Do You Need a Monitor for a PC: A Detailed Answer to the Question

Do you need a monitor for a PC? Whether this question randomly hit your mind or you have a purpose behind asking the same, this post will not let it disturb you again.

Here, you’ll be informed about enough facts that’ll boost your knowledge and reveal the answer to the above query.

So, start reading this masterpiece to figure out if a monitor is a PC’s need or want.

Do You Need a Monitor for a PC?

You do need a monitor for your PC to see the output of the desktop computations and install the software. However, you can use a television or a projector as an alternative to the same. Moreover, note that the absence of a monitor won’t stop the functioning of your PC.

In Which Situations a Monitor Isn’t Required?

A monitor isn’t required if you want to test a PC that you have built recently. Another reason behind this is if you want to use the computer as a server, which doesn’t require a connected monitor. 

– You Want To Perform Testing

You can test the PC that you’ve recently built without using a monitor. Once you turn it on, the computer will run the Power-On-Self-Test (POST). Now, if the PC is working fine, then you’ll know it by the perfectly working fans and sparkling lights. Moreover, the mechanical drives will start spinning.

On the other hand, if there is any problem with the machine’s construction, then your computer won’t start running. You won’t see the fans, lights, and drives working normally. Thus, you’ll understand that the PC needs amendments.

Considering the above situation, although you won’t be able to see the error messages or data related to the boot-up process, you can test your PC perfectly without a monitor.

– You Want To Use the Computer As a Server

You can use the computer as a server without connecting it to a monitor. It is because the said PC would be working as a resource bin that provides support to other computer systems in the network. You won’t require any output to confirm that the system is providing the required resources. All that you’ll need to do is to ensure that the given computer is visible to the rest of the machines in the network.

Hence, the need for a monitor is reduced to zero in the above scenario. However, except for the situations discussed above, you do require a monitor to stay updated about what’s happening on your PC. So, read the next section to learn about the features of a monitor.

What Are the Most Important Features of a Monitor?

The most important features of the monitor that differentiate multiple monitors from each other are stated in the below list:

• Screen resolution
• Screen size
• Aspect ratio
• Refresh rates
• Response times
• Mount
• Panels
• Colors
• Ports
• Motion blur reduction

– Screen Resolution

The resolution of a PC monitor refers to the number of pixels that are displayed horizontally and vertically on the screen. You can consider the pixels as small dots or squares that are placed adjacent to each other to create a picture. Moreover, if you want to see the same, then you should try zooming in on an image. The more the image is zoomed in, the clearer the pixels you’ll be able to see.

These pixels together make up the visuals. So, the higher the resolution, the more the pixels and the sharper the images. Hence, you can not expect to see sharp images on a low-resolution monitor.

– Screen Size

The size of a monitor is measured diagonally from its upper-right corner to the lower-left corner or vice versa. It is important to consider the monitor size as per your visual efficiency.

Moreover, the purpose of the monitor should also be considered to choose the best monitor size for your PC.

– Aspect Ratio

The aspect ratio of a monitor means the proportion of its width to height. The square-shaped monitors have the said ratio of 1:1. However, if you look at the modern-day monitors, then they’ll usually have a 16:9 ratio for widescreens and a maximum of 32:10 ratio for ultrawide screens. Considering the same, you can choose the monitor screen as per your preference.

– Refresh Rates

The refresh rate of your monitor decides the number of times your screen will be refreshed every second. It is calculated in Hertz. For example, you have a monitor with a refresh rate of 240 Hz. Here, your screen will refresh 240 times every second.

On the other hand, a monitor with a 60 Hz rate will refresh only 60 times per second. The refresh rate is quite important to consider if you are a gamer, do live streaming, or watch videos. It is because games, videos, and live streaming require the screen to be updated frequently for a smooth experience. Remember that the higher the said rate, the more times your screen is updated, and the smoother the experience.

– Response Times

The response time of a monitor points toward the time in which a pixel on your screen changes its color from x to y and back to x. It is measured in milliseconds. You can consider the response time as the color transition time of the pixels for a better understanding. Now, note that the pixel color transition time can be of two types:

1. Black-to-white (BTW): It is preferred for gaming monitors and videography due to less brightness.
2. Gray-to-gray (GTG): It is preferred for televisions due to more brightness and contrast.

Here, the GTG response times are faster than the BTW color transition times. The reason behind the fast GTG response time is that the pixels, in this case, do not become completely inactive or active to display different shades of colors. On the other hand, the BTW color transition deals with completely switching off colors, then turning them on, and bringing them back to the off state again. Consequently, the BTW transition is often slow.

– Mount

The gaming or non-gaming monitors often come with a mount that has an adjustable height, a degree of rotation, and is tilted. It enables you to create a monitor setup of your choice with the perfect viewing angle.

– Panels

A monitor comes with any of the following panel types:

1. Twisted Nematic Film (TN) panels
2. Vertical Alignment (VA) panels
3. In-Plane Switching (IPS) panels

The types of panels stated above have been ordered by the increase in the width of the viewing angles. Hence, the VA panels offer a wider angle of viewing than the TN panels. Moreover, the IPS panels can provide you with the widest angle of viewing.

– Colors

The colors that you see in the monitors are quite important to consider for having a monitor that fulfills your visual expectations. They depend on the contrast ratio, black level, brightness, color depth, and color space of your screen.

All of the stated terms have been defined below to give you a clearer idea:

• Contrast ratio: It is the ratio between the maximum levels of black and white colors that your monitor can display.
• Black level: It determines the amount of light that is leaked through the display screen for the darkest areas of an image.
• Brightness: It is the amount of total light that is released from the screen.
• Color depth: It determines the amount of data in bits that the screen can use to create the color of a single-pixel.
• Color Space: It specifies the spectrum of the colors that your monitor can display.

– Ports

A monitor comes with different kinds of ports at its back or on the underside. The ports can be used for connecting to the various devices for transferring or receiving data and signals as per your requirement.

For example, the display ports enable receiving audio and video signals from a video source either together or separately. On the other hand, the USB and ThunderBolt ports help in transferring the data and power.

– Motion Blur Reduction

The motion blur reduction is a feature of a monitor that uses the rapid and unnoticeable backlight flash to remove the motion blur. It means that you won’t see a static image standing on your screen until the next static image replaces the same.

Here, you’ll see a static image, and the screen will turn black before displaying the next static image. However, don’t forget that the said feature will decrease the screen brightness.

What Is a Dual Monitor?

A dual monitor means using two monitors with a single computer. Although it might sound strange if you haven’t heard about the same already, dual-screen makes multitasking easy while offering a bundle of advantages. Moreover, you’ll be happy to note that almost all desktop computers can work with two monitors simultaneously.

– The Benefits of Having Two Monitors

Here are the benefits that you’ll get if you choose to have two monitors with your PC:

1. Improved performance
2. Increased productivity
3. More screen space
4. Access to more content
5. Reduced downtime
6. Hassle-free switching between the applications
7. Comparing the documents made easy
8. No switching between the tabs
9. Reduced distractions
10. Simple and easy-to-use setup
11. Less clutter on the screen

Will It Be Costly To Install Two Monitors?

No, the setup with two monitors won’t cost you more than the price of your computer paired with the price of the two monitors. As usually all of the computers have a single monitor, the extra charges would be only for the second monitor.

Considering the benefits stated above, you won’t regret spending some extra bucks to buy a second monitor for your PC.

How Can You Create a Dual Screen Setup?

You can create a dual-screen setup by using the necessary cables to connect both of your monitors with the PC. Next, you’ll need to follow the steps stated below:

1. Right-click on your desktop and click Display.
2. Select blue box 1 or blue box 2 to select the left monitor or the right monitor, respectively.
3. Check the box that precedes the statement: “Make this my main display.” to set your preferred monitor as your main screen.
4. Click Apply to save the changes.

Here is an example scenario for using a dual screen setup. For example, you want to play a game while talking to your friend over a chat. Here, you can have two monitors that’ll enable you to play the game and read and send messages without jumping from one window to another and vice versa.

 You’ll neither need to pause your game nor make your friend wait for your reply. It’ll give you another level of satisfaction.Hence, a dual-screen setup is an ultimate choice for multitasking without putting yourself in trouble and with the least distraction.

FAQ

1. What Is Variable Refresh Rate?

The above term is often called VRR for convenience. It is a technology that allows your monitor to adjust its refresh rate in such a way that it aligns with the frame rate of your computer. You can also say that it deals with syncing your monitor and GPU. The implementation of VRR is often required for gaming.

2. Is a Mini DisplayPort Better Than HDMI?

Both DisplayPort and HDMI stand at the same level as per the image quality. However, you’ll find one of the two better if you compare them according to the versions. It means that if you compare the latest version of DisplayPort with an older version of HDMI, then DisplayPort will be a better choice. On the other hand, if the HDMI version is newer than the version of DisplayPort, then HDMI will win the game.

The reason behind opting for a particular port type as per its version is that the latest versions support a higher resolution and offer a maximum bandwidth. So, if you get to select one from HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4, then choose DisplayPort. Similarly, the HDMI would be a better choice between HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2.

3. Can You Use Any Monitor With Any PC?

Yes, you can use any monitor with any computer irrespective of the Operating System (OS) and the brand. Thanks to the perfectly coded Windows, Mac, and Linux Operating Systems that make the computers compatible with a variety of visual display devices. So, you can opt for any screen that fits your needs best without thinking if it will work or not.

4. Is a Special Monitor Required for Gaming?

Yes, you need a special monitor for gaming. The monitor should take 5ms or less to change the pixel color. Moreover, it should refresh at least 75 times in a second. Along with this, it would be better to have one with VA panels for the best results.

5. Should You Use a Gaming Monitor or a Television?

You should use a gaming monitor instead of television to have an enhanced gaming experience. Furthermore, you can have a look at the reasons that support the above statement to choose a gaming monitor over a television more confidently.

So, here you go:

• A monitor offers a lower input lag than a television.
• A monitor is more responsive than a television.
• The refresh rate of a monitor is higher than that of a television.

Conclusion

Now, you have got the answer to the query in the title with almost all the relevant information. As per the above discussion, although the presence or absence of a monitor doesn’t affect the functioning of a computer, it is used frequently to read and view the output.

Also, the below list states some notable statements from the above post to let you conclude the topic easily:

• You need a monitor or one of its alternatives to see the output of the computer’s functions.
• You can not install software without a computer screen.
• You don’t need a monitor for testing your computer.
• A monitor or screen isn’t required for using a computer as a server.

Lastly, remember that although a monitor isn’t the only screen option, it is the one that fits a variety of computer purposes.