malfunctioning monitor

I can hear the wise guys telling you to leave it on

You might try the old shock test. Tap it with your hand on the top corners, sides, and back. If you get any flickering it is probably a loose connection inside. This is after checking to be sure your power and monitor cables are plugged in good.

If you have another computer try it on there. If it still has a problem then it is the monitor.

As to the computer doing it, I would not think so, but not impossible so before you buy a monitor try to be sure that is the problem.

If nothing else tap your computer a few times on the top and be sure it isn't a loose connection in it.

Is the monitor the old tube type or the flat panel type.

Some flat panels sense room light and adjust accordingly so be sure something isn't shining into a sensor.

 

My advice echoes exscentric's. Un hook the video cable from both the computer and monitor and then hook it back up. If you have a different video cable then try swapping it as they can go bad (wire burn up).

Try the thump tests to check for a loose internal connection, too.

The backlight could be going out if it is a LCD. They are replaceable, just Google for how to do it.