Using External Displays

[answer348]

I know that gaming performance will suffer when using the Macbook Pro to power an external display, but is that due to the higher resolution, the screen size, or both?

For example, which would lead to worse gaming performance:

22" monitor with resolution 1680 x 1050
20" monitor with resolution 1920 x 1080

 

[Mackilroy]

It's the resolution. Screen size is irrelevant, really.

 

[0098386]

I'd go for that 20", I've been using a 20" monitor for a few years and it's a great size. Plus you have 1080p support on that which might be useful down the line.

20". Though if that 22" was the same resolution I'd recommend that.

 

[answer348]

Interesting. Would there be a noticeable difference in graphical appearance between the 1680 x 1050 and the 1920 x 1080?

Also, if I'm concerned about maintaining good frames per second, should I lean towards the lower resolution? By the way, I will be getting the Macbook Pro 15" 2.4Ghz, if that adjusts your idea of what resolution I would be able to handle.

 

[bobfitz14]

can you give us links to the two possible displays?

 

[ULEE]

bigger is better, i have a 27" myself, go for the 22" or get a 24...!

 

[answer348]

can you give us links to the two possible displays?

I'm not looking at any specific displays at this point. I'm still just trying to get an idea of what resolution the MBP could handle without getting crappy performance.

 

[Beric]

It depends on the games you're playing. I play many games at 1920x1200 resolution with my C2D Macbook with a GMA 950. But these games are obviously not graphically intensive.

 

[answer348]

It depends on the games you're playing. I play many games at 1920x1200 resolution with my C2D Macbook with a GMA 950. But these games are obviously not graphically intensive.

I have an Xbox 360, so gaming would be entirely focused on MMOs (i.e. Age of Conan, Lord of the Rings Online, Warhammer Online, etc.)

 

[0098386]

bigger is better, i have a 27" myself, go for the 22" or get a 24...!

Not always. Quality plays a big role, it's like with TVs; I could buy a 42" Sony Bravia or a 50"+ cheaper brand (Goodmans, shops own brand etc). No way would the bigger screen win there