Monitor

Step-by-step monitor check when buying or for yourself. Works for new and used monitors.

1

Quick check

5–10 minutes, no software to install

  1. Visual inspection

    Panel without cracks or deep scratches, case intact, stand stable.

  2. Power and menu

    Power indicator works, menu buttons respond, settings are saved after power-off.

  3. Connectors

    If possible, check the image via every port: HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA.

  4. Dead pixels and backlight bleed

    Check the panel on white and black backgrounds.

    Open online test →

  5. Extra features

    If there are built-in speakers, a USB hub or height/tilt adjustments — test them.

2

Medium check

10–15 minutes

  1. Gradients and colors

    Check smooth color transitions, no harsh banding.

    Open online test →

  2. Response time

    Run motion tests to check for trailing behind moving objects.

    Open online test →

  3. Flicker (PWM) check

    Look at the screen through a smartphone camera at low brightness. Stripes mean flicker.

  4. Color uniformity

    Check on a gray background for yellow or blue spots in the corners.

3

Full check

20–30 minutes

  1. Resolution and refresh rate

    Make sure the system sees the native resolution and maximum refresh rate (60 Hz, 144 Hz, etc.).

  2. Picture modes

    Test all built-in modes: Game, Movie, sRGB, HDR (if any).

  3. Stress test

    Leave the monitor on for 15–20 minutes with a colored background: no overheating, no image drifting.

  4. Calibration (optional)

    If you have a calibrator or calibration software, tune the color accuracy.

Related checklists

LaptopGraphics cardDesktop PC

How to test tech before buying

Buying new or used tech always comes with risks: hidden defects, dead pixels, broken keys, a worn battery, cooling issues and other problems are not always visible during a casual inspection. FullTestPC provides detailed step-by-step guides to help you catch everything when checking devices. For each type of hardware — laptops, desktop PCs, monitors, keyboards, mice, headphones, GPUs, SSDs and HDDs, RAM, CPUs and power supplies — we have three levels of diagnostics: a quick 5–10 minute check with no software to install (visual inspection, basic functions), a medium 15–20 minute check using built-in Windows tools (battery reports, chkdsk, load tests) and a full 30–60 minute check using professional utilities like AIDA64, FurMark, CrystalDiskInfo, Victoria, TestMem5 and OCCT. This approach lets you adjust the depth of the check to the situation: a quick check is enough when buying from a store, a medium check when buying from a private seller, and a full stress test of all components for complete peace of mind. Many tests can be done right in the browser using our online tools (keyboard test, monitor dead pixel test, mouse and trackpad test), while the rest use standard or free programs. Following these checklists reduces the risk of buying a broken device and gives you confidence in its condition.