How come the M55e doesn't have a DVI outlet

[chermesh]

Hi,
My M55e includes a Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 + PCI Express X16 graphic card.
Following Intel (http://www.intel.com/products/chipsets/gma950/), The card has "Display hot plug support to automatically detect new display connection while system is operating (CRT and DVI)".
My monitor (SyncMaster 940bw has DVI capabilites and I would like to connect it digitally to the card. Still, the card has no DVI outlet.
How can a card with DVI capabilities doesn't offer a DVI connection?
Am I overseeing something?

Ran

[Xavier]

The DVI capability is a capabilty of the chipset.
This means that, if a desktop maker wants to use this graphic chipset with a DVI connection, they can do so but have to include a DVI connector.

In M55e, the "e" stands for "economic", which means that Lenovo has tried to reduce costs at their minimum.

You can add DVI capabilities to your desktop by adding an ADD2 card (PCI Express 1X card, costs about $25/30) if you have a PCI Express 1X slot available.

[chermesh]

Thanks for the suggestion.
I checked my manual and it indicates an option for a "One PCI Express x1 adapter connector". You use the term "PCI Express 1X card".
Are the two terms identical?
Can you suggest a link to a possible or even recommeded card/adapter?

Ran

[Xavier]

Hello again.

Concerning your desktop capabilities, I have just checked the psref, and it says all M55e (desktop or tower form factor) have a PCI Express 1X slot available. However, the tower form factor says "half length, full height", and it makes me wonder about whether the card would fit in a tower M55e (I mean physically: not because of the connector, but because of its dimensions).

Anyway, Lenovo recommends this card : http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/cont ... 83BBEAACF8
Maybe you should contact your Lenovo rep and double check with him this possible dimensions issue.

As for the "PCI Express x1 adapter connector" you mention, I am not sure what it is. It sounds to me it is an option to turn a PCI slot into a PCI Express slot, but I am not sure at all...

[chermesh]

Thanks Xavier.
My M55e manual indicates the availability of two PCI Express x1 or PCI Express x16 graphics adapter connectors. Therefore, looks like the item you mention fits an available slot on my pc.
I wonder, though, if this adapter provides the expected services I need.
I would like to both connect my pc to my monitor and to a tv set. Shouldn't I look for a piece with TWO DVI connections instead of one.
Are such adapters in existence?
Am I asking for too much?

Ran

[chermesh]

Hello again.


Anyway, Lenovo recommends this card : http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/cont ... 83BBEAACF8
Maybe you should contact your Lenovo rep and double check with him this possible dimensions issue.

I called Lenovo Israel, in order to order the adapter. The $35 item on the Lenovo US site bacame a gigantic $100 tag.

Would you believe it?

Could you recommend a non-Lenovo equivalent adapter?

Ran

[Xavier]

Hello.

Concerning your TV set, I'd say it depends on what plugs are available on your TV.

If you buy this card, you will have to work either like this:

- monitor connected to the original VGA plug
- TV connected to your DVI plug, provided you've got what's needed on your TV (a DVI plug, or a DVI to HDMI adapter

or like this:

- monitor connected to your DVI plug
- TV connected to your VGA plug, but I think you would need a VGA box or an adaptater to go from VGA to peritel or from VGA to S-video.


I am flabbergasted at the price they ask you for this card!
Unfortunately, I am not too familiar with this kind of material and can't give you any advice about an other similar product.