I'm trying to figure out a discrepancy in the available display resolutions on my beloved Performa 5400. Normally I run Mac OS 8.6 on this machine, however I have a second partition running 9.0.X. Under 8.6 the maxumum resolution available is 832 x 624, but under OS 9 it's 1024 x 768. I do a lot of audio editing on this machine so the extra resolution would be really handy to save me scrolling around. I do have the video input board and composite + S Video output boards fitted, I don't know if these are a factor since they are a part of the display system. Is anyone able to give any pointers on this?
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Performa 5400 video resolution shenanigans
- Thread starter Burgertrench
- Start date
Yes I normally run at 256 colours 832 x 624.
Does a 5400 function properly at 1024x768 running under OS9? I'm thinking it may well be a limitation of the built-in display? It's a pretty crappy display if same as my long lost 5200. Might that resolution only be available for external video if at all? That's the only thing that makes any sense to me.
I do have show all selected under 8.6 and it maxes out at 832x624.
Hook up an external display and see what resolution choices pop up for it, but not the internal. I'm all but certain the internal display's limitations are at the heart of the matter.
unrelated to 68kmla itself but @Trash80toHP_Mini is right as quite many laptops eg only do 1024x768 or even 800x600 internally but the vga port can actually do at least 1600x1200 if the external monitor in question indeed could utilize that otherwise
According to everymac.com this machine does support 1024x768: https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_performa/specs/mac_performa_5400_180.html
The higher resolution is available on mine under OS 9 but not 8.6.
The external DB-15 video connector, which isn't present on my machine, is just an exact mirror of the internal display.
I've tried replacing the 'monitors and sound' control panel in 8.6 with the 'monitors' control panel from OS 9, but that didn't do the trick.
WOW, that's just ridiculous. The 5400 board is as crippled as the 5200 in lacking external DA15 output? I was under the impression that it was the same logic board as the 6360/6400. Can someone post a pic of that board or link to an existing one?
I'd definitely swap that lamed drawer out for a 6360 drawer if such can be done. AIO display will still be limited, but the ability to run an external display at full available resolution would be a nice option so long as feeding such a signal simultaneously to the internal CRT retains magic smoke containment.
I'd definitely swap that lamed drawer out for a 6360 drawer if such can be done. AIO display will still be limited, but the ability to run an external display at full available resolution would be a nice option so long as feeding such a signal simultaneously to the internal CRT retains magic smoke containment.
I agree it is likely to be something in the system folder, I just haven't been able to figure out what. I run 8.6 because I notice everything is slower under OS 9, and aside from the aforementioned resolution and USB audio support, it doesn't offer anything else I need.
Check out the apple repair manual page 231, DB-15 display output is an optional upgrade which fits in to a 22 pin connector on the logic board:
I believe the video setup is similar between the 6360 and 5400 logic boards, in that video is output via the edge connector, but the 6360 chassis routes this to a daughter board with a DB-15 connector, while the 5400 chassis routes it to the internal display. So in fact it should be possible for the 6360 to support two DB-15 display connectors with mirrored output, if you fitted the 22 pin DB-15 output option in addition to the internal connection. Another option is the Apple Presentation System, which I have fitted to mine, which gives composite and S-Video mirroring when using 640 x 480 mode.
Interestingly the apple repair manual specifies the 5400 as supporting a maximum resolution of 832 x 624, however this was published before OS 9 was released, so it's possible the higher resolution was somehow enabled under the newer OS.
I will give this a shot, hopefully I don't brick the machine.
Can’t you just use an old copy of SwitchRes to force custom resolutions?
Would try that first to make sure 1024 x 768 is not a hidden display mode.
Back up the System file. Make sure you have a method to switch System folders (an external boot drive?).
I've never heard of this, will give it a shot
