2 m15x questions: # of multiple external displays and 8800gtx drivers

I have two questions on the m15x.

1) How many external displays can the m15x support up to? I have it hook up to one 24" LCD and I'm thinking of getting another. Will it support? And also if it's advisable, in terms of performance and feasibility.

2) I still have the original 8800 GTX drivers (version 167.55). I want to upgrade it from laptopvideo2go.com but I heard that installing ANY other versions other than the original one that came with the m15x will permanently downclock the graphics card? Question is: Should I upgrade my gtx drivers at all? And if yes which version is recommended? If no, is it because any different version will perm downclock my card?

I know my 2nd qns has been explicitly discussed in this thread http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=247200 started by newfiejudd but I'm still like hella confused man.. I'm new to these custom upgrades so I hope someone will help me out. Thanks Also, I have the new BIOS x32 RC1.

 

Far as I know, the m15x only has a single HDMI-out port, and so can only support a single external display. You can configure your system to have that display mirror your laptop display, or extend it of course. To do more dispalys than that, I think you'd need to get a USB vga adapter, but they typically only run 1024x768 or something.

As to the drivers, from what I hear, you should only use Alienware's drivers on the m15x. Others will result in underclocking and other issues.

 

In reference to question 1:

The "TripleHead2Go" from Matrox might be a solution for you:

http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/gxm/products/th2go/digital/home.php

I don't have my m15x yet, it's about 1 week away from delivery...I think/hope...but this should work for your needs in principle.

i.e. HDMI-to-DVI adapter -> TripleHead2Go Digital -> 3 Monitors

 

There is one non-AW driver which will not downclock the 8800M GTX, which is mentioned in that thread above. Its performance increases are minimal if any, so it's not a huge need to upgrade to them. You should probably hold off for another set before thinking of upgrading.

 

i would upgrade to 175.63. the stock AW drivers will keep the card running at full clocks all the time. 175.63 will downclock the card when you are idle. this helps you get lower gpu temperatures. when you play a game again you clocks will go back to the original speeds.

 

also the other driver(nonstock) allows you to play aoc fine

 

I would also recommend the new drivers. I have them instaled, and now my GPU temps are lower. Performance is only a tiny bit lower, but as long as I don't play Crisis I don't care. And when will newer drivers show up, I hate waiting...

 

So, at this site, the 175.163 drivers for Vista 32-bit only list the 6800 and 7800 lines of GeForce GPUs. Is this the right driver to update the 8800m?