Monitor burnout

rm' · 21st September 2002, 02:37

I have a pretty cheap monitor. It's rated maximum display resolution is 1280x1024 at 60Hz. Normally, I ran it at 1280x960 at 70Hz. Just recently, I unchecked "Hide modes this monitor cannot display", and have been running at a resolution of 1600x900, with a refresh rate of 70Hz. Everything displays correctly, and by adjusting the monitor controls, I could get everything working right. If I try to switch to a higher resolution, the monitor blanks out like normal, but stays blank, then all the lights blink, then Windows reverts to the previous resolution. So I guess running at this resolution isn't causing any short term damage, because Windows would let me switch to it... how about long term damage? Like I said, it's a pretty cheap monitor, so I may replace it in 2 1/2 years or so. By running at a resolution, am I significantly shortening it's life? Will it last 2 years? If I switch the refresh rate lower, to 60Hz, will I lengthen the life of the monitor? Or should I just switch back to 1280x960?

n_ick2000 · 21st September 2002, 03:11

I'm pretty sure it's fine. One thing to be careful of though is running at 1600x900 is very far from the standard 4:3 ratio. Actually looking at it, it is 16:9 which is what widescreen tv is at. Anyway, when your monitor blanks out, that is because it can't handle the res at that refresh rate. Windows will revert back to the old setting if you don't hit OK on the message box that appears because you won't be able to see it if it isn't working right. Anyway, newer/better monitors should display some sort of message at that time about it being out of range.

As far as I know, you are not causing any damage. However, you may be because the rated refresh rate for that res is 60Hz, and you are running it at 70 which isn't what it was designed for. I don't know enough about Cathode Ray Tubes to tell you if that makes the slightest bit of difference or not.

Basically, you said it yourself. It's a cheap monitor. If it works, and it breaks later on, is it THAT big of a loss to you?

rm' · 21st September 2002, 03:17

Quote:

Originally posted by n_ick2000
I'm pretty sure it's fine. One thing to be careful of though is running at 1600x900 is very far from the standard 4:3 ratio. Actually looking at it, it is 16:9 which is what widescreen tv is at.

Yeah, I know... it looks really sweet

Quote:

However, you may be because the rated refresh rate for that res is 60Hz, and you are running it at 70 which isn't what it was designed for. I don't know enough about Cathode Ray Tubes to tell you if that makes the slightest bit of difference or not.

Well, it's rated 60Hz at 1280x1024... it can go up to 100Hz safely, at lower resolutions.

But I guess I really don't have all that much to worry about.

RanDom_ErrOr · 21st September 2002, 05:14

WHOA I HAVE 1600x1200 IN 100Hz WOW>.. HUGE!!!

21st September 2002, 02:37	#1
rm' Banned Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 11,361	Monitor burnout I have a pretty cheap monitor. It's rated maximum display resolution is 1280x1024 at 60Hz. Normally, I ran it at 1280x960 at 70Hz. Just recently, I unchecked "Hide modes this monitor cannot display", and have been running at a resolution of 1600x900, with a refresh rate of 70Hz. Everything displays correctly, and by adjusting the monitor controls, I could get everything working right. If I try to switch to a higher resolution, the monitor blanks out like normal, but stays blank, then all the lights blink, then Windows reverts to the previous resolution. So I guess running at this resolution isn't causing any short term damage, because Windows would let me switch to it... how about long term damage? Like I said, it's a pretty cheap monitor, so I may replace it in 2 1/2 years or so. By running at a resolution, am I significantly shortening it's life? Will it last 2 years? If I switch the refresh rate lower, to 60Hz, will I lengthen the life of the monitor? Or should I just switch back to 1280x960?

21st September 2002, 03:11	#2
n_ick2000 Forum King Join Date: May 2001 Location: - Posts: 2,501	I'm pretty sure it's fine. One thing to be careful of though is running at 1600x900 is very far from the standard 4:3 ratio. Actually looking at it, it is 16:9 which is what widescreen tv is at. Anyway, when your monitor blanks out, that is because it can't handle the res at that refresh rate. Windows will revert back to the old setting if you don't hit OK on the message box that appears because you won't be able to see it if it isn't working right. Anyway, newer/better monitors should display some sort of message at that time about it being out of range. As far as I know, you are not causing any damage. However, you may be because the rated refresh rate for that res is 60Hz, and you are running it at 70 which isn't what it was designed for. I don't know enough about Cathode Ray Tubes to tell you if that makes the slightest bit of difference or not. Basically, you said it yourself. It's a cheap monitor. If it works, and it breaks later on, is it THAT big of a loss to you? \|

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21st September 2002, 05:14	#4
RanDom_ErrOr Banned Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: The loony bin, just outside of nutsville,USA. I would visit you, but my room is padded and i cant get out... Posts: 947	WHOA I HAVE 1600x1200 IN 100Hz WOW>.. HUGE!!!