Computer Hope
Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: pjhocking on June 18, 2009, 07:34:58 AM
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I have a Dell Dimension 4300 desktop (purchased 10/2001) with 15.5" monitor (Dell) with a Rage 128 Pro video card. The bottom left quarter of my monitor display wiggles or vibrates side to side making it look fuzzy or blurry. Bad monitor?
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pjhocking,Welcome to the CH forums. Certainly could be. However there are a few things that you can try to see if it changes things. Try a change of the resolution settings for the monitor and see what happens.Remove and reseat the video card and observe results.Make sure the cable from the computer to the monitor is secure both ends. Check for the latest drivers for the video card. goodluck ,truenorth
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I already re-seated the video card and checked cable connections, but will try the other two things. Thanks.
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If this is a CRT monitor, it's most likely just getting old. They tend to do stuff like this as they age.
While it can be repaired, it is often less troublesome and more cost effective to just replace the monitor with a new one.
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Look at it as an opportunity to make the transition to an LCD monitor.
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To make sure it's the monitor [and all seem to agree on it] swap it out, if you can, with another known good monitor.
Alan <>< :D
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On CRT monitors this is usually caused by the horizontal frequency adjustment shifting.
This is NOT the front panel position control, but rather a screwdriver adjustment on the high voltage board INSIDE the monitor.
When the Hor freq. is out of adjustment, you can frequently hear a high pitched squeal from the monitor.
The HOR frequency adjustment can be on the PCB and should be marked simply HOR or it can be next to the FOCUS control on the high voltage flyback transformer.
Adjustment should only be attempted with a plastic bladed adjustment tool available at Rad Shack.
If you have a CRT set and you want to try this, be very sure you tough no part of the chassis while it is open and on.
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Unless you have been trained, stay out of that monitor.....It can kill you.
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Unless you have been trained, stay out of that monitor.....It can kill you.
Karnac is absolutely correct and isn't exaggerating a bit. Monitors should never, ever be opened or serviced by someone who isn't specially trained in dealing with the innards of it, especially any "high voltage" components. One false move inside is all it takes. Do not ever attempt to service the inside of a monitor yourself. Same goes for the inside of a computer power supply. Both retain enough of a charge to kill a person long after they've been unplugged.
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Certainly is a prime example of where a little knowledge can kill you.That was one of the 1st lesson i was taught back at the dawn of the television age (kinda gives away my age doesn't it)! truenorth
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Certainly is a prime example of where a little knowledge can kill you.
So true, so true. Wouldn't believe the number of times I've seen some recommend opening a monitor or power supply to clean or fix it in some way. It's the worst advice you could ever give someone.
Even when I did my CompTIA A+ certification (computer service certification if you're not familiar with what it is), it's one of the first things they teach you as a computer tech to never do unless you are trained to do so. Should this be a road you wish to go down, please find a certified electrician or someone who is trained in servicing monitors. Do not ever attempt to do this yourself, no matter how careful you think you'll be. It's just not worth the risk.
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Thank you all for your helpful information/suggestions; you are very kind. I did re-seat the board and checked the connections; all good. I had a chance to borrow a new Dell 22" monitor (LCD) to see if the problem would follow. The monitor wouldn't show the desktop at all; it just showed an error screen, something about resolution or something similar. Could be my video card is too old for a new monitor. I have a RAGE 128 PRO Ultra GL AGP in a system purchased in 2001.
I also played with my resolution settings and after trying several combinations (most helped with the wiggles, but then had a bar scrolling from top to bottom constantly), I changed my resolution to 1024 x 768 pixels and the color quality is set at Highest (32 bit). The wiggles seem to have disappeared. Strange, right?
Don't worry, even though I fix things all the time, I am not getting into my monitor. It is probably time to go from my 15.4" to a larger LCD anyway. Sam's Club has Samsung 19" for $150.00. But would I need a new video card?
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Sam's Club has Samsung 19" for $150.00. But would I need a new video card?
I'm not sure of the answer to that. Maybe other members can provide a definite answer. You might also ask here: http://en.community.dell.com/forums/
How much video memory does your card have? Are you running Windows XP?
BTW, newegg.com is a good place to buy monitors, and video cards. Their prices are hard to beat. See 19 inch LCD Monitors (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010190020%201309821317&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&Order=PRICE).
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The fact that it appears you are already running a 15.4 "LCD" monitor (that seems to be the inference of your last post) makes it most likely that your current video card will work for the larger monitor. Provided of course that your current problems are NOT related to a failing video card. The 22 inch monitor should have worked also. Your problem with that attempt could have been due to an incorrect resolutions setting and or an improper HZ setting. If you still have access to the 22 inch and the brand name is one that you can locate and call the tech support for they usually are very helpfull in resolving resolution or HZ issues on the telephone. That would assist you in determining if the video card is a factor in the equation. Seems you did overcome the Wiggling/vibrating problem with the resolution changes you made. So why are you contemplating a monitor change (not that I'm saying you shouldn't if you wish)--but i am confused as to why you would do so if your problem of your original post has been cured?truenorth
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The fact that it appears you are already running a 15.4 "LCD" monitor (that seems to be the inference of your last post) ...
I'd really like to see him clarify this point. His initial post (below) seems to indicate a CRT to me, based purely on the 10/2001 time frame.
I have a Dell Dimension 4300 desktop (purchased 10/2001) with 15.5" monitor (Dell) ...
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OK guys, mea culpa.
Most of the folks I deal with are comfortable around high voltage components/power supplies. I should not have advised opening the unit to someone who may not have the same comfort or experience level.
My apologies.
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I have a older monitor and it works. Try changing your monitor, even if it is CRT.
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I'm sorry, my current monitor is not an LCD; it's the older style (very large and heavy). Since the problem seems to be better, I will keep using my current monitor for now. I was only contemplating a new one because of the size screen; I do a lot of work on the computer.
I guess I am a little concerned that I started having problems and was worried about losing my monitor and not having a clue what to do. Thank you all for your help. I will research the suggested site for cards and monitors. I don't know what the memory is on my current video card; does the number 128 mean anything?
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I am also running Windows XP.
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I was only contemplating a new one because of the size screen; I do a lot of work on the computer.
In that case, you would probably find a widescreen monitor to be quite an improvement in working with your computer. A 19" widescreen or 22" widescreen would give you a lot more screen space to work with and perhaps to display two application windows side by side.
Dual monitors is another option I'm sure you'd like very much. To run dual monitors, your video card must support two monitors. I run two monitors off an eVGA GeForce FX 5500 (256MB of memory) card; it has both a VGA port and a DVI port. I have an 17" CRT and a 19" LCD monitor connected to it.
I don't know what the memory is on my current video card; does the number 128 mean anything?
Per http://ati.amd.com/products/rage128pro/aiw128pro/specs.html, I believe it only has 32MB of memory. One way to verify the amount of memory is to run dxdiag. To do this, click on Start, Run, and type dxdiag in the box. Wait for this utility to execute and then select the Display part of it's report to see some details on your video card.
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Thank you. According to the results of dxdiag, it says "Approx. Total Memory - 16 MB" Is that enough for a new monitor? I like the idea of two monitors, other than taking up desk space, but it would allow much more working platform. Hmmm..
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It's pretty lame. I would not want to attempt to use a larger monitor or dual monitors with it. You'd notice a huge improvement with something like: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130465
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Thank you. Also, thanks for the Newegg site; it's awesome.
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Once you go to an LCD you will wonder why you waited to change. My recommendation would be to go to the 22 in (if you have the space) as the prices have dropped so much you can almost get a 22 for the price of a 17. However as stated you will need to upgrade the video card--but they are also not expensive unless you are chasing the technology curve. I should follow my own advice. I recently picked up a e-GeForce 8600GT (which is far superior to anything i have in any of my computer) and i haven't even taken it out of the box yet. Ah well so much to do and so little time to do it. Great to see your not wiggling and vibrating anymore that could get tiring. ;D truenorth
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I see newegg.com has $5 discount and free shipping in effect on http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130465 now, a change from the regular price and normal shipping fee which was in effect just yesterday (6/19/09) and prior. These special offers sometimes last a short time, so better get that card soon if interested.