Yeah lolbeer, 1280x960 is distorted on my monitor :p, while 1280x1024 isn't. I spent many hours switching back and forth between 1024x768, 1152x864, 1280x960, and 1280x1024. I used 1152x864 until I got my r9600 pro, used to have a geforce 2 mx 200 hafaf. Then once I upgraded I went up to meh max which is 1280x1024, at 1280x960 my icons are teh SKINNEH! But I guess I could adjust my monitor so they wouldn't be.... even though without adjustment at 1152x864 its not distorted, neither is 1280x1024, and 1024x768 isn't either... But, my monitor IS a piece of ^^..... so yeah. Ooh I also have the option of 1280x768! Horrible horrible.
But yeah, back to ingame, I usually either use 1152x864, or 1280x1024. I use 1280x1024 in Half-life because my framerate doesn't get hurt RAWR, and my monitor can't even hit 100fps >_>.