Display resolution problem with Mavericks

[Mikethebook]

I've just done a clean re-install on my Mac Mini of Mavericks and have found I have no choice of display resolutions, just 1280 x 1024. Before, when I had installed Mavericks over Snow Leopard, I was able to choose 1024 x 768 which I much prefer. And, indeed, when I boot from the Carbon Copy Cloner backup, the screen opens at 1024 x 768 even though 1280 x 1024 is shown as the only scaled resolution. How can I get my screen to operate at 1024 x 768? My screen is an Acer V173.

 

[Slydude]

Open System Preferences and go to the Displays preference pane. Check the Display tab. If it is set to Default set it to Scaled and choose the resolution you prefer.

 

[Mikethebook]

That's what I was trying to explain. Scaled contained no other options but 1280 x 1024 and I don't understand why?

 

[chscag]

That's what I was trying to explain. Scaled contained no other options but 1280 x 1024 and I don't understand why?

That's because your Acer V173 native display resolution is 1280 x 1024. Your previous version of OS X Snow Leopard allowed for the lower resolution. When you installed Mavericks over Snow Leopard, it retained the lower resolution, however, when you installed Mavericks clean, you lost that. And now you only have the native resolution available. I can understand why you would want a lower resolution since that monitor is only 17". Maybe time for a new monitor? You can buy a nice 22" or 24" monitor for less than $200.00.

 

[Mikethebook]

Thanks for you help. That's sad news. No chance of me getting that lower resolution back, then? I'm afraid even $200 is out of the question right now. It makes me wonder if I shouldn't just go back to Snow Leopard though it is steadily becoming out of date . . . and it's a lot more work just when I'm getting Mavericks right again.

 

[Mikethebook]

Just a minute though!! I did another quick Google about lower resolutions with Mavericks and it turns out they are available. By holding down the Options key when clicking on Scaled opens up them all!

 

[Slydude]

Nice work solving your own problem.

I was going to suggest that maybe one of the preference files had the old settings.

 

[chscag]

Just a minute though!! I did another quick Google about lower resolutions with Mavericks and it turns out they are available. By holding down the Options key when clicking on Scaled opens up them all!

Great. I didn't know holding the Option key was still available with Mavericks. However, your Acer is an older monitor and you should be saving your pennies for a new one....

 

[Mikethebook]

I'm wondering how much more life I will get from my 2009 Mac Mini. That would be the priority! A 17" screen isn't wonderful but where my desk is, there wouldn't be room for anything much bigger anyway and the Acer keeps doing its job!!

 

[chscag]

You can always find room for a bigger monitor. I used a 21.5" iMac for several years and thought that was large enough for my eyes and desk. That is until I got my 27" iMac.