Member Avatar for jbobonline

After years of reliable use my old CRT monitor died. So I bought a new LG 20 inch lcd:

1. The res/picture qulaity seems about same as my old CRT - I assume due to the following: a) I have res set at 1024x768 (the recommended 1680 x 1050 makes the font really small which I don't like); b) I am connected via VGA not DVI (no DVI slot on my computer). Does this seem right or is there another reason wht res is same as old CRT?

2. I found the screen a little bright so turned down the brightness setting from max (100) to around 75. When I did I found that the monitor produced an annoying hum/buzz (goes away when turn back to brightness max 100). Is this a defective monitor or do all LCDs do this?

3. Is it worth upgrading my video card to allow DVI connection (I assume this is how I would do it???) and buying a DVI cable to get higher res?

Thanks!

Specs:
XP SP3

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Short answer: run the LCD at its native resolution for the sharpest image, use Windows font-smoothing/DPI to keep text readable, and treat the audible hum as a hardware issue to diagnose before spending on a new video card.

Why native resolution matters: an LCD panel has a fixed (“native”) pixel grid; non‑native resolutions are scaled and look soft or fuzzy. Use the monitor’s native 1680×1050 and then increase text size with Windows DPI or ClearType rather than lowering resolution (this keeps sharp edges). See Display resolution and ClearType.

VGA vs DVI: VGA sends an analog signal that your monitor must re-digitize, while DVI carries a digital signal that maps pixels 1:1. That can reduce one source of blur or noise, but a good VGA cable and a decent on‑monitor scaler often look fine (as noted). If you do upgrade, match the card to your motherboard slot (PCI, AGP, PCIe) and confirm the card outputs the monitor’s native resolution. See Digital Visual Interface.

Troubleshooting the hum: audible buzzing that changes with brightness is commonly caused by switching regulators or coils (often audible when PWM or backlight circuitry changes state). Try these isolations before RMA or upgrade: test the monitor on a different PC; try a different power outlet/cable (ground/ground‑loop issues); use the monitor’s OSD to reset to factory and toggle brightness/contrast; and try a different input cable if available. Persistent brightness‑dependent noise is often a defect (see Coil whine) and justifies service or replacement.

Quick checklist: set native res → enable ClearType → raise DPI to taste → run auto‑adjust/tweak OSD → try alternate cable/outlet/PC → RMA if hum persists. References above give the technical background if deeper reading is wanted.

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Member Avatar for frickinaj

1) You could always increase the resolution along with the test size. Do this by going into the advanced menu on the settings tab in the display properties menu. change you font to 120 dpi (or whatever you like) and yes, DVI will make it look much slicker

2)not sure

3)you could always pick up a relatively cheap video card from newegg, as most video cards now come with DVI connection. any 8000 series GeForce comes with it, or at least from 8400 and up.

Member Avatar for Neatoboy

1. I have a 22" monitor at work and have it set at 1680 x 1050 and the text is just large enough for my bad eyes, so if my monitor was smaller, I wouldn't have it set this high, but of course resolution is a personal preference! LCDs usually display best at their "preferred" resolution. I have connected the same monitor to the same PC with both a DVI and VGA cable and couldn't notice any difference in image quality.

2. This sounds like a fault.

3. When you say "higher res", do you mean that you want a better quality image on a non-recommended resolution?

Member Avatar for Suspishio

1. If you stay at 1024x768 everything will appear pretty much as it did on your CRT. 1680 x 1050 is superb resolution and frickinaj's advice about 120dpi is good.

2. This is aknown LG fault. So keep the screen bright.

3. Yes - DVI output is worth a modest investment. Right now, your PC is converting digital to analogue, running that along a cable that might not be well screened etc, and converting it back to ddigital at the LCD. So there is attenuation. DVI is digital all the way and the picture wil be sharper and brighter.

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