Monitor Flicking/Brightness Dims.
 

So I got this Compaq MV540 monitor for 4 years now and a few days ago the brightness starts to flicker from time to time to make the screen dims dull/dark. Is this a sign that my monitor will go out soon?

If I do need a new monitor, what do you suggest? CRT? LCD? DVI output? Around $200?

In my experience, that does usually signal imminent monitor death. As for a replacement, an LCD monitor would be good (make sure to get one with a decent response time if you're a gamer). I'm not sure about pricing, though; I've seen them sold for all sorts of prices.

While we're on the topic of possible impending monitor doom, my monitor's been acting weird too.

What happens is that, if it's been in sleep mode for long enough, and I wake it up, then when a white background shows up (like, oh... Foobar2k), a bunch of red lines will show up as well. They disappear after a few minutes, though. I've also noticed that when I load Foobar, the monitor shows nothing but static for a split second, then everything's fine again.

Just in case, consider moving the screen to some place far from it's current one. This is just from personal experience, but I realized my screen had been flicking and shaking for almost a year because a huge power supply had been installed on the other side of my wall.

Also reduce the resolution on the monitor and reduce the refresh rate to 60Hz, the lower both are, the less strain the monitor takes.

But 60Hz makes you blind at 35yo. ;_;

Windows usually chooses the 'best' refresh rate for your resolution. If 60Hz is too straining on the eyes, try 70, 72, 75 or 85Hz whichever *just* meets your needs.

The monitor I'm using right now can only go up to 1024x768 @ 60Hz...
<_<

...I guess it's time for a new monitor.

Find some friends who have "useless" computer junk. Right now I have a 17" CRT monitor running 1280x768 @ 85Hz I got for free from my uncle (which he got for free). It works great and the only flaw is you can see an image imprinted on the screen when bright colors are shown (this was probably caused by someone who had a constant image on for way too long). If you decide to go the brand new-route, you should be able to get a good new 17" CRT monitor for ~$100 and an 17" LCD for $200.

oh can anybody answer correctly? Bunch of smart guys saying nothing.
So my opinion it is a cold soldering, you must tesolder the pins that are coming out of high voltage transformer i think the 6.3 line fades, coil...
Then replace some capacitators, that are feeding DC DC convertor in first stage power supply, next thing adjust focus for better image.... by the way resolder the connecting panel with the kinescope too...

Bad idea.

Working on several kilovolt transformers and big nasty rail capacitors is VERY dangerous if you don't know what you're doing, and it's suicide if you don't discharge the tube first. Even if you don't electrocute yourself, there's always the real possibility of breaking the tube, which will send glass flying everywhere.

Just buy a new monitor. You can buy nice used 19" CRTs for under $100 easily, and basic 17" LCDs aren't much above $200 anymore, and you'll really appreciate being able to run at higher resolutions and refresh rates. ^^

thousands of tv and monitors ar gone trough my hand, and had never broken a tube, and one thing more you must repair it unplugged, a moinitor usualy doesn't much in primery rail conenser, but you alweays must discharge it using some instrument, but again he asked for help thats all, here is the solution

Double Post:
P.S tube doesn't hold any electrical charge..... condensers does....

You don't have any speakers or anything like that near your monitor do you? My screen sometimes flickers and goes dim, but its due to having the speakers next to my monitor as they contain magnets which cause adverse affects, if I move them away it usually doesn't happen.