Can the refresh rate for the frame buffer be changed?

This document (3464152) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10
x86 architecture

Situation

When running without X or while running in VESA or frame buffer mode, is it possible to change the refresh rate?

Resolution

No you can't change the refresh rate if you are using the frame buffer mode. This is because the kernel runs in protected mode but to access the VESA bios a real mode switch is needed. On other architectures like ppc things are different so you can access and change timings there on the fly but not on ix86.

You can change it if you are running X and accessing the hardware using an X driver which allows you to change these settings.

Disclaimer

This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.