Monitor is going black or distorted white randomly

[Steven Rayback]

I have a LCD monitor on my computer. Randomly, the monitor will either go completely black (as if powered off, and the power light turns off) or it will get a distorted frozen white screen (like how your smartphone would look if you dropped it in a toilet and tried to turn it on). Not too surprising, I have not dropped this 21 inch monitor in a toilet. The only way I can get the monitor to work again is by unplugging it and plugging it back in

I'm pretty sure that it is just a dead monitor that needs to be replaced, but a friend suggested that it might just be the power cord, since the monitor will work (like it is now) for hours on end, then suddenly start randomly not working. It's worth checking out, but before dropping money on a new monitor (if it isn't the power cord), can anyone confirm (or strongly suggest) that it is not a CPU issue or video card? Or maybe someone has seen this before?

 

[AsRock]

Sounds like it could be the video card, you need to fill in your system specs or at least post them so people can help you better. How ever have you tried a different monitor ?, if you don't have a spare check your local second hand store or a friend even if you could try.

Any chance it's a Samsung monitor ?, known to have bad caps and pretty common too that much so you can normally find a capacitor kit online.

 

[Bill_Bright]

How ever have you tried a different monitor ?

My first suggestion. If you don't have a spare monitor (or TV with computer input) ask your friend to swap with him for a bit. If the problem occurs with his monitor, you know the problem is in your computer (most likely the card or integrated graphics). If the problem moves to his computer, then you know it is the monitor.

The monitor turning white does NOT suggest power. But the power light going off (assuming it is not even blinking) does. For sure, make sure all the power and data connections are tight - especially if the monitor uses an external power block.

 

[bobodori]

Sounds like capacitors on the LCD power supply board.If it's not in warranty,and you have some skills with the solderin iron,it's an easy fix.

 

[Random Murderer]

Any chance it's a Samsung monitor ?, known to have bad caps and pretty common too that much so you can normally find a capacitor kit online.

Sounds like capacitors on the LCD power supply board.If it's not in warranty,and you have some skills with the solderin iron,it's an easy fix.

Capacitors in the power section were my first thought as well. I currently have a Samsung TV that needs new caps and in the past had a monitor (think it was an Acer, but not 100% on this one) that showed problems almost exactly like the ones you describe, and, surprise surprise, had a blown cap on the power board. Replacing said capacitor revived the monitor, and it's been in use for the last two years without a hitch.

 

[Bill_Bright]

I agree this could very well be the monitor, but it could still be the graphics card too (or even the computer's PSU). Since swapping monitors is easy and can eliminate the monitor or card in one action, that is still where you should start. If you find the monitor does the same thing on another computer, then looking for a blown cap makes sense.

 

[Random Murderer]

I agree this could very well be the monitor, but it could still be the graphics card too (or even the computer's PSU). Since swapping monitors is easy and can eliminate the monitor or card in one action, that is still where you should start. If you find the monitor does the same thing on another computer, then looking for a blown cap makes sense.

Agreed.