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    XPS 15 L502 when used as a desktop (video output question)

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by kizh, Jun 9, 2011.

  1. kizh

    kizh Notebook Consultant

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    from what I understand, I should use the mini display port to connect to my DVI-D monitor. That way it passes through the Intel graphics and enables optimus. If I did HDMI to DVI-D, the Nvidia card would be constantly running.

    Is this correct?

    to further complicate matters, I came across this:

    Does anyone know if the XPS 15 R2 supports DVI over Mini Display Port? Or do I need an active adapter?

    The adapters I am looking at are passive, like

    Amazon.com: PTC Premium Mini-DisplayPort Male to DVI Female Fully Shielded Adapter Cable - 6 inches for Macbook, Macbook Pro, Macbook Air: Electronics

    Any suggestions to a better/inexpensive adapter are welcome


    Am I misunderstanding anything in this post? Like would HDMI -> DVI-D work with optimus?

    I'll be using my laptop when traveling, but am considering selling my mac mini and just using the laptop as a desktop when I'm home.

    Thanks
     
    kizh, Jun 9, 2011
    #1
  2. SuspiciousLurker

    SuspiciousLurker Notebook Geek

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    You are correct to be concerned about using the HDMI output. I tried using HDMI->DVI-D and found that, indeed, the nVidia card is constantly on (and therefore the fan runs more often). I found a better solution by buying the following (passive) mini-DisplayPort cable ($10) from Monoprice:

    For only $8.36 each when QTY 50+ purchased - 10ft 32AWG Mini DisplayPort to DVI Cable - White | Mini DisplayPort to DVI Cables

    This cable does miniDP->DVI-D and allows Optimus to work properly (nVidia card only comes on when necessary). I did not have any need for buying the expensive Active mini-DisplayPort adapter.

    FYI, I'm connecting to a Dell 2707WFP monitor at 1920x1200.
     
    SuspiciousLurker, Jun 9, 2011
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  3. kizh

    kizh Notebook Consultant

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    thanks for the info, its exactly what I needed to know
     
    kizh, Jun 9, 2011
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  4. mjdent

    mjdent Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have a HANNS-G 28" monitor with HDMI and VGA input currently using HDMI to HDMI is this not recommended. Should I look at using an adapter from the mini port to VGA hook up instead? Do I really need optimus?
     
    mjdent, Jun 9, 2011
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  5. seeker_moc

    seeker_moc Notebook Virtuoso

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    The XPSs (and most laptops) have the 'dual mode' display port, so you don't need an active adapter for DP to DVI. You would need an active adapter for DP to VGA though.
     
    seeker_moc, Jun 9, 2011
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  6. seeker_moc

    seeker_moc Notebook Virtuoso

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    Unless you really need optimus (if you're concerned with power consumption at idle) I'd stick to HDMI. The DP to VGA "active" cable would slightly degrade video quality and probably introduce some video lag.
     
    seeker_moc, Jun 9, 2011
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  7. mjdent

    mjdent Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks that is what I thought. Not sure about Optimus plus I have my XPS on a notebook cooler so not sure if it really makes a difference.
     
    mjdent, Jun 9, 2011
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  8. SuspiciousLurker

    SuspiciousLurker Notebook Geek

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    It's not the power consumption that's the problem. It's the fact that the fan is running a lot more often using the HDMI output as a result of no Optimus. This just creates a noisier environment than necessary for me. For the HANNS-G monitor, I'd get a mini-DisplayPort -> HDMI cable for a few bucks from Monoprice. That solves the issue and keeps Optimus working as intended.
     
    SuspiciousLurker, Jun 10, 2011
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  9. lotust

    lotust Notebook Geek

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    mono price is great FYI if yo did not know
     
    lotust, Jun 10, 2011
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