What does my dv9700 use for video when the display adapter is disabled?

[AxelFen]

Hello!

I've had my dv9700 for about four or five years now. A few months back I began to receive blue screens with an nvidia error code. Turned out my video card was going out due to overheating, so I shipped it off to have the card fixed (reflow). It lasted me up until now, but the card finally went out again. Everytime I would try to boot up, I would get the same blue screen and nvidia error code (again, this is a hardware issue not a software/driver problem). However, I was still able to access safe mode, so I disabled my NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS display adapter through device manager and now I can boot up normally.

So my main question is, what is my laptop using for video now that the display adapter is disabled? I noticed something called "vgasave", but I don't know if that is related. Also, someone mentioned that my processor could have limited video capability (?).

Secondly, what is is the extent to which I can use this new video? I've noticed that some programs do not run. Notably, I can no longer hook up to my television through HDMI. Is there any way to get around this?

Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance!

Axel

[erico]

Download and run the CPU-z utility. It will tell you what is onboard for a video solution. 

[AxelFen]

Here is what CPU-Z tells me. It only points out that I have the nvidia graphics card, which I knew. I am more curious as to what I am using now if my nvidia display adapter is disabled, and what its maximum functionality is. Thank you for your help though!                                   

[erico]

Can you post what the mainboard tab in CPU-z shows?

What is the installed processor?

If CPU-z shows MCP67D or MCP67M then that is the chip where your video is now coming from.

The video is quite limited and is dependent on how much installed physical memory your notebook has.

There is a description in the dv9700 Maintenence and Service guide. Look on page 12 of the manual. 

[AxelFen]

My laptop has the Northbridge: Intel PM965. Do you know of anyway to increase this functionality (ie allow for an HDMI connection)? I know that at this point I should just get a new computer, but it would be nice to be able to resign this one as a web-enabled television attachment. Perhaps I could use the external monitor (VGA) port, as this would be analog instead of digital?

Thank you for your help!

[erico · Accepted solution]

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AxelFen wrote:

My laptop has the Northbridge: Intel PM965. Do you know of anyway to increase this functionality (ie allow for an HDMI connection)? I know that at this point I should just get a new computer, but it would be nice to be able to resign this one as a web-enabled television attachment. Perhaps I could use the external monitor (VGA) port, as this would be analog instead of digital?

Thank you for your help!

It is my pleasure!

You are stuck with the video the MCP67N produces. You can replace the video module. They should be available for decent prices on eBay. VGA is indeed analog. You will find it quite a disappointment.

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