
crusader148

because you can read books and play video games too
they arent exclusive
(posted while READING dune:The machine crusade)

Reply Good karma Bad karma+9 votes
DedMustDie
DedMustDie

Well, original answer was "I dunno how to game, I read books." So I thought, that peterpatat just cut his answer =)

In any case - there're too many great books that are must have. Ofc Fullscreen.

Reply Good karma Bad karma+4 votes
Cameron:D
Cameron:D

I run all Source games in windowed mode and no border at my native res, essentially making it full screen. Makes alt-tabbing easier.

Reply Good karma Bad karma+3 votes
0xMNM
0xMNM

this
exact command would be -window -noborder in launch options ;)

Reply Good karma Bad karma+4 votes
PeeWee_89
PeeWee_89

I dunno how to read books, so i game in fullscreen (1680x1050) with my HD5870XT <3

Reply Good karma Bad karma+7 votes
SPY-maps
SPY-maps

i never have understoud why people would play in windowed mode !!
other then for developers or for the reason that the computer is not strong enough to play in full screen mode, but other then that...

that said i personaly prefer full screen and a resolution around 1200 to 1600, for me it isn't importent to play on max. because a lot of games have something parts in there games that can give fps troubles in max res, (untill there patched probebly).

leon

Reply Good karma Bad karma+4 votes
OrdinaryMagician
OrdinaryMagician

In my case, it depends on the game. I usually play in fullscreen at my max resolution of 1280x1024.

Reply Good karma Bad karma+2 votes
Lopper
Lopper

Full screen max res FTW :D

Reply Good karma Bad karma+2 votes
Post a comment

Your comment will be anonymous unless you join the community. Or sign in with your social account: