frazzled macuser
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Q: CRT to LCD format change with 8100 computer

Hi there,

 

I haven't posted here for a while, but hopefully someone can help me out.

 

I am looking to upgrade from a CRT monitor (which is starting to wear out –a green color cast that comes and goes) to an LCD. I had the CRT connected with an adapter to a G4 desktop (silver tower –933 MHz), which I would occasionally connect to a PowerMac 8100/80 (not AV) computer, that I keep to access older files that don't work so well on the G4 (w Classic mode). I would still like to be able to access the 8100, and I have the adapter that would be required (VGA female to male DB15).

 

There would be a format change from a 4 x 3 format for the CRT to a 16 x 9 (or 16 x 10) for an LCD. I understand that the LCD screen will accomodate the G4, simply by expanding the desktop horizontally and repositioning the icons.

 

My question is in regards to connecting the LCD to the 8100 (with the adapter) –will the screen expand the desktop horizontally and reposition the icons as with the G4, or will it just scale the desktop horizontally, thereby distorting the screen (horizontally)?

 

Note: I have not made any changes to the 8100, such as adding/changing video cards, etc. It should be the same as what came with it.

 

Or would I have a better chance trying to get an LCD with a 4 x 3 format?

 

Thanks,

frazzled macuser

Posted on May 27, 2011 6:13 PM

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frazzled macuser

Q: CRT to LCD format change with 8100 computer

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  • by Jeff,Helpful

    Jeff Jeff May 27, 2011 11:57 PM in response to frazzled macuser
    Level 6 (11,559 points)
    May 27, 2011 11:57 PM in response to frazzled macuser

    I don't think you could find a new LCD display with a 4:3 aspect ratio.  In thrift stores, older 4:3 LCD models are showing up more often now, as their former-owners upgrade to widescreen displays.  For that matter, fully-functional CRT displays are being recycled all of the time now, because of the desktop space recovered by shifting to flat-panel types.  The 8100/80 (non-A/V) has a graphics card in the PDS slot with 2 MBs of soldered VRAM and (4) slots to accommodate (4) 512K SIMMs, for a maximum of 4 MBs.  Even with 4 MBs, it's likely that you'll have a problem supporting the fixed/native resolution of a 16:9 display, resulting in screen distortion.  As for your G4, the graphics card may support the native resolution of a widescreen display, without any problems.  If not, upgrading the AGP graphics card is an easy solution, compared to the 8100 and its proprietary PDS slot.

  • by Appaloosa mac man,Helpful

    Appaloosa mac man Appaloosa mac man May 27, 2011 11:52 PM in response to frazzled macuser
    Level 5 (4,330 points)
    May 27, 2011 11:52 PM in response to frazzled macuser

    frazz,

     

    Because the 6100/7100/8100 had the illfated high density video connector, it was not uncommon to find the non-AV models with the secondary video card.  The AV models had RCA jacks but the others had just a standard Mac monitor (two rows of pins, seven and eight per row) port.  Do you have that card?  I know you could find one in Seattle.  They have a great Mac recycler in town.

     

    If you had that card, you could configure the LCD to the card while using the main monitor to see the control panel.  You would most likely need to set the screen resolution to  the closest pixel ration.  We have a twenty inch monitor on such a card and no monitor connected to the onboard port.  The mouse disapears off into oblivion.  Since you have the monitor, you have nothing to lose by just testing.  To get back to a normal resolution, just zap your PRAM and start over.

     

    Jim~