The main advantage to using the DisplayPort output instead of DVI or VGA is that HDMI and DisplayPort carry both video and audio signals. In this case, you’ll need to use a different cable ( DisplayPort-to-HDMI). If you want to use your HDTV as a second or third monitor, you may need to use a different port, such as your graphics card’s DisplayPort output.

VGA’s an analog signal that will give you a far fuzzier, lower-resolution image than you’ll get with an HDMI or DVI cord. Although some older HDTVs and some older computers only have VGA inputs/outputs, they aren’t not an ideal choice. AmazonBasics version for just $7 Remove non-product link. If you’re using an older graphics card or motherboard that only has a DVI output, you can snag a cheap DVI-to-HDMI cable and plug it into your HDTV’s HDMI output. Here’s everything you need to know about how to set up a TV as a computer monitor-and why you might not want to.Īll modern graphics cards (like this Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 6600 XT) include at least one HDMI port (second from left, between several DisplayPorts). You definitely can use an HDTV as your PC’s display, though, and your television can also work in a pinch if you suddenly need a second screen. There’s a reason dirt-cheap 32-inch HDTVs aren’t flying off the shelves to be used as budget-friendly jumbo screens. In fact, it’s likely less attractive, convenient, and usable than you think (not to mention, probably not that cheap). While you can use a TV as a computer monitor in most cases, that doesn’t mean it’s the best option. At the end of the day, isn’t an HDTV just a giant, living-room-oriented computer monitor? You’ve probably already got a big screen in your house, though-a TV.

Think of all the multi-tasking and immersive gaming you could manage if you had a 50- or 60-inch monitor instead of a standard 24-inch monitor! But you’ve probably noticed that as monitors get bigger, they also tend to get prohibitively expensive. You’re not the first person who’s wondered what it would be like to have a giant desktop monitor.

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