Thinkpad T420, Integrated Graphics, Dual Monitors

0x000000 · 2012-05-01 03:24:05

Warning: this isn't really a problem thread. I've looked and looked but can't find a definitive answer for my question.

I'm seriously considering a Thinkpad T420 for a new work laptop. I've heard great things from many people, but the most important question has yet to be answered: if I get one with integrated graphics (Intel HD 3000), will dual monitors work with VGA and DisplayPort with a DVI adapter? It's crucial that I'm able to use two external monitors simultaneously and I'm sick of using TwinView because I can't rotate a monitor. Can anyone confirm that this works?

ayr0 · 2012-05-01 16:10:03

according to tabook.pdf

Intel HD Graphics 3000 in processor,
external analog monitor support via VGA DB-15 connector and
digital monitor support via DisplayPort (supports single-link DVI-D via cable 45J7915);
supports dual independent display;
Maximum external resolution: 2560x1600 (DisplayPort)@60Hz;
2048x1536 (VGA)@75Hz; 1920x1200@60Hz (single-link DVI-D via cable 45J7915)

So, it looks like the hardware is certainly capable of it.

0x000000 · 2012-05-01 16:33:14

Yeah, it is for sure, I'm not worried about that. I'm just worried about the state of the xorg Intel driver and just wondering if anyone has tried this specifically. I mean, I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't, but you never know.

ayr0 · 2012-05-01 18:58:58

I understand...drivers can be a bit of a downer in linux. But intel seems to have good driver support from what I read. Since I don't own any hardware from this generation, I'm not sure I can comment too much on the quality of intel's drivers. Wish I could be of more help.

Last edited by ayr0 (2012-05-01 18:59:44)

Fuzzo · 2012-05-01 18:59:57

The Intel driver fully supports xrandr on my T420i, so you can drive up to two monitors at once with the HD Graphics 3000. This means that you'll be able to drive both your external monitors, but to do so you'll have to disable the laptop's main screen.

0x000000 · 2012-05-01 19:05:57

Excellent, thanks. That's about the best answer I can hope for. I don't use the laptop screen when I drive two externals anyway. Much appreciated.

cfr · 2012-05-11 01:05:19

Wish I could get it to work with *one* external monitor!

{Actually, it works fine with the monitor connected. It is after the monitor is disconnected that I have issues... it has a problem returning to just the laptop screen from the dual-output configuration.]

Arch Linux

#1 2012-05-01 03:24:05

Thinkpad T420, Integrated Graphics, Dual Monitors

#2 2012-05-01 16:10:03

Re: Thinkpad T420, Integrated Graphics, Dual Monitors

#3 2012-05-01 16:33:14

Re: Thinkpad T420, Integrated Graphics, Dual Monitors

#4 2012-05-01 18:58:58

Re: Thinkpad T420, Integrated Graphics, Dual Monitors

#5 2012-05-01 18:59:57

Re: Thinkpad T420, Integrated Graphics, Dual Monitors

#6 2012-05-01 19:05:57

Re: Thinkpad T420, Integrated Graphics, Dual Monitors

#7 2012-05-11 01:05:19

Re: Thinkpad T420, Integrated Graphics, Dual Monitors

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