Using as desktop

So, I have my M17x on order and I plan on using this as my only machine. I have a 30 inch apple display, how will I connect the laptop to that? Should I get some kind of docking station?

 

you will need a high end hdmi cable that can carry a dual link signal. Although I am unsure if the HDMI from the M17x can do this....

You may end up having to buy one of those expensive Display Port to Dual Link DVI converters

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB571Z/A?mco=NDcxNDYwMA

this is the apple version but uses their Mini Display Port (why can't apple do anything simple?!)

 

Because then they may actually challenge the "PC" market

 

Yup, unfortunately if your display uses Apple's proprietary DisplayPort, you need the adapter to plug a DVI cable to it.

Duane

 

The actual display he has (the 30" cinema display) is just Dual Link DVI. He needs to get the Dual Link signal out of his M17x is what is going to be hard.....I am not sure that the HDMI supports the higher resolution, i think only 1.4 can go that high, and I doubt that these laptops even have HDMI 1.3

edit: HDMI 1.3 can support 2560x1600 but I am still iffy as to whether we will see that from the M17x.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI

For those interested.

 

Just read up on GTX 280m on Nvidia site, and i am afraid maximum supported resolution for this GPU for digital or analog is 2048x1536 so you will not be able to use the 30" apple monitor at its native resolution.

You can get a Hanns-G 28" though with 1920x1200 for like $400 now

 

So, either hdmi to dvi or display port to dvi... Looks like hdmi is cheaper, that is of course, assuming the hdmi port is 1.3. does anyone know what version the hdmi port is? Also, nobody uses a docking station? Are they worth it?

 

Dude, read my post, I'm sorry but there is NO way to get that GPU to drive that resolution, Nvidia doesn't offer the option in their drivers (maybe can be modded in?)

 

Does the fact that I have the SLI configuration up the resolution that it supports?

 

Afraid not. Nvidia doesn't seem to want laptop users driving a 30" screen sadly.....the same GPU in their desktop boards can support that resolution fine though, so some driver modding can probably get you what you need

 

SLI or not doesn't change what card is in the thing .....

 

Didn't seem like too much of a stretch to think/hope that two cards together might just affect ability though

 

It's ok dude, like I said, this can almost definitely be added through simply modding the driver, I just have absolutely no experience with this. maybe some one on the forum can help you though.

 

SLI isn't magical it basically just mirrors the data onto one card ....

Its the RAID 0 of GPU world

 

well put Moo

 

The best screen for the M17X is a 1080p 32" Samsung LED screen.

 

that is a completely subjective and not relative post joe.......

 

Yeah it really is subjective. The 30 is perfect for my card playing, can fit 16 tables on it no prob Any modders out there?...

 

ooooh where's Butters to facepalm this? I haven't seen him in a while.

 

Since we are on this topic, if I buy a 40" tv with native resolution 1900x1080p, it will hook up to my m17x just fine right?

 

Yes but it will look best on the TV running at it's native resolution.

 

yes, up to 1920x1200 will run fine using either hdmi or vga

 

yes it will no problem

 

As scook pointed out, the GPU just isn't certified to handle that resolution. If it were, NVIDIA would've added the res to the support info.

Did you try to set your own custom resolution via the NVIDIA Control Panel ----> Display ---> Change Resolution

 

I just figured since it is essentially a G92 and we know that they can handle the resolution in the desktop world, it must be a driver issue limiting the output.

Hopefully this will work, then we just have to worry about if the physical connection for the HDMI is capable of Dual Link DVI bandwidth or not, unfortunately that may still be a limiting factor in which case maybe the display port will be put to use with an adapter

 

He can try the custom resolution option first. Don't forget to read the warning

 

But 2560x1600 is past the maximum supported resolution of 2048x1536 in both dimensions. What I am assuming is that that is an artificial limit imposed by the drivers that can hopefully be modified

 

perhaps if Dox is roaming around these forums you can ask him for help.

 

Using the custom res interface, he should be able to set it to whatever he wants, overriding the normal limits.

He will also have to plug in timing info, etc.

Not something I suggest doing with such an expensive lappie. Up to him of course...

 

I see, well it would be nice if the option was there from the driver......

 

I'll look into the custom res., I haven't got the laptop yet though. So just to make sure I understand. I could conceivably turn it into a brick if not careful?

 

I wouldn't say a brick, but I would be careful. Worst case scenario I see is you set the custom resolution and it blanks the external display and by some unnatural act of evil the system doesn't revert back to a normal resolution after 10 secs and you are stuck with it... a blank external and the lappie LCD is blank as well or... it could just damage the cards.

Point is, I don't know. Exactly why I wouldn't try it.

 

Point taken. Thanks.

 

Now real question why did you buy that apple monitor?