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A working old monitor can still earn its place: use it as a second screen, a private streaming display, a household dashboard, a retro-gaming screen, or a digital photo frame. The simplest and usually cheapest choice is to connect it to a computer you already own. Before buying hardware, check the monitor’s inputs, resolution, audio options, and condition. Keep projects intact where possible—especially with a CRT, which should not be opened casually.
First, check what your monitor can do
Look at the ports on the back or side, then test the screen with a known-working device. HDMI is the easiest match for most current equipment. DVI can often carry video from an HDMI source, but usually not audio. VGA is analog, so a modern digital source commonly needs an active HDMI-to-VGA converter—not just a passive plug adapter. DisplayPort and USB-C connections may also need an adapter suited to both devices.
Check the monitor’s native resolution and aspect ratio as well. A 16:9 screen is generally the more natural fit for video; a 4:3 screen may suit older games or a compact information display. A connector alone does not guarantee compatibility: the source must be able to output a resolution and refresh rate the monitor accepts. Note whether the display has speakers or a headphone output, and include any adapters, cables, speakers, computer, mounting hardware, and subscriptions in your cost estimate.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches- Photograph the monitor’s input ports and check the source device’s available outputs.
- Confirm whether an adapter must be active, and whether it supports the resolution you need.
- Plan a separate audio connection if the monitor lacks speakers or the video connection will not carry sound.
- Check for flicker, dimness, severe dead pixels, or an unstable connection before building around the screen.
1. Use it as a second monitor
This is the most practical option for most people. Keep a calendar, email, reference documents, chat, music controls, or a code window on the old screen while using your main display for the task at hand. If your computer already has a spare compatible video output, the project may require no new electronics at all—just the right cable and a suitable stand or mount.
#1 Best Overall
- CRISP CLARITY: This 23.8″ Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
- WORK SEAMLESSLY: This sleek monitor is virtually bezel-free on three sides, so the screen looks even bigger for the viewer. This minimalistic design also allows for seamless multi-monitor setups that enhance your workflow and boost productivity
- A BETTER READING EXPERIENCE: For busy office workers, EasyRead mode provides a more paper-like experience for when viewing lengthy documents
HDMI-to-HDMI and DisplayPort-to-DisplayPort are usually straightforward. HDMI-to-DVI often works for video, but plan a separate route for audio if you need it. VGA requires an analog signal; many modern computers need an active digital-to-VGA converter. USB display adapters are another possibility, but may need drivers and may be a poor choice for gaming or high-refresh video.
An older panel may have less brightness, poorer viewing angles, lower resolution, or higher power use than your main screen. Those drawbacks matter less when it holds static reference material than when it is used for detailed color work or fast-moving video. Before buying an adapter, verify both ends of the connection, the adapter type, the monitor’s native resolution, and how audio will be handled.
2. Turn it into a private streaming screen
Connect a streaming device, computer, or small media player, select the monitor’s input, join the device to Wi-Fi, and route sound to the monitor’s speakers or separate speakers. The streaming apps run on the source device—not on the monitor—so a monitor can show compatible video without being a smart TV.
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Rank #2
- CRISP CLARITY: This 22 inch class (21.5″ viewable) Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
- 100HZ FAST REFRESH RATE: 100Hz brings your favorite movies and video games to life. Stream, binge, and play effortlessly
- SMOOTH ACTION WITH ADAPTIVE-SYNC: Adaptive-Sync technology ensures fluid action sequences and rapid response time. Every frame will be rendered smoothly with crystal clarity and without stutter
- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
Check the connection before buying a streaming stick. It may require HDMI and USB power. HDMI-to-DVI can provide a picture but usually does not provide sound; HDMI-to-VGA generally needs an active converter and a separate audio connection. Compatibility can also depend on the monitor’s supported resolution and copy-protection requirements. If there is no picture, try a common output such as 720p or 1080p if the monitor supports it, confirm the selected input, and test another cable or source.
Older 4:3 monitors may show widescreen video with black bars at the top and bottom, or may stretch it if the source is set incorrectly. Preserve the aspect ratio rather than distorting the image. A small, dim VGA display is rarely a satisfying television unless its retro look is the point. A bedroom, workshop, guest room, or private music-and-video station can be a better fit than replacing a main living-room TV. Without a convenient remote or a quick wake-up time, the setup may also feel less effortless than a television.
3. Make a household dashboard
A spare screen can show a calendar, weather, to-do list, family notes, traffic, photos, or smart-home status. Mount it where people naturally pass, and plan for a computer or media player, a reliable network connection, ventilation, cable management, and safe anchoring. A display intended to run all day uses electricity; schedule sleep or shutdown when it is not needed.
Rank #3
- Clear visuals. Fluid motion: A 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT deliver smooth, tear‑free motion across work, gaming, and streaming for clearer, more fluid viewing.
- Eye comfort: TÜV Rheinland 3‑star* certification reduces harmful blue light while preserving stunning color quality without compromise. *TÜV Rheinland 3-star eye comfort certification.
- Wide viewing angle: Get consistent views across a wide 178° /178° viewing angle.
- In-Plane Switching (IPS): See excellent color accuracy and consistency across wide viewing angles with In-plane Switching (IPS) technology.
- Ultra-thin bezels: Maximize your viewing experience with thin bezels.
One configurable route is a Raspberry Pi running a browser in kiosk mode. Raspberry Pi’s current kiosk tutorial covers a graphical setup for Raspberry Pi 3 or newer with at least 1 GB of RAM. Its current instructions use Raspberry Pi OS 64-bit, install wtype, and configure Labwc autostart. Since desktop components and paths can change, follow the tutorial for the OS version you install rather than treating these steps as universal:
- Install Raspberry Pi OS 64-bit with Raspberry Pi Imager. Set up the network and, if useful, SSH during imaging.
- Install the tutorial’s package:
sudo apt -y install wtype. - Edit the autostart file:
nano ~/.config/labwc/autostart. - Add a kiosk command for the page you want to display, adapting the example in Raspberry Pi’s tutorial:
chromium https://example.com --kiosk --noerrdialogs --disable-infobars --no-first-run --enable-features=OverlayScrollbar --start-maximized & - Save, reboot, and check that the browser opens the dashboard automatically.
Replace https://example.com with a page you trust and can access. If the browser does not start, confirm that the Pi reaches its desktop, the autostart file is in the right location, the command matches the installed browser, and the network is available. A keyboard or preconfigured SSH access can make recovery easier if the screen is mounted out of reach.
Raspberry Pi 4 and later use micro-HDMI for standard HDMI displays; Pi Zero models use mini-HDMI. Raspberry Pi’s display guidance covers suitable adapters for DVI-D, DisplayPort, and VGA, which still need to match the specific monitor. DAKboard is another route: its DIY documentation describes Raspberry Pi and Orange Pi setups. Compare the current cost of hardware and any paid features with a simple browser kiosk or an existing spare computer; a dedicated player is not mandatory.
Rank #4
- CURVED FOR ENHANCED ENGAGEMENT: An immersive viewing experience with a curved monitor that wraps more closely around your field of vision; It creates a wider view, enhancing depth perception and minimizing peripheral distraction
- SMOOTH PERFORMANCE FOR SEAMLESS CONTENT: Stay in the action when playing games, watching videos, or working on creative projects; The 100Hz refresh rate reduces lag and motion blur so you don't miss a thing in fast-paced moments¹
- MORE GAMING POWER: Gain the edge with optimizable game settings; Color and image contrast can be adjusted to see scenes more vividly and spot enemies hiding in the dark; Game Mode adjusts any game to fill the screen so you can view every detail²
- KEEP IT EASY ON THE EYES: Care for your eyes and stay comfortable, even during long sessions; Advanced eye comfort technology certified by TÜV reduces eye strain by minimizing blue light and reducing irritating screen flicker²
- INCREASED VERSATILITY: Connect to more; Plug devices straight into your monitor for increased flexibility, making your computing environment even more convenient
4. Build a retro-gaming or arcade display
A working monitor can anchor anything from a simple gaming station to a tabletop arcade cabinet. For a beginner-friendly version, leave the display intact, connect an existing computer or small computer, add USB controllers, and place the equipment on a stable shelf or in a basic stand. An intermediate cabinet can hide the computer and power strip, but needs ventilation, an accessible rear panel, and safely routed cables. Check control compatibility and mounting dimensions before buying arcade buttons or a joystick.
An LCD is usually easier to install. A CRT may appeal to people who prefer the appearance and motion presentation associated with older arcade games, but that is a preference, not a universal performance advantage. Emulation software such as RetroPie or Batocera is one possible path; platform support, controller setup, and performance vary. Use games and software you own or that are legally distributed for the platform, rather than downloading copyrighted ROMs without permission.
Do not casually open a CRT. Its internal components can retain dangerous electrical charge after it is unplugged, and the glass and electronics need responsible handling. Do not assume waiting a certain amount of time makes it safe. Keep the project external unless you have appropriate expertise and a safe disposal plan. More generally, avoid modifying mains-powered electronics without the relevant skills.
Best Value
- 【INTEGRATED SPEAKERS】Whether you're at work or in the midst of an intense gaming session, our built-in speakers provide rich and seamless audio, all while keeping your desk clutter-free.
- 【EASY ON THE EYES】 Protect your eyes and enhance your comfort with Blue-Light Shift technology. This feature reduces harmful blue light emissions from your screen, helping to alleviate eye strain during long hours of use and promoting healthier viewing habits.
- 【WIDEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE】Our sleek minimal bezel design ensures undivided attention. The nearly bezel-free display seamlessly connects in a dual monitor arrangement, delivering an unobstructed view that lets you focus on more at once, completely distraction-free.
5. Make a digital photo frame or ambient-art screen
Connect a computer, USB media player, or other compatible source and display a slideshow or looping video of family photos, artwork, nature scenes, an aquarium, or abstract animation. A digital aquarium gives the visual effect without water, pumps, cleaning, leaks, or animal care. It is not the same as converting a monitor shell into a real fish tank; a water-filled conversion raises structural, electrical, glass, and waterproofing hazards and is not a casual reuse project.
Check that the player can loop continuously, that the monitor will stay on when the signal remains active, and that the content matches the screen’s aspect ratio. USB playback formats vary by device. A monitor with backlight bleed or uneven brightness may be more suitable for colorful animation than for carefully viewed photographs. On older displays, avoid leaving a bright static image up indefinitely if you are concerned about image retention; use a rotating slideshow or scheduled sleep instead.
When recycling is the better choice
Choose reuse when the display works reliably and the added hardware is modest. Reconsider if the panel is cracked, flickers, has a failing backlight, or needs costly proprietary parts or adapters. If the total cost approaches that of a suitable used display—or the monitor’s size, power use, or condition makes the project inconvenient—responsible donation or electronics recycling is the more sensible option. Disposal rules vary by location, so use a local electronics-recycling program rather than putting a display in ordinary rubbish.
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Keep the monitor intact whenever you can. CRTs are not the only displays that may require special handling: older backlight designs and other components can vary, so do not assume every LCD is identical or dismantle a screen to find out. Follow local e-waste guidance for damaged or unwanted displays.
Quick Recap
Choose by goal
| Your goal | Best fit | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| Useful upgrade for little or no cost | Second monitor | Spare computer output and compatible cable |
| Watch videos privately | Streaming screen | Video input, audio route, resolution, and device compatibility |
| See family information at a glance | Household dashboard | Computer or player, network, mount, and power schedule |
| Play older games | Retro-gaming display | Input, controller support, aspect ratio, and CRT safety |
| Add changing images or ambient visuals | Digital frame or aquarium | Looping playback, sleep behavior, and screen condition |
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