Monitor Res questions

[tw0k1ngs]

I currently have a monitor that has a 1024 x 768 res because I feel VERY comfortable with this. I just purchased a 7800 gtx SLi setup and am seeing that the gtx in SLi performs LOWER than a single GTX in 1024 x 768 circumstanecs, but really pulls ahead at the 1600 res and up.

I am planning to be a graphic arts major, and the reason I like 1024 x 768 is because everything feels "right" at this size. If I get a bigger monitor and go with a 1280 native resolution or something, will my images "look" smaller? Or will the aspect ratios be practically the same, and images won't look "smaller and more crisp" but at about the same size as they do on 1024.

[NickS]

Images will be smaller, but if you have it at 1280x960, NO visual distortion will occur, as it is 4:3, the traditional standard. Go to 1280x1024, you get MINOR visual distortion, because it is now, 5:4.

Go with a Higher End 17" monitor, 1280x960.

[tw0k1ngs]

So it will be tougher to create art because I will be working with a smaller area?

[(sin)morpheus]

Usually artists like higher res because they can see more detail without zooming in. I recommend you get a nice big CRT that's capable of at least 1600x1200@ 85Hz. If you don't want to do that then sell your SLi setup and buy a fairly cheap card like a 6800gt or something. Your SLi will be completely wasted if you use it with a low res/Hz monitor.