PC/Monitor Issues

Roland_Flagg

I've bought a refurb PC which has a lot better spec than my old PC which was getting sluggish at even the most basic tasks.

The new one has a SSD so runs much quicker, but I have issues with the display.

My old PC had a DVI-D port, as did my monitor, which give a crisp display.

The new PC does not have this. It just has VGA and HDMI.
My Monitor only has VGA and DVI-D.
VGA looks terrible, so I bought a HDMI to DVI-D cable, but all I'm getting is a blank screen.
My monitors input options say:
D-sub (which gives me the VGA display) and DVI (which gives me a blank display before defaulting back to VGA).
So I take it the cable I bought is not compatible?

So what are my options to get a better display than VGA?
The PC is a Dell 3010 SFF
The Monitor is a benQ VW2245z.
Do I need a new HDMI monitor?

The second problem I have is that webpages look wrong.
All Google results are to the left hand side and the right hand side of the screen is blank.
This forum is giving me much bigger borders on the sides then when I had my old PC plugged in.

I would be grateful for any help!
Thanks.

Roland_Flagg

I've solved the smaller issue by changing windows settings (not just chrome settings).

So all I need now is advise on the PC/Monitor poor/blurry display.
Anyway to solve it without buying a new monitor?

Thanks.

System

Roland_Flagg wrote: »

Do I need a new HDMI monitor?

No. What you need is a different graphics card. Good news is I've tons experience of those Dell SFFs as a former employer used to use them for systems they supplied to casinos.

So first of all you want one of these:
Nvidia GT710 low profile. It will fit in the case and the power it needs is within the limits of the PCI express port.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/710-1-SL-NVIDIA-Passive-Cooling-Graphics/dp/B01AY793MY

Secondly if it doesn't come with the two small backplates you'll need these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Asus-Pack-HDMI-Graphics-Card/dp/B00BNE6NN0

What you would then do is remove the backplate from the original (crosshead screwdriver and pliers is all that is needed) and fit the one from the above kit that covers the HDMI and DVI port and if you've no intention of using VGA just unplug the VGA connector from the graphics card.

£30, job sorted, much cheaper than replacing the monitor and it'll give you faster graphics than onboard.

Roland_Flagg

Thanks for the reply.

If I did decide to change the monitor (I've been thinking of getting a bigger one anyway), will I have any issues with a monitor that has HDMI?
Should it just plug and play without the need of a graphics card?

stragglebod

You don't need a new graphics card, just an HDMI-DVI adapter that works.

grumpycrab

stragglebod wrote: »

You don't need a new graphics card, just an HDMI-DVI adapter that works.

I'd have thought so too... e.g.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Adapter-Benfei-Bidirectional-Converter-Gold-Plated-HDMI-Male-DVI-Female/dp/B07CWBBRL4
(unles the Dell HDMI output is dead? - what's the Dell expert above say?)

System

The Dell expert says that after trying multiple brands of varying HDMI to X,Y or Z and vice versa converters at varying price points, other than Thunderbolt/USB 3/ USB C where it gets seen as an external graphics adapter, that basically if you can find any solution at all that doesn't require the use of one it is the better option as its a complete hit and miss and mostly down to timing issues with the HDMI side.

stragglebod

Tarambor wrote: »

The Dell expert says that after trying multiple brands of varying HDMI to X,Y or Z and vice versa converters at varying price points, other than Thunderbolt/USB 3/ USB C where it gets seen as an external graphics adapter, that basically if you can find any solution at all that doesn't require the use of one it is the better option as its a complete hit and miss and mostly down to timing issues with the HDMI side.

The digital video in HDMI is electrically identical to the digital video in DVI. There's no converting going on at all, just direct electrical connection.

EveryWhere

Wasn't fitting an SSD to the original PC an option? Cheapest all round methinks. £25 for a 240 GB boot drive.

Anyway, did you buy a Bi Directional cable? https://www.amazon.co.uk/UGREEN-Bidirectional-Converter-Raspberry-Projector/dp/B00OZJU0XO

Before you try anything else....

Press F2 when booting, go to BIOS, Maintenance and Disable SERR messaging

then try again with the cable.

almillar

Before we go spending any money, VGA as a standard is perfectly capable of a great picture at high resolutions. Let's check the free stuff first.
Your monitor has a 1920x1080 (that's Full HD) display - is that the resolution your computer is putting out? If not, that will cause a blurry picture. If yes, there may be 'overscan' settings that you may need to switch off. Make sure you've got the most up to date drivers for your graphics card too.