We cannot understate the importance of the monitor. And since the monitor is the component responsible for the computer’s visual display, you can’t do without it.
Without the monitor, you can’t access your computer programs, as you can’t see the visual results of your inputs into the computer.
And it can be frustrating when your monitor goes off while your computer is still on. It hurts when you’re in the middle of a serious task or having fun, playing your favorite game.
In this article, we’ll look at why this happens and how you can fix it.
Why Monitor Shut Off But The Computer Stays On
There are several reasons for this problem. The monitor may be faulty, or your system may be overheating. It could also be due to a problem with your graphics card. We’ll look at these and a couple more.
Problem with the monitor:
If there is a problem with the circuitry board of your monitor, maybe a loose or short wire somewhere, your monitor will shut off or the display may go blank while in use.
Overheating:
This can cause the monitor to shut off by itself while still in use. Once the place is too hot or too much dust has accumulated in the monitor and blocking the heat vent, the monitor will shut down to prevent its circuitry from getting damaged.
Video card issue:
The video card can also be a problem. If the video card is faulty, the monitor can shut off.
Power cord issue:
Another reason may be the power cord. A loose or improper connection can cause the monitor to lose power till it shuts off.
Another problem may occur if the cord is faulty and cannot transmit enough power to the monitor even when properly connected. Such a situation will affect the monitor and cause it to shut off.
Faulty display cords:
The display cords that link your computer to the monitor may be loose or defective. A loose or faulty connection will affect communication between the computer and the monitor.
Bad motherboard:
If the motherboard has faulty components, especially visuals, it can cause the monitor to shut off.
How To Fix Your Monitor Shutting Off While Computer Is On
This experience can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of a project or playing your favorite game. However, you can resolve this problem by considering the suggestions below.
- If your monitor has a fault, it is advisable to get a new monitor. However, the cost of fixing a monitor is almost, if not more, than the cost of getting a new one.
- Once you notice your monitor is overheating, unplug it and allow it to cool. If there’s a cooling system, now is the best time to cool the monitor before using it again. If it too much dust blocking the heat vent, carefully blow it out.
- If there’s a problem with the graphics card, you should replace it.
- Ensure you have properly plugged the power cord to the back of the monitor before you start using it. Then, from time to time, monitor the power cord. If it continuously gives low power to the monitor, the monitor may crash, and you’ll have to get a new one.
- Also, check the display cords. Properly plug them in if the connection is not tight. Also, if you notice a broken end or some form of physical damage, you should consider replacing it.
These suggestions should help restore your monitor’s display.
Monitors have evolved over the years from bulky power-consuming cathode rays tubes to very slim and elegant energy-saving LEDs. What type of monitor are you using?
Explaining The Different Types Of Monitors
Five main types of monitors have hit the market since the computer age. We’ll look at them briefly to understand their evolution.
Cathode ray tube (CRT):
This type existed and even gained a lot of ground as both monitor and TV some decades ago. The CRT is very heavy and takes more space for installation.
It needs a lot of electricity. In addition, its bulky nature makes it challenging to transport from one place to another.
It isn’t easy to find in the market these days as manufacturers had to move from CRT to LED and LCD to meet the challenging growth of the digital world. Finally, however, you can find a secondhand CRT in the market.
Liquid crystal display (LCD):
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is the most widely used monitor. It comprises liquid crystals. It consumes less power than the CRT and is way lighter (in weight) than the CRT. In addition, it has a curved back and a turning neck with a flatter screen than CRT.
LCD monitors are adjustable. You can tilt up, down, and even move to portrait mode. They display images that are more appealing, have brighter screens, and are easier to transport.
Plasma monitor:
Plasma monitor widely boasts of its slimness without a hunch, unlike the LCD. This form factor makes for a more vivid image and a higher contrast without any image distortion.
Plasma monitors are an offshoot of plasma technology. They have cells composed of electrically charged ionized gas. The primary purpose of these cells is to lighten up pixel images.
However, they are very heavy, limited in production, difficult to transport and consume a lot of electricity.
Light-emitting diodes (LED):
The Light Emitting Diode monitor is a modern monitor produced to meet the needs of the growing digital world. LED, almost as its name implies, emits a lot of light, having a 4k resolution.
The light in LED monitors is brighter than a lightbulb. For this reason, gamers prefer LED monitors for playing HD games to other monitor types.
It uses light-emitting diodes for its backlighting on the screen and not cold cathode fluorescent (CCFL) backlighting. In addition, it requires less power than other monitors.
LED monitors show clear images with vivid color and high contrast. In addition, they are light and easy to carry around. However, it is pretty expensive, and not everyone can afford it for their computers.
Organic light-emitting diode (OLED):
The Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) monitor is one of the trending monitors these days. It is perfect for watching movies because of its wide display screen.
It uses carbon, polymers, plastic, and wood (organic materials) to produce light by converting the power it gets.
It has a higher contrast ratio than LCD because it can be lighter or thinner. This form factor makes it easy to transport. It uses less electricity and takes less space. However, it is expensive and not water-resistant.
In this modern-day, the most popular types of monitors are LCD and LED monitors. These types are available because some monitors are not compatible with all computers.
How To Connect Your Monitor To A Computer
Improper monitor connection can keep your monitor’s display blank even when your computer is off. So, you must know how to connect your monitor to your computer. So, let’s begin.
- First, get your monitor connector cable out. It will likely be in the package you bought the monitor.
- Next, plug in the cable in the video port space at the back of the monitor. Examine the head of the cord properly so you can insert it properly to fit.
- Now, plug the other end into its space at the back of your computer correctly.
- Next, take the power cord (also found in the package), and plug one end into the power space at the back of the monitor correctly.
- Now, plug the other end into an external power supply.
- Lastly, please turn on the computer and then the monitor by pressing its power button. You’ll find this button on the top or bottom of the monitor, on its right-hand side.
Note: We have earlier mentioned the connectors, and these connectors use different cable wires. It all depends on your type of monitor or computer.
It is therefore essential to know the kind of port on your computer. So while buying a monitor, check if the available ports match with those of your computer to avoid stress and extra expenses.
Older systems feature DVI, VGA, and S-Video ports, while the modern ones have HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C.
Apart from the display ports, what other components make up a monitor? Continue reading to learn more.
The Different Parts Of The Monitor
Glass: The glass is a layer of gloss that protects the screen and the eyes from the light emitted by the system.
Screen: The screen is one of the most important parts because there is nowhere to see your inputs into the computer without it. Screens come in variations, but most systems use liquid crystal display screens because they are thin-film transistors.
Monitor stands: These stands are made of plastic for stability. The monitor is placed on it and then placed on the table for easy usage. Without the monitor stand, you’ll have to carry the monitor while using it.
Interface board: The interface board is used to check and control the total and proper functioning of the screen.
Power cable: This is very important as it is the source of connecting to electricity, to power up the monitor.
Amplifier circuit: As the name implies, it amplifies the videos that come to the screen.
Reflectors: This is the source of light to the monitor.
Conclusion
It can be frustrating to see your monitor go off even though the computer is still on while you’re working or playing a game. There are many reasons for this.
Loose or faulty power and display cords, overheating, issues with the video card, or even the motherboard may be responsible for this.
For faulty connections, the solution is pretty straightforward: unplug and plug again correctly. Replace damaged display or power cords. Sometimes you may need to replace your monitor eventually.
