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    Quick question on external monitors

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by fessy, Jan 17, 2008.

  1. fessy

    fessy Newbie

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    Hello, this is a great forum. I've been reading it for a couple hours now. Here's my scenario...

    My Dell Inspiron 9100 is about 5 yrs old. It has an ATI Radeon Mobility 9700 video (does anyone know if that is integrated or not?)

    about six months ago, my lcd and backlight died, so I bought a 21" Samsung lcd. I basically just start my laptop and then shut it and tuck it under a monitor stand. Since I've been doing this, the machine starts to slow down tremendously. After the laptop has been on for more than 10 minutes or so, it is impossible to play any type of video. I have a 1gb RAM and 3 Ghz processor. Before I started using this setup, I could run video and everything else just fine with zero problems. I may have had 3 BSOD in this laptop's lifetime.

    My quick question is, what should I make sure my next laptop has so that I may ONLY use the external monitor...as in video card. I will probably go with another Dell most likely. I mean, are today's integrated video chips strong enough to run an external monitor? I don't game (one the laptop), but do like to watch youtube and other online video.
     
    fessy, Jan 17, 2008
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  2. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Any video card can handle an external monitor. No matter what. 5 year old IGPs (not even close to as powerful as the 9700) can handle monitors...

    Just FYI, but part of the problem is (most likely) that you are now running the 9100 closed. Its a heat trap, and I'd bet the system is throttling down to save itself.

    Read the cooling guide, and be prepared to clean out the system.
     
    Greg, Jan 17, 2008
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  3. fessy

    fessy Newbie

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    you're right! I just removed the lcd and connected everything back up like it was and the machine is like its old self again.

    I guess I won't be needing a new one at this time afterall.

    I appreciate your help/knowledge.
     
    fessy, Jan 18, 2008
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