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    M17x R5 - 120Hz external monitor

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by bob_p, Sep 5, 2013.

  1. bob_p

    bob_p Notebook Geek

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    While it's possible to configure the R5 with an internal 120Hz display - has anyone successfully connected an external 120Hz display?

    If so, which graphics card and cabling did you use?

    Thanks...
     
    bob_p, Sep 5, 2013
    #1
  2. mairekv

    mairekv Notebook Enthusiast

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    Well if you are talkinga bout the new Alienware 17 there is only one output and it is HDMI you just need a 120hz display and it should work fine with whatever video card is in the laptop.
     
    mairekv, Sep 5, 2013
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  3. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

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    if you're trying to use 3d vision you need to have a Nvidia GPU though.
     
    bigtonyman, Sep 5, 2013
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  4. mairekv

    mairekv Notebook Enthusiast

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    New model alienware only comes with nvidia at this point. So unless he is swapping to an AMD card already then that should be fine.
     
    mairekv, Sep 5, 2013
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  5. bob_p

    bob_p Notebook Geek

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    The R5 comes with an HDMI 1.4 output and a mini DisplayPort.

    Does anyone have an R5 and connected a 120Hz external monitor using either port?
     
    bob_p, Sep 5, 2013
    #5
  6. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Hopefully someone will have tried this.

    I was told that only the Mini-DP would work with a 120hz monitor. The technology that this port is using is actually Dual Link DVI with audio. NV state that this port must be used if you wanted to use their 3D (with a 3dvision kit). I spoke to a senior AW rep a long time ago about getting a dell 120hz monitor and he told me the same...
     
    MickyD1234, Sep 6, 2013
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  7. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

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    Sorry brain fart on my part. :(

    sounds about right to me bro!! :)
     
    bigtonyman, Sep 6, 2013
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  8. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    As long as the monitor supports DisplayPort technology (eg. has a DP in) then as far as I know, a MiniDP to DP will work just fine. If there is no DP on the monitor, to get it to function properly, I think an active converter is needed to get proper 3d @ Dual Link rated performance. Something like this one: StarTech - Mini DisplayPort to DVI Dual-Link Active Adapter – USB Powered or I have even heard that the Apple one's work, too.....

    I wonder what spec. the HDMI out on the new machines might be....from recollection, it was 1.4 on the outgoing lineup....

    More fun reading: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...e-needed-displayport-work-120hz-higher-4.html
     
    steviejones133, Sep 6, 2013
    #8
  9. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    Mini DP should work without issues to use the nVidia 3D Vision, you'll also need the emitter and glasses. The built-in one has an emitter and we normally ship it with the glasses included.
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Sep 9, 2013
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  10. tayer

    tayer Notebook Consultant

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    Can't go wrong with the Alienware Optx AW2310 :D A shame that Dell quit on such a nice monitor :/
     
    tayer, Sep 10, 2013
    #10
    reborn2003 likes this.