1/2 the video memory when using dual displays?

[proverbs]

i noticed that if i am running dual displays on my powerbook and open a game, then my pb lcd goes out and i use my 20" monitor (primary) while i'm playing my game. does this mean i am running the full v-ram on my 20" or is the v-ram still split in half?

for example, if i bought tiger woods 2005 which requires 64mb v-ram, but i only have 64mb v-ram and would like to use my 20" monitor rather than my pb lcd, will it be using the full 64mb on the 20"?

 

[WillMak]

i noticed that if i am running dual displays on my powerbook and open a game, then my pb lcd goes out and i use my 20" monitor (primary) while i'm playing my game. does this mean i am running the full v-ram on my 20" or is the v-ram still split in half?

for example, if i bought tiger woods 2005 which requires 64mb v-ram, but i only have 64mb v-ram and would like to use my 20" monitor rather than my pb lcd, will it be using the full 64mb on the 20"?

wow that's a good question, I'd like to know as well. bump.

 

[mad jew]

To the best of my knowledge, it will divide the VRAM in half unless you put the PowerBook into clamshell mode.

 

[proverbs]

To the best of my knowledge, it will divide the VRAM in half unless you put the PowerBook into clamshell mode.

how do i do that?

 

[TheMonarch]

how do i do that?

Add KB+Mouse... Then close it... So mac-like

 

[mad jew]

I'm only 99% sure it'll then give you all the VRAM though. Still, it's certainly worth a try.

 

[proverbs]

Add KB+Mouse... Then close it... So mac-like

ic...i don't know why i never thought of that!?

 

[proverbs]

is there a way to check this - like Ram and CPU usage with Activity Monitor?

 

[mad jew]

You should be able to see it in System Profiler which can be accessed through the Apple menu - About this Mac and then More Info, under the Graphics/Displays section.

 

[proverbs]

You should be able to see it in System Profiler which can be accessed through the Apple menu - About this Mac and then More Info, under the Graphics/Displays section.

on the bottom part it says:

ViewSonicP810-3:
Display Type: CRT
Resolution: 1152 x 870 @ 75 Hz
Depth: 32-bit Color
Core Image: Supported
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Quartz Extreme: Supported
Rotation: Supported
Display:
Online: No
Status: No display connected

it says that the mirror is off and there is no display connected - so i'm guessing it is getting the full 128mb v-ram on the 20"???

 

[mad jew]

Yeah, I'm guessing you're right. Sorry, I thought it would have told you the VRAM split.

 

[neocell]

Add KB+Mouse... Then close it... So mac-like

I'm sorry, my ignorance at work here, I have no idea what what this means. I've wanted to try my PB in clamshell mode but never knew how to do it, then someone tells me and I still don't know how to do it.
Clarification for the idiot please

 

[proverbs]

I'm sorry, my ignorance at work here, I have no idea what what this means. I've wanted to try my PB in clamshell mode but never knew how to do it, then someone tells me and I still don't know how to do it.
Clarification for the idiot please

just plug-in a keyboard and mouse - when the pb goes to sleep after you close it, awake it from sleep with the keyboard or the mouse.

 

[neocell]

just plug-in a keyboard and mouse - when the pb goes to sleep after you close it, awake it from sleep with the keyboard or the mouse.

Ah so easy and obvious, man I feel like a 3 year old right now.

 

[kaylee]

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86286 <- how to use powerbook with display closed

i can't find any articles about video ram with external display, but from memory/experience, it will split the video ram if you are using both displays at once, but not if you put the powerbook into clamshell mode (all video ram should be used for external display).