Can You Use a Computer Monitor for PS4/PS5?

You can use a computer monitor for a PS4 or PS5 pretty easily. If you are trying to use a newer computer monitor, then connecting this to your PlayStation can be as simple as plug-and-play.

Some older monitors can also work, but you might need to use an adapter to get the correct input into the monitor for the console to work. As long as the monitor can still handle the resolution output of the PlayStation, it should work fine.

Newer monitors might have an HDMI input, which is what you’d typically plug the PlayStation into when using a TV monitor. So if you have a monitor with this input, the setup is essentially the same.

If you have an older computer monitor without an HDMI input, it’s still possible to connect a PS4 or PS5. But you’ll need to get an adapter or the proper cord to connect the console and the monitor.

But keep in mind that even if you get an adapter that allows the connection, an older monitor might not be able to keep up with the graphics that the PlayStation is capable of. This can lead to gameplay issues and other problems.

Can You Connect a PS5 to a Monitor with a PC?

You don’t need a PC to use a PS5 with a monitor. As long as the monitor can be powered independently and has the proper inputs to make a connection, you can quickly get your PlayStation dialed into it.

Monitors are separate pieces of equipment from a PC, and these can function without using one or the other. Just like you can plug multiple sources into a TV, you can also do this with most monitors.

How the PS5 connects to your monitor without a PC might change depending on how old the monitor you want to use is. But it is possible to do so in most cases and can be really easy if the monitor has an HDMI input.

How to Connect PS4/PS5 to PC Monitor

Connecting a PS4 or PS5 to a PC monitor is simple, and you might not need any special equipment to make this happen if you have a newer monitor.

The first thing you should do is connect the PlayStation to the monitor. If your monitor has an HDMI input, you can use the included cable that comes with the PS4 or PS5 for direct plug-and-play.

Then you just need to connect the PlayStation and the monitor to a power source and turn them on to start using them. The monitor will function like any other type of screen.

How to Connect PS4/PS5 to Monitor without HDMI

If the monitor you want to connect to doesn’t have an HDMI input, you’ll need to use an adapter or a different cable to operate the PlayStation.

As long as the monitor isn’t too old, you should be able to get the proper adapter without issue. These connect to the output end of the cable coming from the PlayStation, turning the HDMI end into whatever you need.

You can also get a cable rather than an adapter if you want. These can be more expensive than an adapter but still relatively affordable. You just need to ensure you get a cable that plugs into the PlayStation and has the proper output end to plug into your monitor.

Once you have the connection made, plug both the PlayStation and monitor in, turn them on, and you should be ready for action.

How to Connect PS5 to VGA Monitor

If you have a monitor with a VGA input, you can still connect a PS5 to it. You’ll just need to get an HDMI to VGA adapter to make this happen.

These adapters are easy to find and available online or at most electronic retailers. You need to get an adapter with an HDMI and VGA output.

The output end of the HDMI running from the PS5 plugs into the input end of the adapter. And the VGA output end of the adapter plugs into the input on the monitor. With the adapter in place, everything should work easily.

How to Choose a Gaming Monitor for PS4 or PS5

Here are the things that you should take into account before buying one.

Size

The size of your monitor is going to be dependent on several factors, such as the space you have on your desk and what you’re most comfortable using, which means bigger isn’t necessarily better.

For reference, however, most gaming monitors are between 21 and 27 inches on the diagonal. If you’re using multiple monitors, you could use a variety of sizing depending on your spacing or simply get the duplicate monitors if you prefer a uniform setup.

Resolution

The resolution of your screen tells you how many pixels it contains. The higher this is the better, but you’ll also need to be aware of the capabilities of your graphics card. While a 4K monitor may look fantastic, it will suffer from dropped frames and screen tearing if your graphics card isn’t up to par.

Therefore, when looking at resolution, usually a choice between 1080p (Full HD), 2K (QHD), and 4k (UHD), make sure to check your graphics card before bumping up the quality level.

Refresh Rate

The refresh rate is a measurement of how many images are displayed per second and is measured in Hertz (Hz). In this case, higher is better and monitors are available in around 60, 144, and 240 Hz.

Once again, however, a higher rate is pointless without the graphics card to push the frames, so you want to make sure you can support the frequency you want to have on the monitor.

Useful Tips to Protect Your Monitor

Every gaming monitor can experience something called “dead pixels”, which is when a pixel no longer turns on and off or is stuck on a single color.

These may not be noticeable during normal use but you should check for them regularly, especially if you have a good warranty on your monitor. You can use this web test to find and identify any such pixels.

Keeping your gaming monitor in top shape isn’t just about dead pixels. You’ll also want to make sure its settings are correct, this video tutorial has more:

Final Thoughts

It’s pretty easy to connect a computer monitor to a PS4 or PS5, especially if you have a monitor with an HDMI input. But even if you have a different monitor, it’s still possible with an adapter.

Have you ever used a computer monitor with a PS4 or PS5? Let me know in the comments below.

Can You Use a Computer Monitor for PS4/PS5?

Key Takeaways