2014-04-13, 18:28
Some Intel boards output non-TV standard (i.e. not 720p or 1080i/p) formats over HDMI - particularly when initially installing Windows before the video drivers have been installed. 640x480 over HDMI isn't liked by some TVs for instance.
Some BIOS/Motherboards will re-scale these resolutions to 720p or 1080i/p over HDMI (possibly in response to EDID from the display saying what formats it supports) which solves the problem - but not all do. Have hit the same issues myself in the past (usually fixed by using a VGA connection to my TV, or a PC monitor and HDMI->DVI cable).
Some BIOS/Motherboards will re-scale these resolutions to 720p or 1080i/p over HDMI (possibly in response to EDID from the display saying what formats it supports) which solves the problem - but not all do. Have hit the same issues myself in the past (usually fixed by using a VGA connection to my TV, or a PC monitor and HDMI->DVI cable).