Monitor dying - question | Warrior Forum - The #1 Digital Marketing Forum & Marketplace

10 years ago

Originally Posted by HeySal

I have an old monitor and it seems to be dying. Are any monitors compatable with any tower or do I need to know which models I can hook onto this one?

Please don't tell me that's the same monitor you got from me

Look for a monitor with a VGA connection and you should be good to go.

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lanfear63 10 years ago

Thoms right, any monitor (flat panel) with a VGA connector, you can even use your old cable if not supplied. Unlikely your tower has an HDMI port like they do now but you did not say how old it was?
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Dan Riffle

10 years ago

I believe your main issue is to make sure that the new monitor offers the same connection type your computer has, ie. VGA, DVI, HDMI, etc.

Any monitor should be compatible, but there are rare occasions where some initial settings cause issues. These can usually be corrected with some minor Googling. (Again, this would be rare, but I added this comment to Steve-proof my post.)

Edit: Thom snuck in while I was typing. That guy's always one-upping me.

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HeySal

10 years ago

Thom - it isn't. LOL. Actually the one I have is even older than that one - it's one of those really boxy ones. I like it because of the image resolution. Seems better than the newer ones. My tower is around 5 yrs old max, maybe 4.

I don't know what a VGA connector is.

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ThomM

10 years ago

Originally Posted by HeySal

Thom - it isn't. LOL. Actually the one I have is even older than that one - it's one of those really boxy ones. I like it because of the image resolution. Seems better than the newer ones. My tower is around 5 yrs old max, maybe 4.

I don't know what a VGA connector is.

There's a pretty good picture of one here, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VGA_connector
Sometimes they're just called the blue monitor connector.
They are basically the standard issue connector for computers and monitors. With a 5 year old tower you can be sure that's what you have.

Edit: Thom snuck in while I was typing. That guy's always one-upping me.

I have way to much time on my hands

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As you are I was, as I am you will be
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lanfear63

10 years ago

Originally Posted by HeySal

Thom - it isn't. LOL. Actually the one I have is even older than that one - it's one of those really boxy ones. I like it because of the image resolution. Seems better than the newer ones. My tower is around 5 yrs old max, maybe 4.

I don't know what a VGA connector is.

Just look at the lead that connects the 2, thats it. :-)

If your computer is only 5 years old you may have an HDMI socket. It will be labelled. Better than VGA. If you run flat panel monitors in low resolution via the computer settings ( ie, you have big blocky graphics) then flat panel (lcd) monitors look crap. Tube (tv) type monitors look ok.

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seasoned

10 years ago

Originally Posted by HeySal

Thom - it isn't. LOL. Actually the one I have is even older than that one - it's one of those really boxy ones. I like it because of the image resolution. Seems better than the newer ones. My tower is around 5 yrs old max, maybe 4.

I don't know what a VGA connector is.

OK, based on that, it is likely SVGA. Super Video Graphics Array [SVGA] Bus Pinout and Signal Names

It looks like:

http://www.interfacebus.com/VGA-SVGA...le-pin-out.jpg

I could have sworn the VGA had fewer connections. Oh well, there was apparently never a problem, and I think they just call it vga now anyway, so if it looks like this connector, yu should be fine. HDMI and the earlier ones are definitely different.

Steve

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seasoned

10 years ago

Originally Posted by HeySal

I have an old monitor and it seems to be dying. Are any monitors compatable with any tower or do I need to know which models I can hook onto this one?

For the most part, it looks like everyone is right. There are a few, *******VERY FEW******* that use special connectors/methods. If it one of those, you are likely out of luck now. The OLD fix was to get a different display card and display. But THAT is hardly worth even discussing, as it is rare.

Some VERY OLD ones were EGA, but that is ancient history, so you are probably safe there. Being old, it is PROBABLY VGA or SVGA. I wish I could give you some real specifics, but look at the size/shape of the connector, Approximate size is OK. And look at the number of pins, or even the number of rows along the width.

BTW the connector we are talking about is the one that has more than three conductors, and plugs into your computer. Usually it is theONLY cable pluuging into the computer. The other is likely the powercord

I think the world is moving towards HDMI, and variants, but don't be dismayed. There are converters and some monitors allow for either.

Steve

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seasoned

10 years ago

BTW in the PAST, you had to worry about resolution, refreshrate, etc... But at this point, in the US at least, the minimum is likely so much better than what you had. Besides, you'll likely get LCD or LED, and half the specs just don't apply anymore.

Steve

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HeySal

10 years ago

Hi Steve. I was waiting for you to show up. LOL.

You know I have no idea what you just said. I can run rings around you on some subjects - but you are here to keep me extremely humble because I can't even understand what you are saying on these issues (*she says while drooling heavily*).

Okay - here it is:
This works on my computer.

It is an HP pavilion mx703.
There's a cord that runs from the monitor into a wall socket and one that runs between the monitor and the tower - big blue connector at the monitor that has screws in both sides.

The tower is an Intel Pentium 4 - but not sure if my Nephew built onto it or not. If I could reach him right now, I'd just be asking him. He's not around right now so here I am.

The one thing I know for sure is that I just need a new monitor.

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Sal
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Dan Riffle

10 years ago

Originally Posted by HeySal

Hi Steve. I was waiting for you to show up. LOL.

You know I have no idea what you just said. I can run rings around you on some subjects - but you are here to keep me extremely humble because I can't even understand what you are saying on these issues (*she says while drooling heavily*).

Okay - here it is:
This works on my computer.

It is an HP pavilion mx703.
There's a cord that runs from the monitor into a wall socket and one that runs between the monitor and the tower - big blue connector at the monitor that has screws in both sides.

The tower is an Intel Pentium 4 - but not sure if my Nephew built onto it or not. If I could reach him right now, I'd just be asking him. He's not around right now so here I am.

The one thing I know for sure is that I just need a new monitor.

Sounds like a VGA connection. However, your tower might offer other (better) options. Can you take a pic of the back of your tower and post it? Or give us the model number of the tower?

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lanfear63 10 years ago

That sounds old and unlikely to have an HDMI port since its a home build.

One things for sure, its svga or vaga so keep your lead (just in case) and pop down to the store and pick one out, I think just about all will have that connector socket (you can take the lead with you) but if in any doubt just ask, if your only after a 17 inch like your old one (looked it up) then only 100 bucks or less, you may be tempted to get a larger one.

Walmart, Sams club, office depot all sell them. I like HP personally. Samsungs ok too.
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seasoned

10 years ago

Originally Posted by HeySal

Hi Steve. I was waiting for you to show up. LOL.

You know I have no idea what you just said. I can run rings around you on some subjects - but you are here to keep me extremely humble because I can't even understand what you are saying on these issues (*she says while drooling heavily*).

Okay - here it is:
This works on my computer.

It is an HP pavilion mx703.
There's a cord that runs from the monitor into a wall socket and one that runs between the monitor and the tower - big blue connector at the monitor that has screws in both sides.

The tower is an Intel Pentium 4 - but not sure if my Nephew built onto it or not. If I could reach him right now, I'd just be asking him. He's not around right now so here I am.

The one thing I know for sure is that I just need a new monitor.

VERY few people actually BUILD computers anymore. The industry term for what most do is ASSEMBLE. So the fact that you have a pentium 4 tells us he used a board to support that. I THINK they had built in interfaces. You can all but confirm that by looking at the sockets on the back. The VERY old(I think we're talking maybe 10+ years), AT form factor and later used slots for everything, And they would be perpendicular to the longest side of the computer. they would be like maybe 1/2" by 4"give or take. Forgive me if I am off a bit there, I am guessing. In a tower, they are usually all horizontal. If the display connector is THERE, it is likely on a card. BTW MOST computers, up until a few years ago had the slots. It is just that they USED to be used for EVERYTHING. With ATX, serial, parallel, disk drive, etc... electronics was built into the motherboard. I DOUBT he gave you an EGA or earlier, and he certainly did NOT give you an HDMI or newer. So that leaves vga/svga. Of course, if the display is plugged into an area OTHER than those slots, together with the other stuff, it is likely an ATX or newer and just about certainly vga/svga.

As for the cable, most of the better companies hooked the screws to shafts, so you could easily turn them by hand. If you are afraid, you can turn the power off, but it is low voltage, and you can do it with the power on. You can unscrew the two screws, holding the connector on, and look at the connector. But pentium 4, although ancient now, is still newer than the major lead before HDMI.

Steve

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Dennis Gaskill 10 years ago

Originally Posted by HeySal

... (*she says while drooling heavily*).

For some odd reason I've never imagined you drooling before. Now I can't think of you any other way.
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- HeySal 10 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill
  
  For some odd reason I've never imagined you drooling before. Now I can't think of you any other way.
  
  Would it have been more comforting to you if I had said "hitting the bimbo button"?
  
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  Sal
  When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
  Beyond the Path
  
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HeySal

10 years ago

Assembled, built - all the same to me. I'm not sure what he did or didn't do to this one. He might have simply programmed it.

Actually there's numbers all over this thing. Not able to take a pic, sorry.

It's sounding from everything you all say, that it's almost as easy as looking at the connector and if it's the same, it will work?

I might just get on craigslist and see if there's anyone giving one away cheap out here. I got this one via craigslist and have had it for 6 years now - it's gone through two different towers. Not bad for a dinosaur.

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Sal
When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
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seasoned

10 years ago

Originally Posted by HeySal

Assembled, built - all the same to me. I'm not sure what he did or didn't do to this one. He might have simply programmed it.

Actually there's numbers all over this thing. Not able to take a pic, sorry.

It's sounding from everything you all say, that it's almost as easy as looking at the connector and if it's the same, it will work?

Yeah, if he built it, there would be no telling what he could change. But people buy parts, like the motherboard, case, powersupply, etc... A given motherboard only supports certain cpus and memory. Although it CAN take a while, and requires a little knowledge, assembling a system usually leaves you with a working system that fits various standards.

YEP! Companies DID take care to change connectors with incompatible changes, etc... If you noticed, the connector has an odd D shape. THAT is so you can't plug it in backwards.

I might just get on craigslist and see if there's anyone giving one away cheap out here. I got this one via craigslist and have had it for 6 years now - it's gone through two different towers. Not bad for a dinosaur.

Actually, if you take care of a monitor, it can last a LONG time. If you DON'T take care of it, the biggest complaints are burn in, from leaving the screen on too long(which is why the screen saver routine was created), or local fading caused by strong magnetic fields in front of the monitor.

HECK, they USED to have a gadget that could get maybe up to 10 years more life from a CRT which DIED. TV repairmen used to have them. NOW, THEY are probably dinosaurs!

Steve

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Joe Mobley 10 years ago

Originally Posted by HeySal

It's sounding from everything you all say, that it's almost as easy as looking at the connector and if it's the same, it will work?

Yes ma'am. You might take the cable with you if need be. Also, you might find a good, used monitor at Goodwill or Salvation Army.

Have fun.

Joe Mobley
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HeySal

10 years ago

Steve - I'm betting this monitor is at least 10 yrs old. It's not flat - it's an old square one that the back is shaped kind like a squared car transmission. LOL. It's hella old. It's probably just burning out from too much use. Period. I'm not too worried about it as it wasn't in the greatest shape when I grabbed it. I think I've gotten good wear out of it actually. I just need a new one. The screen narrows now - and it's starting to get this crackly electric sound when it does that. No big deal other than I wanted to make sure I understood what I can replace it with to cut down any running back and forth returning things that don't work.

Thanks everyone. I think I've "got" it, now.

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Sal
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HeySal

10 years ago

I just found one on Craigslist but might not be able to get to it before someone else. These things are all over the place and cheap. I'm not worried about it - just making sure I knew what I was doing before I grabbed something that wouldn't be any good.

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Sal
When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
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Joe Mobley

10 years ago

It sounds like you have it covered. A couple of things to consider:

1) You don't have to stay with the same size monitor.

2) You might find a deal on a flat screen monitor/TV. The huge advantage of flat screens is that... well, they're not huge.

Good luck and let us know how you do.

Joe Mobley

Originally Posted by HeySal

I just found one on Craigslist but might not be able to get to it before someone else. These things are all over the place and cheap. I'm not worried about it - just making sure I knew what I was doing before I grabbed something that wouldn't be any good.

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whateverpedia

10 years ago

You shouldn't have any problems. I have a 3 year old self assembled tower running Win7, that had a 6 year old monitor. The monitor died a couple of weeks back. I bought a new 24" Acer LED flatscreen that was reduced in price to make way for new stock.

Didn't bother turning off the tower, just plugged it all in, then turned the monitor on. When it fired up, there was a windows message telling me that a new piece of hardware had been detected and the driver for it had been installed as well.

Simple pimple.

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Monitor dying - question

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