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    Using as desktop

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by SlikRik, Aug 5, 2009.

  1. SlikRik

    SlikRik Notebook Enthusiast

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    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?
     
  2. cookinwitdiesel

    cookinwitdiesel Retired Bencher

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    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?!)
     
  3. Blazertrek50

    Blazertrek50 Notebook Evangelist

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    Because then they may actually challenge the "PC" market :p
     
  4. duane16

    duane16 Notebook Consultant

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

    Duane
     
  5. cookinwitdiesel

    cookinwitdiesel Retired Bencher

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    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.
     
  6. cookinwitdiesel

    cookinwitdiesel Retired Bencher

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    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
     
  7. SlikRik

    SlikRik Notebook Enthusiast

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    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?
     
  8. cookinwitdiesel

    cookinwitdiesel Retired Bencher

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    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?)
     
  9. SlikRik

    SlikRik Notebook Enthusiast

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

    cookinwitdiesel Retired Bencher

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    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
     
  11. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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

    SlikRik Notebook Enthusiast

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

    cookinwitdiesel Retired Bencher

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    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.
     
  14. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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

    Its the RAID 0 of GPU world
     
  15. cookinwitdiesel

    cookinwitdiesel Retired Bencher

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    well put Moo
     
  16. Joebarchuck

    Joebarchuck Notebook Virtuoso

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

    cookinwitdiesel Retired Bencher

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

    SlikRik Notebook Enthusiast

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    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?...
     
  19. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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

    Alekx Notebook Guru

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    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?
     
  21. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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

    cookinwitdiesel Retired Bencher

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    yes, up to 1920x1200 will run fine using either hdmi or vga
     
  23. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    yes it will no problem
     
  24. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    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
     
  25. cookinwitdiesel

    cookinwitdiesel Retired Bencher

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    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
     
  26. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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

    cookinwitdiesel Retired Bencher

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    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
     
  28. Levenly

    Levenly Grappling Deity

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

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    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...
     
  30. cookinwitdiesel

    cookinwitdiesel Retired Bencher

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

    SlikRik Notebook Enthusiast

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    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?
     
  32. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    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.
     
  33. SlikRik

    SlikRik Notebook Enthusiast

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    Point taken. Thanks.
     
  34. b0oMeR

    b0oMeR Notebook Consultant

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    Now real question why did you buy that apple monitor? :p