I think I know what the problem is -
I am using the onboard displayport of the Sabertooth Z77 motherboard with the Intel HD 4000 graphics.
When you switch the monitor off, it will re-size mIRC and other things to the top left of the screen, all things re-size to the same height and width, it does not re-size it when you have it maximized.
Leaving the monitor on / standby without switching it off, it does not re-size it.
I tried it with the 1920 x 1080 resolution and still re-sized it.
Tried with HDMI and it did not re-size it, HDMI only goes to 1920 x 1080 on the Sabertooth.
Have only got displayport and HDMI on the Sabertooth.
I was reading that Windows 7 on displayport messes up your windows.
When you turn the monitor off in displayport, it makes the device disconnect / connect sound.