How to Test a New Monitor
A practical first-day checklist for checking a new monitor for dead pixels, bleed, uniformity, gradients and refresh behavior.
Quick answer
Test a new monitor during the return window at native resolution and normal brightness. Check solid colors for pixel defects, black and gray for bleed and uniformity, gradients for banding, and motion or refresh behavior with the connection you plan to use.
Last reviewed: July 30, 2026 · Testing method and editorial policy
Start with a neutral setup
Use native resolution, disable night mode and extreme dynamic contrast, and clean the panel. Keep the brightness near your normal level so the result reflects real use instead of an artificial maximum setting.
Check the panel in layers
Use white, black, red, green and blue for dead or stuck pixels. Continue with black and gray for edge light, dirty screen effect and tint, then use gradients to look for abrupt steps or color bands.
Verify the full signal path
Confirm refresh rate and resolution with the intended cable, port, adapter and GPU. A problem that appears only at one mode may come from the connection or settings rather than the panel itself.
How to verify it
- Set native resolution, normal brightness and a neutral color mode.
- Run pixel, backlight bleed and screen uniformity checks.
- Inspect gradients, motion and refresh behavior.
- Repeat and document any defect before the return window closes.