New iMac 21.5" - Multiple Displays

[Wrathh1965]

With the advent of the Thunderbolt port, and the existing mini display port, is it possible to hook up 2 external displays and utilize them for gaming (such as HL2, Portal 2)?

The additional displays I have are older Acer 16:10 22" displays. I still need to check if I can set them to the same resolution as the iMac display.

 

[Badger^2]

Mini display port = thunderbolt port.

Same port, just does more.

those old 22"s are most likely 1600 X 1080.

You can power a monitor through USB, like this: http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/VIDU2DVIA/

 

[Wrathh1965]

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[mrfoof82]

Although you can use USB2 to drive external displays, it is not recommended for gaming. Even for regular productivity applications, the lack of bandwidth that USB2 can supply is noticeable as the mouse cursor stutters along during redraws.

USB2 absolutely does not have the bandwidth to drive a 1680x1050 display at 32bpp at its native refresh rate (which is probably 60Hz). Get an appropriate DisplayPort->whatever (probably DVI or HD15 VGA) adapter) and pop it in your ThunderBolt port. The second external display can be driven via USB2, but again, I caveat that it will not prove adequate for gaming.