New Monitor Checklist: What to Test Before Returns Close

Byscreentesteradmin

Panel quality varies, even between two monitors of the same model. Most retailers accept returns for any reason within a few weeks, while manufacturer warranties often only cover serious defects. So the best time to find a problem is the day the monitor arrives. This checklist takes about ten minutes with our free screen tester.

Before you start

  • Connect with the best cable you have: DisplayPort, or HDMI 2.0/2.1 for high refresh rates.
  • Set the native resolution and 100% scaling in your system settings.
  • Set the highest refresh rate your monitor supports.
  • Let the monitor warm up for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Clean the screen with a dry microfiber cloth so dust is not mistaken for dead pixels.

1. Check the physical condition

Look for scratches, dents, loose stand parts and marks on the frame. Make sure every port works.

2. Dead, stuck and hot pixels (2 minutes)

Press Start full screen check. The first nine screens are solid colors. Get close and scan each one in sections. Double-click any faulty dot to record its position.

3. Uniformity (1 minute)

The next five screens are gray fields. Step back and look for darker corners, blotches, vertical bands, or a dirty, smudgy look when you pan your eyes (dirty screen effect). Slight vignetting is common. Clear patches are not.

4. Backlight bleed (1 minute)

On the black screen, in a dim room at full brightness, look for light leaking from the edges. Move your head: light that moves is IPS glow and is normal. Read bleed vs glow if you are unsure.

5. Gradients and levels (2 minutes)

Smooth ramps should not show clear stripes. On the black level screen you should see most patches from 1 to 20. On the white screen you should see most patches from 235 to 254. If not, adjust brightness and contrast, or the monitor’s picture mode.

6. Sharpness (30 seconds)

Run Sharpness. One-pixel lines should be crisp. If they shimmer or blur, recheck resolution and scaling, and turn off any sharpness enhancement in the monitor menu.

7. Refresh rate and ghosting (2 minutes)

The Refresh rate tile should show the rate you paid for, such as 144 or 240 Hz. If it shows 60 Hz, change the setting in your display settings and check the cable. Then run Ghosting and try each overdrive setting in your monitor’s menu. Choose the one with the shortest trails and no bright halos.

8. Make a note

Write down what you found, the pixel positions and the date. Take a photo of any bleed or defects at normal exposure.

What justifies a return?

That is up to you and the store’s policy. Common reasons: any dead or stuck pixel near the center, bleed visible in normal content, obvious uniformity blotches, or a refresh rate that cannot be reached. Do not wait. Return windows close fast.

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