T410s Turning off discrete graphics & using external monitor

[drblue]

I've posted a topic a couple of weeks ago about the overheating problem I've been experiencing with T410s (2901CTO-discrete graphics model). Following suggestions, I cleaned up the fan, etc., but those solutions didn't really help alleviating the overheating problem. GPU still shows pretty high temperature (80-95), and the graphics shutters to the point that I cannot do any basic task.

So, I've given up on this poorly designed discrete graphics, and disabled it in BIOS. The PC runs much smoother with NVIDIA disabled. However, I faced a whole new problem. With nVidia disabled, T410s cannot drive the external monitor attached to the docking station (through DVI or Display port). Upon rebooting, the discrete video is somewhat automatically enabled, and, of course, the overheating problem returns. It appears that T410s graphics system is designed in such a way that digital video signals (i.e., DVI or display port) work only with nVidia but not with the integrated graphics when using a docking station. Is this true? Is there anyway I can use external monitors (with a docking station) with the integrated video?

This is very frustrating. This was one of the highest end laptops on the market when I bought it last year, but this has been the WORST ThinkPad I've ever owned. With the thermal problems I experienced with T61 and T410s, I am not sure if I will be another ThinkPad ever.... This is a shame as I've been using ThinkPads exclusively since 1992.

I would appreciate your advice. Thanks.