Enabling HiDPI on High Sierra with NVIDIA 1050ti and Web Drivers

Enabling HiDPI (High Dots Per Inch) modes on macOS High Sierra with an NVIDIA 1050ti GPU using Web Drivers is indeed possible and quite a common approach for users wanting to achieve better display clarity and scaling, especially on non-Apple monitors. Here’s a guide to help you with the process:

Guide Step by Step:

1. Install High Sierra:

   • Ensure that macOS High Sierra is correctly installed on your system. Since you are currently on Ventura, you might need to create a separate partition or use a different drive for High Sierra to avoid overwriting your current setup.

2. Install NVIDIA Web Drivers:

   • Download and install the NVIDIA Web Drivers compatible with your version of High Sierra. These drivers are essential for your NVIDIA 1050ti to work properly on macOS.
   • After installation, go to System Preferences > NVIDIA Driver Manager and select the NVIDIA Web Driver as your primary graphics driver.

3. Enable HiDPI Modes:

   • HiDPI modes can be enabled using a script or a tool like SwitchResX.
   • One popular method is to use a terminal command or a script like one-key-hidpi which automates the process of enabling HiDPI modes. Be cautious with scripts and ensure they are from a trusted source.

4. Configure Display Settings:

   • After enabling HiDPI, go to System Preferences > Displays. You should now see new scaled resolutions that use HiDPI.
   • Choose the resolution that best fits your screen. HiDPI resolutions provide a sharper and more detailed image quality.

5. Test and Adjust:

   • Test various applications and workflows to ensure the HiDPI mode is working as expected.
   • You may need to adjust scaling or resolution based on your specific monitor and preferences.

6. Troubleshooting:

   • If you encounter issues, ensure that your NVIDIA Web Drivers are up to date and correctly installed.
   • Sometimes, a PRAM reset can help resolve display-related issues.

Important Considerations:

• Performance: Depending on your system’s specifications, enabling HiDPI might impact performance, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks.

• Software Compatibility: Some older applications might not scale correctly in HiDPI mode.

• Backup: Always maintain a backup of your data, especially when partitioning drives or changing operating systems.

• System Updates: Be cautious with macOS updates, as they can sometimes overwrite NVIDIA Web Drivers, requiring you to reinstall them.

Remember, while macOS High Sierra and NVIDIA Web Drivers provide good support for a wide range of NVIDIA GPUs including the 1050ti, the experience might not be as seamless as with native Apple graphics solutions. If you run into specific issues or need further assistance, feel free to reach out with more details.