External Monitor and m11x-r3

I have a couple of questions about using an external monitor with my m11x-r3.

1. Can I keep the PC closed and use it with an external monitor? Any heat issues or functionality problems? I'd have it on an aluminium heat sink.

2. I found exactly one 1366x768 external monitor with HDMI. Can the r3 handle going up to 1080p (specifically with the Old Republic)? There are, obviously, a lot more monitors in that range.

3. Any recommendations on external monitors and keyboards?

Thanks as always for your help and Merry Christmas!

Joshua

 

Get the better monitor. Ideal is to take your system with you and see if the scaling is a problem (some are better than others).

 

I'm just concerned with overworking the GPU at that resolution.

Do you know if I can run the m11x with an external monitor if it's closed?

 

You'll see some definite impact on FPS running on an external, but with lowered settings it's not bad. Also, as was said before, you can get a higher-res monitor and just have your computer output to lower resolutions for certain games. For example, I was running Fallout New vegas at 720 on my 1080p monitor on the highest settings with no problems, but running those settings at full 1080 resolution was lag city. There's a definite tradeoff but it's worth it. The R3 is much more capable than people give it credit for.

See this thread for past answers to a similar topic:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m11x/584482-m11x-r3-gamnig-1080p.html

Also, I wouldn't recommend closing the m11x during gaming. I have mine left open on a cooling stand next to my monitor with the screen settings only set to external. Works like a charm.

 

I run with an external monitor and can make some suggestions. On this =)

1. Yes you can keep the m11x closed and run with an external monitor. To do this turn on the M11x (I usually turn it on with the external monitor already attached). Then after it has loaded up, close the lid. Your main screen with flash a couple times as the card gets used to the idea of running on an external only, but it should stay running and lit. NOTE: You must have the power settings set up correctly to do this. Make sure your M11x is not set to go into sleep or hibernate modes when the lid closes! Also make sure your external monitor is set to act as the Primary Monitor in your NVIDIA display settings when it is plugged in.

There are no heat or functionality issues that I have seen, Just make sure your M11x is raised up a bit in the back and has access to good airflow through the bottom intake and it will be fine. The Old Republic does not heat up the computer much. Mine rarely gets to 70c and usually sits around 65-68c when running the game.

2. That is a strange resolution for a monitor. . I run the Old Republic at 1440x900 (a 16:10 aspect ratio) with everything set to max EXCEPT I turn off Bloom and Shadows. It runs fine for me at those settings and I have no complaints. My personal monitor is a 28" HannsG (well actually 27.5 but they call it a 28)

The problem you will run into is, as your monitor gets bigger, lower resolutions start to get lots of jaggies and do not look good. But any monitor should do, as the M11x can adapt to practically anything thanks to its HDMI and Display Port plugs.

3. I use a wireless Logitech Keyboard and a logitech USB wired mouse. For suggestions ? umm. . use whatever makes you most comfortable! Basically when you have your M11x set up this way it is just like running it as a mini-desktop computer. What external keyboards and such you use are completely personal preference.

 

windows key + P for projector mode turns off your LCD. Im driving two 1080 monitors AND the built in screen via intel. For windows apps this works like a champ.

 

With my i7 m11x r2 I ran it primarily on a 32" HDTV at 1080p and had no problems playing any game I wanted to. Not necessarily on top graphics quality, but even on the laptop monitor most games wouldn't run atmax settings.