Computer
Monitor Energy Use
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There are two main
types of monitor in use with computers, the original CRT type which
are slowly disappearing and the newer LCD type which have a lower power
consumption. In order to bring some sense to some of the power consumption
myths surrounding monitors a number of tests were done on an LCD and
a modern CRT monitor of similar size using a similar set up on the
same computer. The details of the two monitors used are:
CRT Monitor
AOC 17” Spectrum 7Vlr made in China (manufactured February 2007)
Set to 1280*1024 resolution 60Hz refresh
OS: Windows Vista Business
Computer: AMD Athlon 3.2GHz, 1GB RAM
LCD Monitor
Samsung 17” Sync Master 710N
Set to 1280*1024 resolution 60Hz refresh
OS: Windows Vista Business
Computer: AMD Athlon 3.2GHz, 1GB RAM
The results are set out below:
| Test |
CRT Monitor |
LCD Monitor |
| No signal (display blanked) - Standby |
4W |
2W |
| Standard Vista Desktop (12 Icons) |
72W |
24W |
| Black background (all windows minimised) |
65W |
24W |
| Black background + 1 window (open windows
white background, black text file 50% screen) |
72W |
24W |
| White background (all windows minimised) |
79W |
23W |
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From these results when comparing like for like:
LCD monitors use significantly less power than CRT ones
in all modes of operation.
Even when in standby the LCD monitor uses a measurable amount of power.
With CRT monitors the darker colours use significantly less power.
WIth LCD monitors the lighter colours use slightly more power.
To achieve the maximum savings with either type don't use a screen saver and
blank the screen when the computer is idle.
Switch of monitors at the mains when not in use.
An alternative to using dark backgrounds with CRT monitors is
to use a utility like CRT Saver which blanks the background.
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