What Are the Two Boxes Behind My Monitor?
Okay, let’s cut the crap. You’ve probably been staring at those two anonymous boxes lurking behind your monitor, right? And that nagging question, ‘what are the two boxes behind my monitor,’ has been buzzing around your brain like a persistent mosquito.
I get it. I’ve been there. Wasted hours scrolling through forums filled with jargon I barely understood, trying to decipher cryptic diagrams that looked like they were drawn by a caffeinated octopus.
Honestly, most of the stuff you’ll find online is either too technical or so dumbed down it’s useless. My goal here is to just tell you what they are, why they exist, and if you actually need them, without the corporate fluff.
Why Are Those Things Even There?
Those ‘boxes’ you’re seeing are almost certainly power adapters, or more specifically, ‘wall warts’ and ‘power bricks.’ They’re the unsung, often ugly, heroes that convert the high-voltage AC power from your wall socket into the lower-voltage DC power that your monitor, or other connected peripherals, actually need to function.
Think of them like a tiny, specialized transformer and rectifier combined. Wall power is like a roaring river – powerful, but too much for delicate electronics. These adapters are the dams and turbines, taming that raw energy into a steady, usable flow. Without them, you’d fry your fancy new screen faster than you can say ‘expensive mistake.’ I once plugged a high-end graphics tablet directly into a faulty adapter that a lesser-known brand *claimed* was compatible, only to watch it emit a puff of smoke and die. Total bummer, and a solid $400 down the drain. Lesson learned: cheaping out on power is never a good idea.
Power Bricks vs. Wall Warts: What’s the Difference?
You’ll see both terms thrown around. A ‘wall wart’ is typically a smaller, more compact adapter that plugs directly into the wall outlet, often with a cable running from it to your device. They’re common for smaller electronics like routers, some webcams, or older external hard drives.
A ‘power brick’ is usually a larger, more substantial rectangular unit, often with a thick cable going into your device and another cable connecting it to the wall. These are more common for higher-power devices like laptops, monitors, and gaming consoles. They tend to be more efficient and generate less heat because they have more space for internal components and heatsinks. Plus, they often feel more robust, less like they’re going to snap off if you accidentally bump them.
The key thing to remember is their purpose: to be the intermediary between your home’s electricity and your electronics. They’re essentially the bouncers at the club, checking IDs and making sure only the right kind of power gets in. (See Also: What Is Key Lock On Monitor )
When Do You Actually Need Them?
This is where things get a bit nuanced, and frankly, where a lot of confusion happens. Not every device needs an external power brick or wall wart. Many modern monitors, especially smaller ones or those that draw less power, have the power supply built directly into the monitor itself. You’ll often see a standard C13 power cord (the same kind your computer tower uses) plugging directly into the monitor in those cases.
However, if you have a dedicated power adapter with its own cable running from the wall or power strip to your monitor, then yes, you absolutely need that box. It means the power supply is external.
My advice? Always check the back of your monitor. If there’s a port for a specific power brick or wall wart cable, that’s what you should be using. If there’s just a standard three-prong power socket, then the power supply is internal, and you don’t need the external adapter.
So, What’s the Deal with My Specific Monitor?
Look closely at what’s plugged in. Is it a single cable from the wall directly into the back of the monitor, or is it a two-part system? Part one is the cable from the wall to a rectangular box, and part two is another cable from that box to the monitor.
If it’s the two-part system, those are your power adapters.
If it’s a single cable, the power supply is built-in.
It’s a bit like the difference between a smartphone that charges via USB-C directly and an older laptop that needs its bulky power brick. Both do the same job, but the implementation is different. Consumer Reports did a deep dive into power efficiency last year and found that while built-in supplies are often more convenient, external bricks can sometimes be more efficient or easier to replace if they fail, which is a point many articles gloss over. (See Also: What Is Smart Response Monitor )
This is also a good time to mention that sometimes, particularly with cheaper monitors or those older bulky CRT types (remember those dinosaurs?), the ‘box’ might not be a power adapter at all. It could be a signal booster or a hub for extra ports, but for modern flat-panel displays, it’s overwhelmingly power-related.
Common Issues and When to Worry
The most common issue with these power adapters is failure. They can overheat, or their internal components can degrade over time. You might notice:
- The adapter feels unusually hot to the touch.
- Your monitor flickers or randomly shuts off.
- The adapter makes a high-pitched whining or buzzing sound.
- Your monitor simply won’t power on at all.
If you suspect an adapter is faulty, the best course of action is usually to replace it. Now, here’s the catch: you *must* replace it with one that has the exact same voltage, amperage, and connector type. Getting this wrong is a recipe for disaster. The voltage (V) and amperage (A) must match, and the connector (the little plug that goes into your monitor) needs to be the right size and shape. You can usually find this information printed on the original adapter itself. If the original is damaged or unreadable, your monitor’s manual or the manufacturer’s website should have the specs.
Trying to use a generic, off-brand adapter that *looks* like it fits is a gamble I wouldn’t take. I spent around $150 testing three different generic adapters for a portable monitor once, hoping to save a few bucks. Two of them ended up causing the monitor to display weird color banding, and the third just didn’t work at all. Stick to reputable brands or, ideally, an official replacement from the monitor manufacturer.
Can I Just Get Rid of Them?
Generally, no. If your monitor requires an external power adapter, it’s designed that way. Removing it means the monitor won’t get the power it needs to turn on or function. It’s like asking if you can get rid of the engine in your car to save weight – you wouldn’t get very far.
However, there’s a slight caveat. Some users, especially those with multiple devices that use similar power adapters (like certain brands of mini-PCs or docking stations), might opt for a universal power adapter. These are high-quality, adjustable adapters that can be configured to output the correct voltage and amperage for various devices. But again, you need to be extremely careful with the settings. My buddy Dave, who’s an IT guru, swears by them, but even he admits that if you’re not paying attention, you can cause serious damage. He once fixed a client’s setup where someone had accidentally set a universal adapter to 19V instead of 12V for a small media player, and it fried the thing instantly.
For most people, the simplest and safest approach is to use the adapter that came with your monitor. If it’s lost or broken, find an exact replacement. Trying to ‘upgrade’ or bypass it without deep technical knowledge is usually a bad idea. (See Also: What Is The Air Monitor )
What About Those Other Little Boxes?
Sometimes, behind your monitor, you might see something *other* than a power adapter. It’s rare for modern setups, but possible:
- USB Hubs: These are often small, rectangular boxes with multiple USB ports. They’re used to expand the number of USB connections available to your computer if your tower or laptop doesn’t have enough.
- KVM Switches: If you use one keyboard and mouse to control multiple computers, a KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch is a box that connects all your peripherals and then lets you switch between computers with the press of a button.
- External Hard Drive Enclosures: Less common these days with the rise of SSDs and cloud storage, but older external drives often came in their own powered enclosure.
But let’s be honest, 95% of the time, if it’s a ‘box’ connected to your monitor, it’s a power adapter. The other stuff usually has a more obvious function or more visible cables.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you distinguish:
| Device Type | Typical Appearance | Primary Function | Opinion/Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Adapter (Wall Wart) | Small, plugs directly into wall | Converts AC to DC for low-power devices | Ubiquitous, but can clutter outlets. |
| Power Adapter (Brick) | Rectangular, often with two cables | Converts AC to DC for higher-power devices | More robust, often better heat dissipation. |
| USB Hub | Small box, multiple USB ports | Expands USB connectivity | Essential for port-starved systems. |
| KVM Switch | Box with multiple input/output ports (keyboard, mouse, video) | Controls multiple computers with one set of peripherals | A lifesaver for multi-PC users, but can be pricey. |
Faqs About Monitor Power Supplies
Why Does My Monitor’s Power Adapter Get Warm?
It’s normal for power adapters to generate some heat during operation, especially when they’re actively converting electricity. Think of it like friction – when energy is being transformed, some is always lost as heat. As long as it’s just warm to the touch and not scorching hot, it’s usually fine. If it’s too hot to comfortably hold for more than a few seconds, that’s a warning sign.
Can I Use a Laptop Power Adapter for My Monitor?
Only if the voltage, amperage, and connector type are *exactly* the same. Most monitors use specific power requirements that differ from laptops. Using the wrong one can damage your monitor or the adapter, or both. It’s generally not recommended unless you’ve verified compatibility with 100% certainty from the manufacturer’s specifications.
Is It Bad to Leave the Power Adapter Plugged in When the Monitor Is Off?
Most modern power adapters have very low standby power consumption, so leaving them plugged in is generally fine and doesn’t significantly impact your electricity bill. However, some older adapters or cheaper ones might draw more power in standby, and there’s always a tiny risk of surge damage during a lightning storm. For peace of mind and to potentially save a minuscule amount of energy, unplugging them when not in use isn’t a bad habit, though it’s not strictly necessary for most. I personally unplug mine to be safe.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it. Those two boxes behind your monitor are almost certainly power adapters, doing the vital job of making sure your screen gets the right kind of juice. It’s not rocket science, but it is important not to mess with them.
If you’re staring at yours right now and wondering, ‘what are the two boxes behind my monitor,’ and they’re indeed power bricks or wall warts, you know their purpose. Don’t lose them, don’t use the wrong ones, and if they start acting weird, replace them with the correct specifications.
Honestly, it’s a small detail, but like a good pair of shoes, the right power adapter makes all the difference. Get it wrong, and your whole setup might just fall flat on its face.
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