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The monitor for my desktop hums/buzzes when a have a white background with a lot of black text maximized. I'm sure it would do it in other cases but this is the most obvious. I usually hear it when I am looking at a text file in an SSH client.

What causes this? Is it clear that it is time for a new monitor?

I can provide details about my hardware if that will help.

It's a Dell 2001FP.

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  • 3
    Please provide details about your hardware, it will help.
    – Ƭᴇcʜιᴇ007
    Dec 16, 2011 at 14:16
  • 3
    Is it a CRT? Its about time to replace it. If its a LCD, power supply- will die soon.
    – Piotr Kula
    Dec 16, 2011 at 14:17
  • could be the power cable have you tried a different one?
    – ben950
    Dec 16, 2011 at 14:18
  • 2
    Does it hum a good tune?
    – Joe Taylor
    Dec 16, 2011 at 14:30
  • 1
    Go buy another one the same model, then put this on in and return it as faulty.
    – Piotr Kula
    Dec 16, 2011 at 16:09

3 Answers 3

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LCD monitor's backlight is a fluorescent tube (The specs specifically say CCFL). The backlight's power inverter sometimes hums, or makes other noises. This is only indicative of low quality of the some of its components, usually it does not mean the monitor is about to fail soon.

How to fix

Adjusting the brightness nearly always helps to at least reduce the humming, or change its frequency to make it less irritating. The exact best brightness level can only be found by experimentation. E.g. start with 100%, reduce one step, wait 2-3 secs and listen... You'll find a couple of brightness levels that will sound better than the rest.

Unfortunately, there is not much else you can do about it.

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  • except of course, REPLACE it like I said LOL. I guess the question is... do you want to "reduce" the issue? Or do you want to "solve" the issue?
    – OG Chuck Low
    Dec 16, 2011 at 16:04
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If its a CRT, try degaussing it (it'll be an option upon the on screen menu built into it usually). That sometimes used to help for me, anyhow.

If its an LCD, try lowering the brightness setting to 60% (which is usually easier on the eyes also) as they usually leave the shop cranked right up.

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6
  • It's a Dell 2001FP. The brightness is at 50%.
    – smp7d
    Dec 16, 2011 at 14:49
  • Model number gives the very first detail you asked for without even Googling it
    – OG Chuck Low
    Dec 16, 2011 at 15:10
  • In fairness, I edited the question.
    – smp7d
    Dec 16, 2011 at 15:16
  • Thanks for letting me know... try to note that in the edit :) I tried to un downvote but it no let me :( Sorry.
    – OG Chuck Low
    Dec 16, 2011 at 16:03
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    Degaussing wont solve a power supply hum.. seriously?! WTF
    – Piotr Kula
    Dec 16, 2011 at 16:08
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Obviously it's NOT a CRT, the model no that you kindly posted says FP at the end (mind you that is if I was too lazy to google it)... Pay attention folks. Aside from that, the thing is a tiny LCD - Buy a new decent sized one unless yer broke. Yes the buzz is indicative of an impending failure but it could be in five minutes or five years. It's Christmas time, spoil yerself and recycle this one properly.

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  • meh. It's a work machine.
    – smp7d
    Dec 16, 2011 at 15:16
  • OG, the model number has only just been added to the question.
    – Sirex
    Dec 16, 2011 at 15:27
  • Then it should be made clear that's an added edit.
    – OG Chuck Low
    Dec 16, 2011 at 16:02
  • And if this is a work monitor, why even debate this? Spend their money and move on :)
    – OG Chuck Low
    Dec 16, 2011 at 16:09
  • I'm pretty sure not every company is rolling in cash.
    – Sirex
    Dec 21, 2011 at 8:14

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