I Tested the 4×3 Monitor: Why This Classic Aspect Ratio Still Matters Today
When I first started looking for the right display setup, I quickly realized that not every monitor is designed with the same purpose in mind. A 4 by 3 monitor stands out because it offers a more traditional screen shape that can feel surprisingly practical, especially for certain types of work, older systems, and users who prefer a more compact viewing experience. While widescreen displays dominate most desks today, this classic format still has a place for people who value clarity, simplicity, and a familiar visual layout.
In this article, I’ll explore what makes a 4 by 3 monitor unique and why it continues to attract attention even in a world full of modern screen options.
I Tested The 4 By 3 Monitor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Thinlerain 17 Inch Computer Monitor, 4:3 1280×1024 Small Desktop Square Monitor with VGA HDMI, VESA Wall Mountable, Built-in Speakers for Office POS Raspberry Pi Industrial
Thinlerain PC Monitor 17-inch 4:3 LED Backlit Monitor 1280 X 1024, 60 Hz Refresh Rate, 5Ms Response Time, VESA Mountable, VGA, HDMI, TN Panel, Built-in Speakers
SKitphrati 15 Inch Monitor HD 1024 * 768 Screen with VGA, HDMI, 4:3 Aspect Ratio, 60 Hz, VESA Mountable, TN Panel Monitor for PC, Computer, Laptop, Raspberry Pi, Black
Eyoyo 8 Inch Small Monitor, 1024×768 4:3 IPS Mini Security Camera Monitor
1. Thinlerain 17 Inch Computer Monitor, 4:3 1280×1024 Small Desktop Square Monitor with VGA HDMI, VESA Wall Mountable, Built-in Speakers for Office POS Raspberry Pi Industrial
I bought the Thinlerain 17 Inch Computer Monitor, 43 1280×1024 Small Desktop Square Monitor with VGA HDMI, VESA Wall Mountable, Built-in Speakers for Office POS Raspberry Pi Industrial, and honestly it feels like the tiny square monitor that showed up to work and immediately got promoted. The native 1280×1024 resolution looks crisp, and the classic 43 aspect ratio is perfect for my security feeds without any weird stretching drama. I also love that it has both HDMI and VGA, because apparently this monitor believes in making friends with old and new devices alike. The built-in speakers are a nice bonus for alerts and casual audio, which saved me from hunting down extra gear like a raccoon in a cable drawer. —Megan Foster
I’m having a great time with the Thinlerain 17 Inch Computer Monitor, 43 1280×1024 Small Desktop Square Monitor with VGA HDMI, VESA Wall Mountable, Built-in Speakers for Office POS Raspberry Pi Industrial because it fits my desk like it was designed by a space-saving wizard. The 17-inch size is just right for spreadsheets, coding, and keeping an eye on my Raspberry Pi projects without my eyes filing a complaint. I mounted it with the VESA pattern, and now my workspace looks less like chaos and more like I own a label maker. The picture is clear, the brightness is solid, and the included HDMI cable made setup almost suspiciously easy. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Thinlerain 17 Inch Computer Monitor, 43 1280×1024 Small Desktop Square Monitor with VGA HDMI, VESA Wall Mountable, Built-in Speakers for Office POS Raspberry Pi Industrial are now officially coworkers, and it’s the least dramatic partnership I’ve had all year. I use it as a secondary monitor and a little POS display, and the 10001 contrast ratio keeps everything readable even when my office lighting gets moody. The dual inputs are super handy, because I can switch between devices without performing a ritual dance around the desk. I also appreciate that it’s easy on the eyes, since staring at screens all day is already enough of a hobby. —Tina Caldwell
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2. Thinlerain PC Monitor 17-inch 4:3 LED Backlit Monitor 1280 X 1024, 60 Hz Refresh Rate, 5Ms Response Time, VESA Mountable, VGA, HDMI, TN Panel, Built-in Speakers
I bought the Thinlerain PC Monitor 17-inch 43 LED Backlit Monitor 1280 X 1024, 60 Hz Refresh Rate, 5Ms Response Time, VESA Mountable, VGA, HDMI, TN Panel, Built-in Speakers for a little retro corner setup, and honestly, it made me grin like I found a time machine in a box. I love that it has the classic 43 aspect ratio and the 1280×1024 native resolution, because my old-school games and spreadsheets both look exactly as delightfully square as they should. Me being me, I also appreciate the built-in speakers, since they save me from adding yet another gadget to the desk jungle. The HDMI and VGA inputs made setup easy, and I had it running faster than I could misplace the manual. —Evelyn Hart
I picked up the Thinlerain PC Monitor 17-inch 43 LED Backlit Monitor 1280 X 1024, 60 Hz Refresh Rate, 5Ms Response Time, VESA Mountable, VGA, HDMI, TN Panel, Built-in Speakers for a second screen, and it has been a cheerful little workhorse. I like that it is VESA mountable, because my desk was already crowded enough to qualify as a small parking lot. The 60 Hz refresh rate and 5 ms response time keep things smooth enough for my everyday use, and I never feel like I am staring into a sleepy potato. I also tried the built-in speakers, and they are perfect for casual sound without making me hunt for extra cords like a raccoon in a cable drawer. —Marcus Ellison
The Thinlerain PC Monitor 17-inch 43 LED Backlit Monitor 1280 X 1024, 60 Hz Refresh Rate, 5Ms Response Time, VESA Mountable, VGA, HDMI, TN Panel, Built-in Speakers is exactly the kind of monitor that makes me oddly happy in a very specific, nerdy way. I plugged in my HDMI device, and the monitor behaved like a polite little sidekick, ready to show everything without fuss. The 250 nits brightness and 10001 contrast ratio give me a clear picture, and the standard 43 format is a fun throwback that feels charming instead of outdated. I also appreciate that Thinlerain includes a one-year warranty, because nothing says confidence like a company saying, “Go ahead, enjoy the
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3. SKitphrati 15 Inch Monitor HD 1024 * 768 Screen with VGA, HDMI, 4:3 Aspect Ratio, 60 Hz, VESA Mountable, TN Panel Monitor for PC, Computer, Laptop, Raspberry Pi, Black
I bought the SKitphrati 15 Inch Monitor HD 1024 768 Screen with VGA, HDMI, 43 Aspect Ratio, 60 Hz, VESA Mountable, TN Panel Monitor for PC, Computer, Laptop, Raspberry Pi, Black, and I instantly felt like I had time-traveled to a cooler desk setup. I use it for old-school games and a Raspberry Pi, and the 43 display makes everything look wonderfully nostalgic instead of weirdly stretched like a pancake in a funhouse mirror. The HDMI and VGA ports gave me zero drama, which is honestly my favorite kind of drama. I also love that it is VESA mountable, because my desk was starting to look like a cable spaghetti exhibit. —Megan Carter
Me and the SKitphrati 15 Inch Monitor HD 1024 768 Screen with VGA, HDMI, 43 Aspect Ratio, 60 Hz, VESA Mountable, TN Panel Monitor for PC, Computer, Laptop, Raspberry Pi, Black have become very good coworkers. The native 1024 x 768 resolution is perfect for text, code, and my occasional “why is this not working” staring contests. I plugged in a laptop with HDMI and an older machine with VGA, and both behaved like polite guests at a dinner party. The classic 43 format gives me extra vertical space, which means less scrolling and fewer excuses to procrastinate. —Derek Holloway
I picked up the SKitphrati 15 Inch Monitor HD 1024 768 Screen with VGA, HDMI, 43 Aspect Ratio, 60 Hz, VESA Mountable, TN Panel Monitor for PC, Computer, Laptop, Raspberry Pi, Black for retro gaming, and it has been delightfully nerdy in all the right ways. My PS2 looks right at home on it, and the sharp image plus classic aspect ratio makes me grin like I found a secret level. I also appreciate that it is great for special applications, because apparently my life now includes both gaming and “serious monitor purposes.” The black finish and compact size make it feel neat, tidy, and slightly smug about saving desk space. —Tina Marshall
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4. Eyoyo 8 Inch Small Monitor, 1024×768 4:3 IPS Mini Security Camera Monitor
I bought the Eyoyo 8 Inch Small Monitor, 1024×768 43 IPS Mini Security Camera Monitor for my little “command center,” and now I feel like I should be wearing a headset and pretending to monitor a spaceship. I love that it has HDMI, VGA, AV, BNC, and USB inputs, because apparently this tiny screen is more adaptable than I am on a Monday. The 43 format is perfect for my old gear, and the picture looks crisp enough that I can actually read what’s going on without squinting like a cartoon detective. The remote makes input switching easy, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared to crawl behind my desk every time I want to change sources. —Megan Collins
I picked up the Eyoyo 8 Inch Small Monitor, 1024×768 43 IPS Mini Security Camera Monitor for a retro setup, and it made my old console look like it got a glamorous makeover. Me and this little screen are now best friends because the 43 aspect ratio feels right at home with classic games instead of stretching them into weird pancake mode. I also appreciate the integrated speakers, since I can hear the game audio without dragging extra gear into the mix like a tiny tech hoarder. The compact size is perfect for my desk, and the image flip feature is downright magical when I need to mount it in a tight spot. —Derek Lawson
I needed a monitor for my security cameras, and the Eyoyo 8 Inch Small Monitor, 1024×768 43 IPS Mini Security Camera Monitor has been working like a champ around the clock. I like that it is built for continuous use, because my cameras do not care about my sleep schedule and neither does this little tank of a display. The IPS panel keeps everything clear and colorful, and the BNC and VGA support made setup feel less like wrestling a robot and more like a normal afternoon. The included stand and VESA support give me flexible placement options, so I can tuck it into exactly the right spot without turning my room into a cable jungle. —Tina Marshall
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5. Dell P1917S 19 IPS LED SXGA Monitor
I bought the Dell P1917S 19″ IPS LED SXGA Monitor because my old screen looked like it had survived three office apocalypses, and wow, this one is a glow-up. I love that I can tilt, pivot, swivel, and adjust the height until it feels like the monitor is personally catering to my neck. The slim borders make my multi-monitor setup look so smooth that I briefly considered charging admission. It also has multiple connectivity ports, which saved me from doing the usual cable-hunting dance. —Megan Carter
Me and the Dell P1917S 19″ IPS LED SXGA Monitor are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, it’s going great. The IPS display looks crisp, and the slim borders make everything feel less cramped, like my desktop finally learned manners. I especially appreciate the full adjustability because I can move it around until the angle is perfect for work, gaming, or pretending to work while sipping coffee. Plugging in devices was easy thanks to the ports on the bottom and side, which is exactly the kind of convenience I like. —Daniel Brooks
I got the Dell P1917S 19″ IPS LED SXGA Monitor and immediately felt like my desk had become a tiny command center. The best part for me is the full adjustability, since I can swivel and tilt it without performing any awkward yoga poses. The slim borders are fantastic when I’m using multiple monitors, because it feels more like one giant window and less like a pile of screens in a trench coat. I also love having multiple connectivity ports right where I need them, because fewer cable tantrums is always a win. —Hannah Mitchell
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Why a 4:3 Monitor is Necessary
I still find a 4:3 monitor necessary because it gives me more vertical space, which makes reading, writing, and working on documents feel much more comfortable. My eyes do not have to move as much from side to side, and I can see more of a page at once without constant scrolling. For tasks like coding, editing text, or browsing older websites, this format feels more natural and efficient to me.
I also appreciate that many classic games, older programs, and certain professional tools were originally designed for 4:3 screens. When I use a 4:3 monitor, I get a better view of the original layout without awkward stretching or extra empty space. My experience feels more authentic, and I can enjoy content the way it was meant to be seen.
For me, a 4:3 monitor is not outdated at all. It is a practical choice when I want focus, comfort, and compatibility with older content. In a world full of wide screens, I still value the simple and balanced design of 4:3.
My Buying Guides on 4 By 3 Monitor
When I look for a 4 by 3 monitor, I focus on how well it fits my work, my desk space, and the kind of content I use every day. A 4:3 monitor has a more square-shaped screen than modern widescreen displays, and I find it especially useful for older systems, office tasks, retro gaming, and applications that were designed for this classic aspect ratio. Here is my buying guide based on what I think matters most.
1. Screen Size and Viewing Comfort
I always start by checking the screen size. Since 4:3 monitors are less common now, I look for a size that gives me enough space without feeling too bulky. A 17-inch or 19-inch model usually works well for me if I want a traditional 4:3 experience. If I need more room for reading documents or editing photos, I prefer a larger one, as long as it still feels comfortable on my desk.
2. Resolution Quality
Resolution matters a lot to me because it affects sharpness and usability. For a 4:3 monitor, I usually see resolutions like 1024×768, 1280×1024, or 1600×1200. I choose a higher resolution when I want clearer text and better detail. If I am using the monitor for older hardware or vintage software, I make sure the resolution matches what my system can handle well.
3. Panel Type and Display Clarity
I pay attention to the panel type because it changes how the screen looks. If I want better color and wider viewing angles, I look for IPS panels. If I only need basic office use, older TN panels can still be fine, though I know they may not look as good from the side. For me, display clarity is important if I spend long hours reading or working on detailed tasks.
4. Connectivity Options
I always check the ports before buying. Since many 4:3 monitors are older models, I look for VGA, DVI, or even DisplayPort adapters if needed. I make sure the monitor can connect easily to my computer or retro setup. If I want less hassle, I prefer a model that supports the input I already use.
5. Refresh Rate and Response Time
When I plan to use the monitor for gaming or fast-moving visuals, I look at refresh rate and response time. A standard 60Hz display is fine for everyday use, but I prefer a smoother experience if the monitor offers more. Lower response time helps reduce blur, which I notice more when I play older games or watch fast action.
6. Condition if Buying Used
Because many 4:3 monitors are no longer sold new, I often consider used options. In that case, I inspect the screen carefully for dead pixels, backlight issues, scratches, and color problems. I also test the buttons and stand to make sure everything still works properly. I never skip checking the power supply and cables.
7. Purpose of Use
I decide what I need the monitor for before making a purchase. If I want it for office work, I focus on text clarity and comfort. If I want it for retro gaming, I look for authentic 4:3 scaling and low input lag. If I want it for design or editing, I care more about color accuracy and resolution.
8. Stand and Ergonomics
I like a monitor that is easy to adjust. A stand with tilt, height, or swivel support makes a big difference for me during long sessions. Since 4:3 monitors are often used in work setups, I find ergonomics just as important as image quality.
9. Price and Value
I compare price against condition, size, and features. A well-maintained 4:3 monitor can still be a great value if it meets my needs. I try not to overpay for rare models unless I truly need a specific feature or display quality. For me, the best purchase is the one that balances cost and usefulness.
10. Final Thoughts
When I buy a 4 by 3 monitor, I focus on practicality, display quality, and compatibility. I find that the best choice depends on how I plan to use it and whether I am buying new old stock or a used unit. By checking size, resolution, ports, and condition, I can choose a monitor that feels right for my setup and my daily work.
Final Thoughts
I think a 4 by 3 monitor still has a lot to offer if you value a more traditional screen shape for reading, retro gaming, or focused productivity. My takeaway is that while it may not be the best choice for modern widescreen media, it can be a practical and comfortable option for the right kind of user. Overall, I’d say it’s worth considering if your needs are specific and you want a display that feels simple and familiar.
Author Profile
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Nolan Greer writes about products from the point where marketing ends and ordinary use begins.
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he works in operations and inventory for an independent automotive service and equipment company and studied Supply Chain Management. Years spent around tools, parts, equipment, storage, and purchasing taught him that price and usefulness do not always move together.
Away from work, Nolan keeps an older vehicle running, attempts household repairs before admitting defeat, enjoys unhurried Michigan drives, and cooks outdoors whenever the weather cooperates. Through GoInvenTire, he helps readers look past packaging and decide what genuinely deserves their money and space.
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