[Macpilot]

OK, just got a Cinema Display to go with my new 15" Powerbook.

This is the first Powerbook I have had that I am running with an external display.

I have a few questions for the experts out there regarding video ram and closed lid operation.

First: When I play a game, does it matter whether or not I play it with the Powerbook lid closed or open, in terms of video ram output to the Cinema Display? Will the video card (in my case, the 128 card), "split" the available ram to both screens if I do not operate with lid closed, thus penalizing the performance of the game?

Second: Since the fan almost always comes on when I play a game, is it safe to play games with the lid closed on the Powerbook, as far as heat dissipation goes?

What I want is maximum performance for games, which is the reason I got the 128 card for the Powerbook.

Command and Conquer uses a lot of resources, and always causes the fan to come on.

[Marid]

Originally posted by Macpilot:
OK, just got a Cinema Display to go with my new 15" Powerbook.

This is the first Powerbook I have had that I am running with an external display.

I have a few questions for the experts out there regarding video ram and closed lid operation.

First: When I play a game, does it matter whether or not I play it with the Powerbook lid closed or open, in terms of video ram output to the Cinema Display? Will the video card (in my case, the 128 card), "split" the available ram to both screens if I do not operate with lid closed, thus penalizing the performance of the game?

Second: Since the fan almost always comes on when I play a game, is it safe to play games with the lid closed on the Powerbook, as far as heat dissipation goes?

What I want is maximum performance for games, which is the reason I got the 128 card for the Powerbook.

Command and Conquer uses a lot of resources, and always causes the fan to come on.

I use a 19" CRT with my 15" Powerbook. If both monitors are running it splits the memory into two 64 MB partitions. This happens whether or not I'm using mirroring. What I do to get all 128 MB on the external monitor is to connect it, close the lid, then use a keyboard to awaken the PB. Once it is running I open the lid for better cooling. The PB screen will stay off.

[Macpilot]

Thanks dude. I shall try that!