computer monitor question

My flat screen Acer monitor may be dead. I've had it for 3.5 years and the warranty is for 3. I'm assuming like most electronic stuff these aren't economically "fixable". Any suggestions?

depends whats wrong. I fixed my 20" lcd for $2.73 worth of Radio Shack Capacitors.

most electronics are built using very low end capacitors that corrode and mushroom up fairly easily. If you can solder, you can fix it cheaply.

Another couple of common things that happen with LCD monitors is dead back lights, either the light itself or the inverter, or the power brick will die. I've seen all 3, and most GRM guys would have no problem opening up a monitor and replacing an inverter.

sourcing parts can be a pain because many exact replacements dont carry over from year to year, or even to season.

Its not uncommon that by the time a monitor hits the shelves at a computer store or a Best Buy, not only is the production run over, they've already stopped making -parts- for it.

But the good news is that you can get a mostly decent, HUGE monitor for stupid money now a days

like, 24" under $200 good.

Troubleshooting it to find the exact point of failure may be the hardest part. I've had mixed success fixing such things. That's all I've got!

madmallard wrote: sourcing parts can be a pain because many exact replacements dont carry over from year to year, or even to season. Its not uncommon that by the time a monitor hits the shelves at a computer store or a Best Buy, not only is the production run over, they've already stopped making -parts- for it. But the good news is that you can get a mostly decent, HUGE monitor for stupid money now a days like, 24" under $200 good.

a couple of years ago I bought a couple of 20" LCD monitors and they were a HUGE difference over the 17"CRTs I had before.. the 24"s are just immense

a couple of years ago I bought a couple of 20" LCD monitors and they were a HUGE difference over the 17"CRTs I had before.. the 24"s are just immense

I went from a 19 inch trinitron (excellent) to a 27" LCD Display. It took awhile to get used to the real estate I had available.

As long as it's a name-brand monitor, eBay likely has common parts for it, like those listed above.

But then, is putting a $20 part in something that can be upgraded for $100 or so a great idea, especially considering you've already used your current one for 3 years?

I buy a LOT of monitors for resale. Usually from Tiger Direct. Very inexpensive now. Just buy a new one.

a lot of different manufacturers use the same basic guts with a different shell wrapped around it..

google the model number.. i picked up my current 19" Gateway flat screen HD monitor out of the dumpster at work after it suddenly died.. a quick google search found me a bunch of youtube videos that showed how to fix it, and a couple of places that sold the parts (a few resisters that blow out) for $14 with free shipping.. it was my first foray into soldering intricate electronics, and it still works over 2 years later.

as it can be very simple to fix if you don't mind a little work (I salvaged a 32" LCD TV this way) with the cost of new monitors even if it's not fixable (er easily fixable) for under $100 you can buy a decent 20+" monitor...

i'm running some acer LED I got a year ago... it's sitting next to a 19" dell "widescreen" (was widescreen type but not as wide aspect ratio as the typical modern widescreen) that a friend gave me along with their old dead dell (they moved to Mac)... both have the same height resolution so it works out PERFECTLY for dual monitoring ;-)... er anyway... the new acer just blows away the old dell (which i'm sure was several hundred $$$ the few years back when my friend bought it

so google fu it... but if you have to buy a new there isn't much loss to be honest...

or if you don't mind old school you can always find a 20"+ crt on CL for dirt cheap lol...