Will running P170EM with dual monitors reduce life of GPU?

I used to have a desktop that I ran dual monitors off of before I got my P170EM. Which was never a problem performance wise on my desktop because the card was built for it.

I've had my P170EM for about a month now and in finding running on my 17.3" screen and one of my 23" monitors is awkward at best. Plus I feel bad for my other monitor that is just sitting there being unused and lets face it a 23" screen beats a 17" screen any day of the week.

My concern is that if I run my dual monitor setup would the GPU get wore out faster then just using one monitor? Both of my monitors have DVI and HDMI ports so that's not a problem. My train of thought behind the question is that the GPU would have to work harder even at idle web browsing and probably engage the nvidia card more often.

My setup:
I7 3610
Gtx 680
Laptop cooler
Keyboard
Mouse
Monitors

Essentially I'd use this setup at home when I'm at my desk to get the full benefit of the monitors.

 

I doubt it. Depending on what connections you use, the external display can end up being powered by the HD4000, not your discrete gpu. I have my p170em hooked up via hdmi to my vizio 47in tv, and as far as i can tell it is running off the hd4000. I am able to game on my laptop screen while playing a movie on the tv at the same time. I am also able to get the game sound playing through laptop speakers while movie sound plays through the tv. I am sure I will be corrected if wrong on th hd4000 being used.

I have noticed that occassionally the picture on the TV will stutter. Not sure why.

 

Running external displays will put more stress on it─ especially when using applications that require the dGPU for rendering. But as long as you keep your temps stable it should not be a deal breaker as far as longevity is concerned.

The Intel GPU is what controls output to external displays though.

 

@ prostar

two questions. If i were to get a higher than hd display (1920 x 1200 or higher) and hooked it up through displayport on my np9170 -
Would the intel hd400 still be used?
Would i be able to use an external monitor through DP at HD+ res and game with the nvidia card?

 

I wouldn't worry about "wearing out" any type of component in a computer. It will last the life of the computer excluding defects if used normally.

 

Hd4000 is the only chip wired up to the display connectors. Running 2d monitors will not load the dgpu.

 

@meaker, So if wanted to get a fancy high res display above hd, it would be pointless to hook up using displayport?

 

No, if you run a game optimus works as normal, the hd4000 just handles the 2d work to save power even with an external display.

 

Meaker is right. DisplayPort is capable of high resolutions at high refresh rates, but laptops with dGPU setups are not designed the way many think. The ports are not soldered to the card as they are on a desktop video card, therefore you're connecting your display to the port soldered to the board and routed to the Intel chip.