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Serious issue: PC is on but nothing displayed on my monitor

Tags:
  • Monitors
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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March 14, 2014 7:58:34 PM

Ok, so I was using my PC earlier at around 3pm with no issues, as per normal. Then I went out, and when I came back at around 7pm, I realized that the monitor wasn't displaying anything anymore! My PC was left running the whole time in between. Usually, after 30 mins of no usage, the monitor blacks out (and then I turn it back on), but this time that wasn't the case. The monitor's light was on but just BLANK.

The PC seemed to be running, in that I could hear the fans spinning and all the regular idle noise you hear from a PC usually. The mouse, keyboard and speakers seemed to also be working as the LED indicator lights on them were on.

I switched off the PC by holding the power button for around 8-10 seconds, switched my VGA cable from discrete to on-board GPU, but nothing. Same issue.

I then thought it was the VGA cable itself, but it seems like it is working because if I remove the VGA cable from my monitor, it starts correcting the color or something to that effect when I turn the monitor on but with the VGA cable on, it is just basically blank.

I am dumbfounded by this. Like I said above, all this happened while the PC was left on (and usually my PC is left on for the duration of the day).

Can anyone please suggest the issue here?

Thanks!

More about : issue displayed monitor

a b C Monitor
March 14, 2014 8:16:01 PM

* Try on a different monitor (preferably with a DVI, HDMI, or Displayport cable).
* Try using a different cable (DVI, HDMI, or Displayport). You shouldn't use VGA anyways (poor image quality), so getting another cable is a good idea anyways.
* Does the computer still have the Windows boot sound when windows starts up after 20-60 seconds... meaning the computer works, but just no picture?
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March 15, 2014 1:26:43 AM

Ok I did some troubleshooting. It seems like a monitor issue. Can somebody tell me how to fix it? This is how I arrived at the conclusion:

1) Using HDMI cable (compared to VGA currently), there was still no image. - Rules out faulty wire
2) Using microHDMI cable from my tablet, no image. Previously, there was. Connecting to my TV with the same setup I got an image.
3) Bringing my cousin's monitor over, it worked. Rules out a faulty PC.
4) Taking my monitor to my cousins house, it doesn't show any image. Basically confirms a faulty monitor.

Also, interestingly, the monitor seems to have power, and the usual "HDMI" and other imprints when you turn the monitor on are there. LED lights work.

So what is the issue here?
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March 15, 2014 1:52:51 AM

Did you even read my troubleshooting results? Am pretty sure it is not the PC but the monitor.
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a b C Monitor
March 15, 2014 4:46:18 PM

Yes, definitely sounds like the monitor (good job on testing, BTW; that narrows down the problem quite well).

Is it new? Then RMA. Is it under warranty? Then file a claim.
If it is out of warranty, well, I just don't know. The interesting part, is that you can actually get the monitor to work if no cable is attached; it shows the on-screen menu, right? So, the most important parts might still be working.... I have no idea if that means a repair could be possible for cheap (or maybe even do-it-yourself).
How good a monitor is it? Is it worth the effort (time or money) to try and fix?
There are a wide range of IPS monitors on the market nowadays at a very good price. Some of the LG models are in local stores too:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=E...
And a selection of the higher resolution 1920x1200 models (more vertical space):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=E...

Or if you are looking for certain features, the are monitors on the market now with features such as:
G-sync - provides variable framerates for smoother gameplay ... or you can enable "strobe mode" that gets rid of motion blurring and gives you fluid motion just as good as CRTs used to have.
* higher end 27" and 30" models (with higher resolutions) that are at a good price now
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a b C Monitor
March 15, 2014 6:58:29 PM

Yes, I did read your troubleshooting. Unless you can switch your the monitor(and it works fine), there is a distinct possibility that your monitor is fine. A RAM issue presents exactly your reported problems. Quite often all it takes is removing the RAM, cleaning the contacts, blowing out the slot, reinstalling the RAM, and your monitor is back working fine.
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March 16, 2014 6:30:31 AM

Well, after looking at Amazon user reviews (which is always good and useful), I realize quite a number of people had the same issue as my monitor. Some unlucky guys even had it stop working after 8 months. At least mine lasted 2.5 yrs :) 

Anyways, I sent it for repair to a shop, and they claimed the motherboard issue couldn't be fixed. I just went ahead and bought a new monitor. The LG 23EA53 was decently priced and had good reviews on Amazon, so I got that.
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