Can I Turn My All-in-One PC Into a Monitor for My New PC Build?

The idea of converting your all-in-one PC into a monitor for your new PC build sounds intriguing, but it's typically not a feasible solution due to the inherent design and hardware limitations of all-in-one systems. Let's explore the reasons and alternatives in more detail.

Understanding All-in-One PCs

First, it's important to understand what an all-in-one PC is. Typically, it integrates the display, CPU, and other components into a single unit for a sleek and compact design. However, this integration comes with limitations that make it challenging to repurpose the monitor as an external display.

Why Can't You Use an All-in-One PC as a Monitor?

The primary challenges in using an all-in-one PC as a monitor include:

Integrated Display

All-in-one PCs have their displays integrated directly into the system, which means they lack the necessary input ports like HDMI or DisplayPort. These ports are crucial for connecting an external monitor, and without them, your all-in-one PC cannot be used as a monitor.

Hardware Limitations

The internal hardware of an all-in-one PC is specifically designed to work with the integrated display. It is not structured to accept video input from external sources, making it nearly impossible to repurpose the hardware for an external connection.

Software and Drivers

Even if you had a way to physically connect an external display, there would be significant challenges in getting the necessary drivers to recognize and function with the external input. The software and drivers would need to be compatible, which is rare in such scenarios.

Alternatives for a New PC Build

Given these limitations, here are some more practical solutions:

External Monitors

The most straightforward and reliable solution is to use a dedicated external monitor for your new PC build. This approach ensures that you have the best possible visual experience and can easily connect to your new hardware.

Remote Desktop Solutions

If you need to access your new PC build from another location or your current all-in-one PC, consider using remote desktop software. This allows you to control another computer over a network, providing a flexible and efficient way to manage your systems.

Exploring Tinkering Options

While the above solutions are the most practical, if you enjoy tinkering and have the right tools, you can explore a more technical approach:

Similar to the process for laptops, you can:

Open up the all-in-one PC and figure out what LCD display panel it uses. Find an adapter board that will drive the panel. If available, use a component like the one shown:

The adapter board is quite bare-bones, and you would need to figure out where to mount it and how to power it. If you have access to a 3D printer, this might be a fun project for tech enthusiasts.

However, it's important to note that this approach is highly technical, requires advanced skills, and involves significant risks. It is not recommended for most users due to the complexity and potential damage to your hardware.

Given the detailed setup and potential risks, the most advisable course of action is to treat your all-in-one PC as the monitor for your existing system and invest in a dedicated monitor for your new PC build.