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Article Information

Created: Nov 9, 2006 Category: Configuration

ID:

52

Title:

What are the minimum PC requirements for DisplayLink software?

Solution:

DisplayLink software can be run on PCs ranging from Netbooks (e.g. Asus EeePC), Notebooks/Laptops, and Desktops - on processors ranging from Atom N270 based PCs, basic single Core CPUs, and of course the latest Dual and Quad Core CPUs.

The performance of the software is dependent upon the processing power available, and so more capable systems offer higher performance.

Recommended typical system requirements are:

Windows Vista and Windows 7

For Windows Vista and 7, the Windows Experience Index (WEI) is a useful measure of hardware level. The WEI is accessible from Computer->Properties or from Control Panel->System.

For Windows 7, the graphics card MUST have a Windows 7 driver (WDDM) driver installed. All modern GPUs have a WDDM driver, but please check that your graphics card has WDDM drivers provided by the manufacturer for older cards. Especially if upgrading from Windows XP.

The recommended typical hardware requirements for the PC are

  • WEI score of at least 3 in the ‘Graphics; Desktop performance for Windows Aero’ category.
  • Recommended: WEI score of at least 3 overall, as recommended by Microsoft.
  • At least one USB 2.0 port
  • 30 megabytes (MB) of free disk space
  • Computer screen for use with the DisplayLink device, if it is not integrated.
  • Network access for software downloads, or access to a CD-ROM drive.

If the PC specification is below this, performance will be lower (or CPU loading higher).

Note: For Full screen video playback, a WEI score of 4.5 or higher is required, and "Optimize For Video" should be enabled in the DisplayLink GUI to improve the frame rate.

Windows XP/2000

  • For 1-2 monitors, business usage, productivity target. This may not provide full frame rate DVD playback at full screen.
    • 1.2GHz Single Core CPU (Celeron or Atom N270 for example)
    • 512MB memory
  • For 3 monitors where 1 could run DVD video while also targeting productivity and business apps. Will support only 1 video of DVD resolution at full screen:
    • 1.8GHz CPU
    • 1GB memory
  • For 6 screens where 1 screen can run full screen DVD video:
    • 1.6GHz Core Duo
    • 1GB memory

DisplayLink regularly improves video playback through driver updates. Please ensure that you are using the latest version of the DisplayLink driver.

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