More Questions from Computer Hardware

Standard VGA Resolution In classic PC graphics terminology, what is the native pixel resolution commonly associated with the standard VGA display mode?

Computer Science Computer Hardware Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    648 x 320
  • B
    640 x 480
  • C
    680 x 440
  • D
    1024 x 786
  • E
    None of the above

Answer

Correct Answer: 640 x 480

Explanation

Introduction / Context:The Video Graphics Array (VGA) standard defined baseline display capabilities for early PCs and remains a reference point in troubleshooting, compatibility modes, and embedded systems. Knowing the canonical resolution helps when configuring BIOS screens, safe-mode video, and legacy hardware.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • We are referring to the standard VGA graphics mode defined by IBM and widely supported.
  • “Native” here means the most recognized base graphics resolution tied to the VGA standard.
  • Interlaced or extended Super VGA (SVGA) modes are excluded.

Concept / Approach:

Standard VGA provides multiple text and graphics modes. The best-known graphics mode is 640 by 480 pixels at 60 Hz, originally with a 16-color palette in the basic spec. This resolution became the de facto safe mode for boot screens and OS fallbacks because almost all hardware can generate it reliably.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify common VGA modes: 320 x 200 (13h) for 256-color games, and 640 x 480 for general graphics.Recognize that “standard VGA” commonly denotes 640 x 480.Exclude higher SVGA resolutions (for example, 800 x 600, 1024 x 768) that require VESA extensions.Select 640 x 480 as the standard VGA resolution.

Verification / Alternative check:

Motherboard BIOS and OS “VGA mode” fallbacks consistently use 640 x 480, confirming this as the accepted baseline.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

648 x 320 and 680 x 440 are nonstandard values. 1024 x 786 is a misspelling/mistake of 1024 x 768 (SVGA), not standard VGA. “None of the above” is unnecessary since 640 x 480 is correct.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing VGA with SVGA or with DOS game mode 320 x 200 (Mode 13h). Ensure you distinguish “standard VGA” from later extended modes.

Final Answer:

640 x 480

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