How long do TFT Monitors last for?

Carl Lawrence · 10 Oct 2012

Hello guys,

How long do TFT Monitors last for? Please reply soon.

edwar · 10 Oct 2012

Not sure but I have 2 that are going on 8 years old at least and I am typing this reply on one of them. It is connected to my main system in a Dual monitor setup.

As with everything it lasts as long as it lasts.

The other screen in the dual monitor setup is at least 6 years old and a LCD flat screen.
All of them are Dell models.

Maguscreed · 10 Oct 2012

usually until they are acted on by an outside force, cat, floor... things like that.
Or until the internal power coil burns up or capacitors cook.
There will be some minor loss of brightness over the years but seriously they will hold up pretty well if you treat them right at all.

Bertison · 10 Oct 2012

Just one tip: if cleaning screen, use the correct cleaning fluid. I have seen laptops and monitors which have actually been "cleaned" with detergent, washing up liquid and worst of all, an abrasive 'scourer' type cleaner.

Get the proper kit, marked as LCD/LED screen cleaner - usually comes with a small brush and pump spray bottle, with a special pad or cloth to wipe dry. Also cleans spectacles, LCD/LED TV, etc. Gives a lovely finish to a laptop case, as well!
EDIT:

I once had a very cheap & nasty "Hansol" 17" monitor, which lasted only 19 months before it packed up. Stripped it, found the internal power coil as described by the Texas gentleman above. Tried to source a replacement, price was almost as much as a new monitor.

MORAL: you get what you pay for. Replaced it with a Hannspree 19", which I had for 3 years and my grandson now has in daily Gaming use for another 2 years.

SYSFAN1 · 10 Oct 2012

Maguscreed said:

usually until they are acted on by an outside force, cat, floor... things like that.
Or until the internal power coil burns up or capacitors cook.
There will be some minor loss of brightness over the years but seriously they will hold up pretty well if you treat them right at all.

I am a cat and I find your comment offensive. Reported to Catmin.

RogerR · 10 Oct 2012

Bertison said:

Get the proper kit, marked as LCD/LED screen cleaner - usually comes with a small brush and pump spray bottle, with a special pad or cloth to wipe dry. Also cleans spectacles, LCD/LED TV, etc. Gives a lovely finish to a laptop case, as well!

Isopropyl alcohol is on the pharmacy aisle of most supermarkets and is the active ingredient in all the "proper kit". A couple of bucks will keep your screens clean for a looong time! Any clean microfiber cloth (lens cloth) will do. Be sure and clean while the unit is powered off.

Maguscreed · 10 Oct 2012

SYSFAN1 said:

Maguscreed said:

usually until they are acted on by an outside force, cat, floor... things like that.
Or until the internal power coil burns up or capacitors cook.
There will be some minor loss of brightness over the years but seriously they will hold up pretty well if you treat them right at all.

I am a cat and I find your comment offensive. Reported to Catmin.

People's exhibit 1.