8150 Connecting to External display and a Gaming Question

Can I and if so what settings do I need to connect my 8150 to an external display while its closed (I would have it running on a U2 laptop cooler) and is this not recommended? I would be gaming (Skyrim).

Also, I just posted this in another thread but I think it will get buried in the back and forth:

Since we are on the conversation of fps...is it worth it in say a game like Skyrim to use mods to create better visuals and instead of taking a fps hit, lower the games visual setting? Is there any point to add the mod if you were to do this (like will you still notice the mod's visual upgrade with lower game settings to off set the loss of fps)?

 

You should have no problem hooking up the external monitor and closing the lid. The NP8150 air intake is on the bottom so you wont inhibit air flow.

You'll want to get into the power options and set the "Lid Close Action" to do nothing. That way it wont turn off or hibernate the computer when you do.

 

There's nothing special to hooking up an external monitor. Just hit Windows key + P and choose projector only (if you want to not bother with the onboard display). You'll also have to go through power settings and change the lid close action to "do nothing" as well, or your machine will probably go to sleep when you close the lid.

The only downside to running with an external and the lid closed is that you might notice slightly higher temps. The machine does rely on the keyboard area for a small amount of cooling. It's not going to be a significant difference though, especially if you're running the machine on a cooler anyway.

The last question is all personal preference. I'd say play around with a combination of settings until you get something that runs well enough for you with the right level of eye candy.

 

That's exactly what I am going to do with my sys. what led monitor did you get? I am looking at 23-27inch. Some say 27 is a lil too much upclose. your thoughts on that. look at logitech mk710 thats what I am going to get

 

I have my 8150 lid closed while using an external monitor. Haven't really monitored my temps, but so far no problems while gaming (BF3, LoL, Batman AA, etc).

I am using an Asus VG278H, a 3D 27" monitor. I have to say that for normal usage, 27" almost seems to much for me. I used to have it about 2-3 feet in front of me, but now it's more like 4 feet for gaming. If I surf the internet and do work, I'll have it around 5-6 feet away from me.

As for Skyrim and FPS, you really have to tweak it and see. Maybe run it at high setting then compare it to medium, some people may not notice the difference, while others will. It's really a preference thing, but if you are taking a big hit on FPS and the game becomes unplayable, then of course you will definitely have to lower your settings.

I used to run Batman AA at the highest setting (lowest AA though) I could and when I dropped it to medium settings for 3D, i didn't really notice much. I guess I'm not too picky. Plus I enjoyed it more in 3D medium settings than with it in highest settings.

 

Thanks guys for all the replies. They are all very helpful. I do not have a proper lcd monitor yet....currently running the machine on a 46 inch Samsung lcd....though it looks great and awesome, at times a bit too much....when using it, my distance away depends on what I'm doing. I'm looking to get an asus 24inch. Should be a nice overall compromise. Skyrim looks amazing though on a 46 inch 1080p powered by the 6990m on Ultra Settings (no mods); very little lag in some points if any. I'm also using a logitech g700 mouse (amazing) with a k360 keyboard (a lot to be desired but small and functional).

 

How are you finding reading text on the 46" Samsung LCD? When I last hooked up to a 46" LCD TV, I found it painful on the eyes.

 

I have it hooked up to a 50" and text is great. If its painful on the eyes make sure the resolution is set to the TV's native resolution. I can imagine on a large screen, if it wasn't, that would look pretty bad.

 

This couldn't be explained better. The TV's resolution does the whole difference, since the size of the TV doesn't match the laptops screen in any way (it does sometimes though) but in most it doesn't, which results in a stretched screen which makes your eyes sneer after the details. Therefore it's always smart to check up on the resolution and change it around so it'll benefit you