A warning for those considering a Viewsonic VX2235wm 22"

hybrid2d4x4 · Post by **hybrid2d4x4** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 1:10 pm

After replacing my loud OCZ PSU fan, suspending my Harddrive, and tweaking my fans with a Zalman MFC2 controller, I found my loudest component to be.... my LCD monitor, the Viewsonic VX2235wm 22"!!

The noise is a mid-high pitched hum reminiscent of very small high-rpm fans, but upon some research, it seems to be from the built-in power transformer.

It is noticeably louder than the fans I have in my case which include 2x 120mmThermaltake TT1125 @600rpm, 1x 120mm Arctic Cooling AF12025pwm(in the PSU) @580rpm, 1x 120mm Scythe Ninja revB @640rpm and a 600mm(?)Zalman VF-700 Cu LED on vga(by far loudest of the fans) @ 1800rpm. This is something that I've noticed only recently, although it may have been there all along, but masked by the other sources of noise. Many others seem to be experiencing the same symptom.

Buyers beware!

Matzon · Post by **Matzon** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 1:18 pm

BTDT

It's a common problem with monitors - they'll probably fix it in 2020+

Badger · Post by **Badger** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 2:19 pm

try adjusting the brightness up and down

Wibla · Post by **Wibla** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 3:11 pm

I have one, no noise from the power supply tho, but not very good performance optically. Wouldnt use it for photoshop stuff, and it has backlight leakage problems in addition to crappy viewing angles due to the TN panel.

hybrid2d4x4 · Post by **hybrid2d4x4** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 11:21 am

Thanks for the tip, Badger. Unfortunately, it only goes away at 100% brightness, which is a bit brighter than I'd like... but at least the noise is gone.

Matzon > Not in my experience, at least not on the scale that I was experiencing. The hum was louder than my HDD while seeking, and I don't have one of those quiet drives that are recommended here. I previously assumed it was all coming from my power supply in my system, but it was the monitor.

Aris · Post by **Aris** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 12:54 pm

from what ive read from other people, this isnt a "brand" / "model #" type of issue like you usually see with other components. It seems to happen randomly through all the quality levels of monitors. If you get one just RMA it as faulty until you get one that doesnt make noise.

Ive got 2x LCD viewsonics now. The 19" VX922 and the 22" VG2230WM, neither have this issue. I am very pleased with every viewsonic i've ever owned throughout the last 10+ years ive been purchasing them, LCD and CRT alike.

qviri · Post by **qviri** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 2:28 pm

hybrid2d4x4 wrote:Thanks for the tip, Badger. Unfortunately, it only goes away at 100% brightness, which is a bit brighter than I'd like... but at least the noise is gone.

While not the optimal solution, adjusting gamma levels in your graphics card's drivers can simulate brightness control.

hybrid2d4x4 · Post by **hybrid2d4x4** » Fri Sep 21, 2007 4:36 pm

^ That's a good idea as well. Thanks guys!
Sorry if i have prematurely pointed the finger at my brand/model if it really is such a common occurrence in LCDs. I was alarmed when I googled the problem along with my model #, and the first 2 reviews of the monitor I came across, both complained of noise issues and received ratings that were not very reassuring...

Badger · Post by **Badger** » Fri Sep 21, 2007 7:30 pm

My Samsung 930Bs do it up until a certain amount of brightness, too. It is common; in fact I'd be surprised if there were a panel that didn't have it at any level.

Equilateral · Post by **Equilateral** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 6:46 am

Just a further $0.02, it's not uncommon to find this across almost any brand and model. As others have suggested, the only real option is to keep RMA'ing until you get one that works OK. I currently have an Acer 20" LCD out on RMA for exactly this problem, it seems to be more or less pot luck whether you end up with one that has the problem or not. It's also dependent on the brightness, with PWM dimming at anything over about 95% brightness/duty cycle you won't hear it any more, it's only with the lowered duty cycle that it's apparent.

(Anyone know a widely-read tech site that could do a story on this? The use of dodgy inverters is so widespread that it's something that people should know about before they buy).

Patrick82 · Post by **Patrick82** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 3:28 pm

I have the same problem with HP LP3065.
With max brightness the buzzing is gone but anything lower gives loud buzzing. I tried max brightness with lower contrast and brightness in Catalyst Control Center. But there was too much backlight bleeding and my body felt hotter as well.
I'm using the lowest brightness now and I have gotten used to the buzzing and it doesn't bother me anymore.

Has anyone tried removing the power supply from the display and putting it somewhere else?

Kaleid · Post by **Kaleid** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 12:59 pm

Had a very loud monitor for a few days, Samsung 931BW. Shipped it back and replaced it with a far better monitor which also is quiet. See signature..

Solid Snake · Post by **Solid Snake** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 12:08 pm

Crack that sucker open, I want to see some voided warrantees.

Eunos · Post by **Eunos** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 5:36 pm

Whilst I can't say for sure, it has been suggested that 240 volt countries are more likely to have inverter noise problems than those with 120 volts...