Need a little computer help

[Monty]

After 7+ years, my old computer is dying and I'm considering replacing it with another Dell, an Inspiron 3891 to be exact.  To be a little economical, I'd like to use my 10-year-old Viewsonic monitor, but some people have suggested it may not work with newer computers (different cable?)  I tried using Dell's tech chatbox, but they kept asking for info I didn't know and more or less avoided answering the question.

Anybody out there know the answer?  Please show your work; I'm trying to keep this as simple as possible.  

[Raoul Ross]

Most monitors, and computers as well, have more that one type of connector. Options are, VGA (the 3 row 15pin connector) DVI (a wider connector with some horizontal blade-type pins on one side), HDMI (looks like a wider USB connector). Dell also uses a Display Port, but it needs a Dell monitor to use it. Chances are you monitor will work just fine.

Check the specs on the Dell as far as Video Out connectors and see if your monitor has them. Here's a chart that may help.

EDIT: There is usually a menu on the monitor that can be set to do an Auto Scan of it's different connectors. Hook it up and turn the monitor on and let it find the connector that's connected and it'll auto sync-up.

Edited June 6, 2023 by Raoul Ross

[peteski]

Up until few years ago standard VGA interface was the most widely used. But in the last few years the HDMI connector became pretty much the standard.  If your monitor has the HDMI connector in the back, then it will work fine.  if it only has a VGA connector, then there are inexpensive HDMI to VGA adapters available, but those might give you the best quality (and resolution) video.  Monitors have come down in price. Just last week my GF bought a new Dell 27" flat screen monitor (with HDMI interface) and it cost around $150.

[stitchdup]

While you said you would like to keep your current monitor, you may get some other options/discounts if you replace the the whole thing as one unit. I would expect a monitor to be part of any deal you get offered so its worth keeping the option open just in case.

[Dave Ambrose]

I'd look at two things --

First is your current monitor's resolution. It should be at least 1920x1080. If it's lower than that, get a new monitor. 

Second is the available plugs on the back. It should have either Digital Video Interface, or some size of HDMI connector. If it doesn't have either of those, get a new monitor. DVI is identifiable by having a blade as one of the contacts. You can get adapter cables to go between HDMI devices, and DVI monitors. 

There are three sizes of HDMI connector, micro, mini, and full-size. My Dell desktop and Mac Mini have full size. My camera has a mini, and my new laptop has a micro. If money gets tight, I'm going to open a cable store. 

I currently have two largish monitors on my main desktop system. They have DVI connectors and are working fine. 

Incidentally, Costco has good prices on monitors. 

[MeatMan]

That model looks to have both an HDMI and VGA. If that's the case and you're satisfied with the display quality I think you're good to go.