CRT step by step buyers guide + tips and resources.

[Dimitris Balafoutis]

Do you want to buy and use a CRT? Well, You've come to the right post.

This is a step by step CRT buyer's guide written by a CRT user for future CRT users.

STEP 1: find space
Make sure you have enough space for it, as CRTs can get pretty big and space-taking.

STEP 2: Find a place to get a CRT
Thrift Stores or local auction sites (e.g Vendora for Bulgaria, Cyprus and Greece) are most likely the best option for you. You could check on e-Bay but be very careful, as you can often get scammed there. You can also try asking friends, colleagues or schools if they have one they could sell or giveaway to you.

STEP 3: Locate the best CRT you can find
If you have multiple options to pick, here are some things to compare:
-screen size (inches)
-dot Pitch (in mm, will determine screen sharpness)
-Screen curvature (curved or flat screen) Flat screen is better, but more expensive and uncommon.
-Colors
-Brightness
-Price (if its not a giveaway and its for sale)
TIP: Make sure you get a CRT from a known brand like LG or Sony. Avoid brands like Atari or Apple, as they usually have proprietary connectivity and/or are monochrome.

STEP 4: Test the CRT and avoid rookie mistakes.
You should test the monitor before buying. Power it on, and if it shows a clear screen, its probably good. If possible, test with a computer.
IMPORTANT: Its usually normal if the CRT makes cracking or hissing noises on power on, especially if its been a long time since its gotten power. Therefore doesn't indicate that its a non-working unit.

STEP 5: Final decision and setup
Make your decision and buy the CRT you've found the best. While you're at it, buy a good quality DisplayPort-to-VGA, HDMI-to-VGA, or DVI-to-VGA adapter if your computer doesn't have a VGA port, or else you wont be able to use it, as most CRTs use VGA only.
-Carefully place the CRT on the selected space.
-Plug it into power (if you're gonna use it on an AT-style computer, plug it in the power supply.
-Plug your CRT into your PC with the display cable.
-Now you should see display after turning your PC on.
-Now the CRT will most likely flicker (wrong refresh-rate to resolution ratio) and have a wrong resolution. Use your GPU Driver utility or CRU to find the best resolution-to-refresh rate combination (CRU will find it automatically) and then restart your GPU driver.
-Good to go!

I hope you wont have issues on the way.
If you have any issue in step 5 or want me to help you compare some monitors, feel free to reply down below, DM me directly from eclipse or from dimitrisbalafoutis@xmpp.chat/dimitriosss@escargot.chat or mail me at dimitris.balafoutis@gmx.com.