Question on running dual displays

[adsl3g]

Hi, I am normally running my macbook with dual displays - I have now found out that one can close the macbook and only run the external display which will suite me fine.

A question I have is that, does running 2 displays at the same time increase the the workload (for want of a better word) of the macbook GPU - sounds logical?!?

Also, when I want to look at movies on the Macbook, will there be an issue running a 37" LCD as the external display (and which would be better VGA connection or SVHS as in which connection will have the least effect on GPU usage) -

I have tested it briefly and the 37" LCD displays fine (resolution 1024 X768 @60Hz via VGA and 800X 600 via SVHS) but have not run it for a whole movie yet - will the use of such a large display make the macbook run exceptionally hot or not??

Am I being paranoid?!?

 

[bwana]

As the macbook's integrated GPU uses the system ram I'd say that running two displays would dramatically increase the amount of system resources in use but not to the extent that it would be detrimental to the system itself.

If you're worried about heat leave the cover open.

 

[adsl3g]

If you're worried about heat leave the cover open.

i would think that closing the cover would disable the display and let the system use its resources solely for the external display thus letting it run cooler but I did read later that with the cover open, the heat dissipation is better - ah well its nearly Winter !!

 

[bwana]

i would think that closing the cover would disable the display and let the system use its resources solely for the external display thus letting it run cooler but I did read later that with the cover open, the heat dissipation is better - ah well its nearly Winter !!

You should be able to open the cover once the display is up.

 

[C3 - Applecart]

I am running a 'lil Macbook on a 32'' Lcd Tv through DVI out. (Obviously using the Mini Dvi to DVI Converter)

As soon as the 32'' powers up my RAM usage jumps quite hectic. I use the display to play World of Warcraft. Even with all the graphics running and the Macbook playing the iTunes Visualizer on the Macbook screen, everything still runs smooth. The LCD TV max res is 1024x768 which is ok.

 

[adsl3g]

I am running a 'lil Macbook on a 32'' Lcd Tv through DVI out. (Obviously using the Mini Dvi to DVI Converter)

As soon as the 32'' powers up my RAM usage jumps quite hectic. I use the display to play World of Warcraft. Even with all the graphics running and the Macbook playing the iTunes Visualizer on the Macbook screen, everything still runs smooth. The LCD TV max res is 1024x768 which is ok.

This is great, I am now running the Macbook at 1280 x 768 on the 37" Widescreen LCD - Just watched a whole movie and the temp is normal. And just for the hell of it I hooked up my Nokia bluetooth keyboard to the macbook. I can even use one of the nokia's 'menu' keys as the 'apple' key so FrontRow is working fine from the keyboard as well. (ESC + APPLE key)

 

[BobJones]

I've got my CD mac mini with the same graphix setup as the macbook powering a 40" LCD via dvi with no problems. I don't think that you will run into temperature problems, but you may want to check the impact on battery life if any.
Leaving the macbook plugged into the AC power regularly for long periods will eventually have an impact on battery health.

 

[bwana]

I've got my CD mac mini with the same graphix setup as the macbook powering a 40" LCD via dvi with no problems. I don't think that you will run into temperature problems, but you may want to check the impact on battery life if any.
Leaving the macbook plugged into the AC power regularly for long periods will eventually have an impact on battery health.

Same here - my mini is permanently attached to my plasma without a problem.

iirc you need to have the MB plugged in if you want to power an external display, at least as the only display.