When setting up your computer, there are many things to consider, from the PCU to the monitor. You also need many cables to connect the various components – but can you power a monitor without a power cord?
It’s only possible to power a monitor with a power cord. Although the connective ports and cables carry voltage, the monitor requires sufficient power from its cable to turn on its backlight and provide the picture on the screen.
Read on to find out why a power cord is necessary for your computer monitor and what you need to know if you’re planning to build your computer system.
What is a Monitor Power Cord?
Sometimes referred to as a mains or flex cable, a power cord is a primary cable that connects your computer’s monitor to a power source. All hardware comes with a power cord, including printers and other PC components.
Helpfully, most monitors come with a functioning power cord, meaning it’s easy to connect your device to power, and you don’t necessarily need to worry about ordering the most appropriate cable for your device.
Some people assume that a monitor only requires a data cable (the cable that connects the monitor to the PC), but the reality is that a power cord is essential, as we explain below.
What Cables Does a Monitor Need?
Every PC monitor requires at least two cables: a power cable and a data cable. As the name suggests, the power cable connects the monitor to a power outlet and enables you to turn on your monitor.
The data cable ensures that information from your computer is displayed on the screen.
There are several data cables for monitors, including VGA, S-Video, DVI, HDMI, DP, or USB-C, depending on your monitor’s setup.
Therefore, if you’re planning to set up your computer, you must ensure that you have power and data cables.
Otherwise, you won’t be able to turn on your monitor and connect it to the PC itself.
Are Monitor Power Cords Universal?
When looking for the best way to connect your monitor to a power source, the good news is that monitor power cables are universal, meaning you can easily pick up a monitor power cord online that will be a perfect fit for your device.
That being said, power adaptors are not universal, as they come with different voltages and outputs.
Therefore, you risk damaging your computer’s screen if you connect your monitor with the wrong power adaptor.
Power adaptors connect laptop computers to power, so you must be careful when ordering a replacement adaptor for your device. You should always check the voltage and outputs before ordering the most suitable adaptor for your computer.
Where to Find a Replacement Power Cord?
Because monitor power cords are universal, you won’t have issues finding a replacement cable for your device. A quick Google search will reveal a whole host of options, and you can order from an online store you’re comfortable with.
As with many tech items, Amazon is a great place to start, but you can also look at specialist computer stores and platforms if you prefer.
If you prefer online shopping, you can also head to a brick-and-mortar computer store to buy a replacement power cord.
Given that a power cord is essential for connecting your computer’s monitor, if you think your cable is damaged, it’s best to replace it to avoid downtime.
The good news is that there are so many online places where you can buy a replacement power cord, making your life a little bit easier when searching for the right cables and hardware for your tech.
Can You Connect a Laptop to a Monitor?
Since so many of us work from home, the need for flexible home computer systems is increasing. With that in mind, connecting your laptop to your computer monitor is incredibly straightforward, providing additional screens to view your content.
The best way to connect your laptop to a monitor is to use an HDMI cable – plug the laptop into the back of your monitor with the correct cable, and you’re all set.
It’s as simple as that.
If your monitor doesn’t have an HDMI port, you can extend your display with a DisplayPort cable or connect the two devices with a USB-C cable.
Ultimately, connecting your laptop to your computer’s monitor is easy and is a great solution when you’re working from home.
Conclusion
Ultimately, you cannot power a computer monitor without a power cord, as it’s required for connecting the monitor to a power source.
It would help if you had a data cable to connect your monitor to the computer itself. But helpfully, monitor power cables are universal, and you can easily order a replacement cable online if yours is damaged or misplaced.