----- Original Message -----
John G. Cakars wrote:


> Packard Bell POS PB8515SV monitor, Cirrus Logic 5430 video
> chipset w/2MB RAM.
>
> This Monitor is 5 years old. I would like advice on how to
> keep it running longer.

Always turn it on first, to allow the electron guns to fully charge - Never
turn on all pc peripherals at once, unless
you know you have that much wattage on tap, else your
slowest device to power will take a dip surge everytime.
And of course, watch the heat build up. As they get older,
they get hotter. This leads to bad solder, and worse.

> People are surprised it never caught on fire.

I'm surprised you're not having poor color balance
or faded color. That's what I see the most on old
monitors.

> I currently run the monitor at 640x480 24 bit color,
>with a refresh rate of 60 Hz.

You should run the monitor at either 16bit or 32 bit, since
24 bit graphics are not native to a 32 bit operating system.
Also, if your happy with your current video don't upgrade
to a more powerful card. Besides not benefitting from the
cards full potential, it's very taxing on an older monitor.

> What are the signs that this monitor will need to be replaced?

Poor focus, contrast, or zoom, too bright, slow to power
up, primary color getting weak - red,blue,green, excessive
heat in a short amount of time, excessive static after
turning off, constant humming noise, the rest is more
obvious.

Also, there are places that fix monitors for a flat rate plus
parts, but this could cost 70-80% the price of a new one.

-yui shin

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