monitor refresh rate won't stick

[John A Grandy]

On my XP Pro box, I use a Dell D1626HT. I adjust the refresh rate from 60
hz to 85 Hz and it does stick on applying. ( I can't see the flicker go
away, but others with better eyes can. )

But it reverts to 85 Hz on restart of the machine.

The graphics card is an NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 with NVIDIA driver v4.5.0.2

The monitor driver is Microsoft v5.1.2001.0 , and it is the latest
available.

 

[Rich Barry]

John, try rt clicking on Desktop>select Properties>Advanced. Under
Compatibility check to see if Apply new display
settings without restarting is enabled.

 

[John A Grandy]

Hi Rich, and thanks for the response.

Yep, the option button for "Apply the new display settings without
restarting" is selected. And each time I change it from 60hz to 85hz,
indeed it does stick until the next restart -- at which time it goes back to
60hz.

 

[JS]

If you downloaded the NVIDIA driver using Microsoft Update, then try
downloading the latest driver from NVIDIA's web site.

Js

 

[John A Grandy]

Thanks. That seems to have done the trick.

What's the max refresh rate threshold beyond which it doesn't make any
difference to eye strain or long-term eye damage ?

I've heard 85hz is sufficient .....

 

[JS]

Different people have more or less sensitivity to CRT (LCD don't have this
issue) flicker/refresh rate.
My eyes can see some flicker at 72 Hz, so I use 85Hz.

A simple test is to use a blank (no text, just white background) notepad or
MS Word document, then look up or off to the side while keeping the document
near the edge of your peripheral vision. Increase the refresh rate until you
no longer see flicker and then set the refresh rate to the next higher rate
just to be on the safe side. Make sure your monitor can support the rate you
selected and most likely you will need to use the monitor adjustments to set
the display size to fit the full width of the CRT.

JS