Can anyone explain resolution to me? Trying to choose a GPU.

[floobles]

I'm looking to choose a GPU for my new build but one thing that I've always been sorta fuzzy on is resolution, which I need to know before choosing a build.

I'm using my 720p 32" Samsung TV as a monitor for my build.
Right now I have my laptop outputting to it (the laptop screen broke off) using a VGA cable. My resolution right now is 1360x768, and I can't set it any higher.
But if I check my resolution on my PS3, it says it's 1920x1080.

Is it so low outputting from my laptop because VGA isn't HD? If that's the case, an HDMI cable from a GPU would be able to output in 1920x1080, correct?

I've been looking at this GPU, it's a bit older but I figure the extra RAM would still let me max out practically anything at 1920x1080, right?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=555358&sku=E145-1566

If not, can anyone suggest me a better card that can? My budget is $250 or lower.

I really appreciate anyone who takes their time to help me. ^.^

 

[manofchalk]

I'm using my 720p 32" Samsung TV as a monitor for my build.

Seems you already know its resolution.
720p is a shorthand way of saying a 1280x720 resolution or one that is roughly equivalent. You will want to look up the TV's specifications to find its true resolution.

The PS3 may be outputting a 1080p image, but that doesn't mean the TV can display it. I would trust your laptops prediction of resolution over the PS3.

At that price range, the HD7850 or 7870 would be your best bet.

 

[floobles]

Seems you already know its resolution.
720p is a shorthand way of saying a 1280x720 resolution or one that is roughly equivalent. You will want to look up the TV's specifications to find its true resolution.

The PS3 may be outputting a 1080p image, but that doesn't mean the TV can display it. I would trust your laptops prediction of resolution over the PS3.

At that price range, the HD7850 or 7870 would be your best bet.

I didn't know that. :O I always wondered what the difference was between the two things. /facepalm

1360x768 is what my TV menu says as well. So with the 7850 or 7870 I imagine I'd still be able to max pretty much anything at a great frame rate, right?

 

[manofchalk]

Pretty much, I suspect even a 7770 would be good for that resolution.

 

[floobles]

Sweeet.
The 560 2GB is cheaper than the first two though and it'll last me well into the future, so I think I'll just stick with it.
Appreciate the help man.