1985 NEC Multisync - A Holy Grail Vintage PC Monitor!
video description
Date: 2026-03-07
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 20
Mark-Lebowitz
6: 10, I hope I look this good when I get old! - Well, it's kinda unhealthy to induce jaundice, but maybe it's OK to neglect your teeth just enough to let 'em yellow a bit. Sorry, couldn't resist! Very cool monitor, and yeah, I remember salivating over the ads for such unaffordable luxuries as this at the time. My first couple of jobs, starting in 1987, didn't pay all that well, and I had to s-t--r---e---e---e---e--t-ch to buy that first computer. I bought a 14 CRT monitor to go along with it (of course, since that's all we had in 1989. It wasn't an NEC or Sony or even a Samsung. Maybe ViewSonic; I really don't remember at this point. I do recall it costing about $600. I didn't need a monitor with multiple inputs or sync modes, as I was only using it with what we then called Super VGA (now called just plain ol' VGA. By the time I bought it, the technology was relatively mature, and I was very pleased that almost all its settings were automatic. As I recall, the only controls mine had were buttons, not knobs, to adjust the height, width, vertical and horizontal offsets, brightness and contrast, and it probably used only 3 buttons - mode, up and down - to do all that. I don't remember if mine had color balance adjustments. But that monitor looked pretty good for its time. It lasted a long time, too. It was my only monitor for about 14 years. I replaced it with an LCD monitor when I bought a new computer at the end of 2003, but held onto the old CRT. (That wasn't because of nostalgia. LCD monitors were known to fail without warning at the time, in-warranty service took a few weeks, and replacing them was expensive, so I kept my old CRT monitor as a backup) When I became a self-employed IT consultant, the CRT became the monitor for my crash cart, a repurposed microwave/utility cart that I could wheel out of the corner of my living room anytime someone brought in a computer for me to fix. I'd probably still have that monitor today if it hadn't come to a rather ignominious end when the crash cart collapsed one day, dumping it and half the other things on it to the floor. The case and stand weren't too badly cracked, but after the fall, all the monitor would do when turned on was whine, no picture. You couldn't give those things away in 2014 or so, when this happened, much less get any money from selling them, so I recycled it at that point, as it hardly seemed worth fixing. Who knew.
reply
6: 10, I hope I look this good when I get old! - Well, it's kinda unhealthy to induce jaundice, but maybe it's OK to neglect your teeth just enough to let 'em yellow a bit. Sorry, couldn't resist! Very cool monitor, and yeah, I remember salivating over the ads for such unaffordable luxuries as this at the time. My first couple of jobs, starting in 1987, didn't pay all that well, and I had to s-t--r---e---e---e---e--t-ch to buy that first computer. I bought a 14 CRT monitor to go along with it (of course, since that's all we had in 1989. It wasn't an NEC or Sony or even a Samsung. Maybe ViewSonic; I really don't remember at this point. I do recall it costing about $600. I didn't need a monitor with multiple inputs or sync modes, as I was only using it with what we then called Super VGA (now called just plain ol' VGA. By the time I bought it, the technology was relatively mature, and I was very pleased that almost all its settings were automatic. As I recall, the only controls mine had were buttons, not knobs, to adjust the height, width, vertical and horizontal offsets, brightness and contrast, and it probably used only 3 buttons - mode, up and down - to do all that. I don't remember if mine had color balance adjustments. But that monitor looked pretty good for its time. It lasted a long time, too. It was my only monitor for about 14 years. I replaced it with an LCD monitor when I bought a new computer at the end of 2003, but held onto the old CRT. (That wasn't because of nostalgia. LCD monitors were known to fail without warning at the time, in-warranty service took a few weeks, and replacing them was expensive, so I kept my old CRT monitor as a backup) When I became a self-employed IT consultant, the CRT became the monitor for my crash cart, a repurposed microwave/utility cart that I could wheel out of the corner of my living room anytime someone brought in a computer for me to fix. I'd probably still have that monitor today if it hadn't come to a rather ignominious end when the crash cart collapsed one day, dumping it and half the other things on it to the floor. The case and stand weren't too badly cracked, but after the fall, all the monitor would do when turned on was whine, no picture. You couldn't give those things away in 2014 or so, when this happened, much less get any money from selling them, so I recycled it at that point, as it hardly seemed worth fixing. Who knew.
reply
sierraboney1394
Very nice monitor! I was going to mention the Acorn AKF range just as you mention the Microvitec branded version near the end of the video! I have three Acorn AKF monitors. Can't remember exactly which one it is but I think the AKF50 is the one I use to check arcade machine pcbs as it does 15k, 24k, and 31k (does 38k as well apparently. I believe the monitor that came with the Amstrad Mega PC did 15k and 31k, and had built in speakers - the stereo audio being sent though the 15 pin VGA cable as far as I know. I do have an Acorn AKF something-or-other (AKF18 or AKF53 maybe) that I think isn't multisync (for my Archimedes A3020, the other one that I think is another multisync or it might only be 15khz (maybe AKF17 or AKF40) is for my A3010. Also have an original Philips style Archimedes (AKF11 I believe) branded monitor for the A3010 as well. As for Microvitec monitors, i've got a 14 CUB cube somewhere and also a 20 CUB cube which must be pretty rare now!
reply
Very nice monitor! I was going to mention the Acorn AKF range just as you mention the Microvitec branded version near the end of the video! I have three Acorn AKF monitors. Can't remember exactly which one it is but I think the AKF50 is the one I use to check arcade machine pcbs as it does 15k, 24k, and 31k (does 38k as well apparently. I believe the monitor that came with the Amstrad Mega PC did 15k and 31k, and had built in speakers - the stereo audio being sent though the 15 pin VGA cable as far as I know. I do have an Acorn AKF something-or-other (AKF18 or AKF53 maybe) that I think isn't multisync (for my Archimedes A3020, the other one that I think is another multisync or it might only be 15khz (maybe AKF17 or AKF40) is for my A3010. Also have an original Philips style Archimedes (AKF11 I believe) branded monitor for the A3010 as well. As for Microvitec monitors, i've got a 14 CUB cube somewhere and also a 20 CUB cube which must be pretty rare now!
reply
deekox1
Just received Medusa 2. It is a scan doubler (uses Euro/SCART (RGB, Composite, S-SVideo) and VGA as input) and provides DVI digital/analog output which allows to hook it up to my 17 CRT PC monitor (Samsung 763MB which supports 50Hz. Now I can have all my analog systems (65XE/Timex TC2048/C64 A1200 2 old PCs) on one CRT monitor that is quite decent. I got Commodore 1084S2 but I felt dizziness using it for longer periods. Currently gathering money for Hydra2 which allows to connect multiple SCART devices and automatically select the active one. The output goes through SCART as well so I think it will work great with Medusa (from the same provider.
reply
Just received Medusa 2. It is a scan doubler (uses Euro/SCART (RGB, Composite, S-SVideo) and VGA as input) and provides DVI digital/analog output which allows to hook it up to my 17 CRT PC monitor (Samsung 763MB which supports 50Hz. Now I can have all my analog systems (65XE/Timex TC2048/C64 A1200 2 old PCs) on one CRT monitor that is quite decent. I got Commodore 1084S2 but I felt dizziness using it for longer periods. Currently gathering money for Hydra2 which allows to connect multiple SCART devices and automatically select the active one. The output goes through SCART as well so I think it will work great with Medusa (from the same provider.
reply
Petertronic
So cool, this takes me back to my first PC build in 1996 and for a monitor I found a 2nd hand CTX CPS-1760 17 multi-input monitor and it was amazing. Looked fantastic too as the previous owner had spray-painted the beige case black and had done a really good job of it. You could adjust all the parameters you wanted and it would remember the settings for every signal type you put into it. Clocked up countless immersive hours of Doom, Duke Nukem 3D, Hexen, Descent etc on it. Sadly in the early 2000's its power supply blew up and I couldn't repair it - I wish I still had that beast!
reply
So cool, this takes me back to my first PC build in 1996 and for a monitor I found a 2nd hand CTX CPS-1760 17 multi-input monitor and it was amazing. Looked fantastic too as the previous owner had spray-painted the beige case black and had done a really good job of it. You could adjust all the parameters you wanted and it would remember the settings for every signal type you put into it. Clocked up countless immersive hours of Doom, Duke Nukem 3D, Hexen, Descent etc on it. Sadly in the early 2000's its power supply blew up and I couldn't repair it - I wish I still had that beast!
reply
senilyDeluxe
Sigh. Young Me wrecked a Multisync 2a (which was a heritage piece) by sticking a screwdriver in a potentiometer that had a metal can right behind it.
Slightly-Adult-Me threw away at least two clones of this MultiSync (the connections and switches incl. DIP on the rear were identical) just to make room for some less-ancient monitors. And I had a Multisync 3d die on me. At least I got the Mitsubishi one, don't know what it's called, Adrian's Digital Basement has the same model but with composite in, so that thing can really take any video signal from 1946 to 1994.
reply
Sigh. Young Me wrecked a Multisync 2a (which was a heritage piece) by sticking a screwdriver in a potentiometer that had a metal can right behind it.
Slightly-Adult-Me threw away at least two clones of this MultiSync (the connections and switches incl. DIP on the rear were identical) just to make room for some less-ancient monitors. And I had a Multisync 3d die on me. At least I got the Mitsubishi one, don't know what it's called, Adrian's Digital Basement has the same model but with composite in, so that thing can really take any video signal from 1946 to 1994.
reply
bigjamienz
I still have one of these for my Amiga 1200. Picked it up very cheap in the late 90s, the University was getting rid of them. Seemed archaic back then, but could handle the higher resolution flicker-free overscan modes for Workbench, but still run any other mode with a quick twist of the knobs on top. No doubt worth a lot more than I paid for it back then! Actually mine is the JC-1401P3E, the only difference is it's 220-240v. Take care when cleaning. I rubbed a bit of alcohol over the back sticker and it melted the ink away!
reply
I still have one of these for my Amiga 1200. Picked it up very cheap in the late 90s, the University was getting rid of them. Seemed archaic back then, but could handle the higher resolution flicker-free overscan modes for Workbench, but still run any other mode with a quick twist of the knobs on top. No doubt worth a lot more than I paid for it back then! Actually mine is the JC-1401P3E, the only difference is it's 220-240v. Take care when cleaning. I rubbed a bit of alcohol over the back sticker and it melted the ink away!
reply
someonespecial1525
I remember in the early 2000's when LCD's were first coming out. I was a musician doing a lot of home recording and comp. It was a game changer when I didn't have to hear through the CRT whine.
I regrettably gave away my old monitors. I had a professional Viewsonic and a really nice KDS. I don't get the deal with this NEC monitor though. All CRT's I had were multi-sync and could go down to 15Khz and above 100. Is it because of its age Is that why this is special
reply
I remember in the early 2000's when LCD's were first coming out. I was a musician doing a lot of home recording and comp. It was a game changer when I didn't have to hear through the CRT whine.
I regrettably gave away my old monitors. I had a professional Viewsonic and a really nice KDS. I don't get the deal with this NEC monitor though. All CRT's I had were multi-sync and could go down to 15Khz and above 100. Is it because of its age Is that why this is special
reply
VulpisFoxfire
Hmm. I don't think it was this model MultiSync but I used to have a MultiSync back in the day for my Amiga. One other thing I did with it. the site where I found the pinout is long gone now, but I found plans for wiring up a VGA cable for the PS1. the problem being that it operated at 15khz, so needed the MultiSync rather than a regular monitor to work properly (the standard at the time was higher than that, and most monitors wouldn't go that low anymore.
reply
Hmm. I don't think it was this model MultiSync but I used to have a MultiSync back in the day for my Amiga. One other thing I did with it. the site where I found the pinout is long gone now, but I found plans for wiring up a VGA cable for the PS1. the problem being that it operated at 15khz, so needed the MultiSync rather than a regular monitor to work properly (the standard at the time was higher than that, and most monitors wouldn't go that low anymore.
reply
cameralabs
Great video, thanks! The first monitor I bought with my own money was an NEC 4FG, a 15in MultiSync monitor in the early 90's. It looked great and I loved that thing, and later got to review the larger versions when working at PCW magazine. I'd like to get hold of a nice 15in MultiSync CRT for a current setup, but I don't have much room for a large bezel, so I'm kinda stuck!
reply
Great video, thanks! The first monitor I bought with my own money was an NEC 4FG, a 15in MultiSync monitor in the early 90's. It looked great and I loved that thing, and later got to review the larger versions when working at PCW magazine. I'd like to get hold of a nice 15in MultiSync CRT for a current setup, but I don't have much room for a large bezel, so I'm kinda stuck!
reply
kylek6922
Interesting, a CRT a month older than me. I've been playing some classic mac games with my young niece and nephews recently, I love the retro monitor, I'm Sooo tempted to find a old CRT to make them play on to realize the struggle we went through. OH and I also absolutely have to shout out, I love that Best Buy Y2K warning thing you have.
reply
Interesting, a CRT a month older than me. I've been playing some classic mac games with my young niece and nephews recently, I love the retro monitor, I'm Sooo tempted to find a old CRT to make them play on to realize the struggle we went through. OH and I also absolutely have to shout out, I love that Best Buy Y2K warning thing you have.
reply
NJRoadfan
I can assure you these work with the Apple IIgs and the Amiga. I had one of these in the past and still have a Multisync II. From the factory they came with a HD-15 to DB-9 adapter in addition to the DB-9 cable. Despite the price, these did sell pretty well although I suspect the original model had a short model run compared to the II.
reply
I can assure you these work with the Apple IIgs and the Amiga. I had one of these in the past and still have a Multisync II. From the factory they came with a HD-15 to DB-9 adapter in addition to the DB-9 cable. Despite the price, these did sell pretty well although I suspect the original model had a short model run compared to the II.
reply
howardmankin8318
I had one my junior year in college to add to my IBM AT. That was 1987 I believe. I died in 1997 while I was using in my office. Good news thought, I found a working one at my local recycling center two years ago. When in college, I purchased an STB EGA plus
Card and later purchase the upgrade that performed antialiasing.
reply
I had one my junior year in college to add to my IBM AT. That was 1987 I believe. I died in 1997 while I was using in my office. Good news thought, I found a working one at my local recycling center two years ago. When in college, I purchased an STB EGA plus
Card and later purchase the upgrade that performed antialiasing.
reply
vkvo2000
My first NEC MultiSync monitor was EA244WMi. The design, the 16-by-10 aspect ratio, plug in any video signal source you want. External synchronization is also possible via ControlSync but I didn't use this feature.
I relocated it from home to work and I'm the only one who has a white/beige monitor through the whole office!
reply
My first NEC MultiSync monitor was EA244WMi. The design, the 16-by-10 aspect ratio, plug in any video signal source you want. External synchronization is also possible via ControlSync but I didn't use this feature.
I relocated it from home to work and I'm the only one who has a white/beige monitor through the whole office!
reply
SwitchKraftMan
1: 22 what is that racing game!
That’s a huge nostalgia hit from my childhood where my brother sister and I would play computer games in the early 90s on my uncles computer.
If I remember it was a DOS game where the command line would be something like /Stunts
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
reply
1: 22 what is that racing game!
That’s a huge nostalgia hit from my childhood where my brother sister and I would play computer games in the early 90s on my uncles computer.
If I remember it was a DOS game where the command line would be something like /Stunts
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
reply
girlfar4079
Still have my NEC Multisync FP950 here with 19 inch ultra flat screen Trinitron! I use it with my Pentium III retro machine. What a beast of a monitor this is. Happy it's still working flawless. Has a maximum resolution from 1920x1440. Costed me a fortune that day back then, but it's still worth it's money.
reply
Still have my NEC Multisync FP950 here with 19 inch ultra flat screen Trinitron! I use it with my Pentium III retro machine. What a beast of a monitor this is. Happy it's still working flawless. Has a maximum resolution from 1920x1440. Costed me a fortune that day back then, but it's still worth it's money.
reply
CreamTopMilk
Amazing. I had no idea this monitor was so desired. My father got me one of these second hand back in the 90s to go with the 286 which was my very first computer on the cheap (at the time of course. Wasn't sure at first, but then I saw the top panel and the back and I knew I'd seen it before.
reply
Amazing. I had no idea this monitor was so desired. My father got me one of these second hand back in the 90s to go with the 286 which was my very first computer on the cheap (at the time of course. Wasn't sure at first, but then I saw the top panel and the back and I knew I'd seen it before.
reply
desertfish74
I couldn't afford a multisync monitor but eventually got a dual sync monitor for my amiga. It could display the regular PAL tv signal and also the scandoubled higher modes of the later Amiga models. It still wasn't a cheap monitor. I think it could have been a Microvitec, but I forgot about it
reply
I couldn't afford a multisync monitor but eventually got a dual sync monitor for my amiga. It could display the regular PAL tv signal and also the scandoubled higher modes of the later Amiga models. It still wasn't a cheap monitor. I think it could have been a Microvitec, but I forgot about it
reply
HudsonGTV
Awesome display! I currently own an NEC MultiSync II, which also has the ability to work with MDA, CGA, EGA, PGA, VGA, Hercules, etc.
It is probably my favorite display I own due to its versatility. Mine also has a text mode, but you can only choose between white, green, and amber.
reply
Awesome display! I currently own an NEC MultiSync II, which also has the ability to work with MDA, CGA, EGA, PGA, VGA, Hercules, etc.
It is probably my favorite display I own due to its versatility. Mine also has a text mode, but you can only choose between white, green, and amber.
reply
sinizzl
I used to have one of those in the 90s as a kid. My father had bought it in the 80s in the US but we returned to Switzerland an 1988 and we had to use the monitor with a 110V -> 220V transformer. A shitty, very scary transformer.
Yes, we threw the monitor away in the early 2000s.
reply
I used to have one of those in the 90s as a kid. My father had bought it in the 80s in the US but we returned to Switzerland an 1988 and we had to use the monitor with a 110V -> 220V transformer. A shitty, very scary transformer.
Yes, we threw the monitor away in the early 2000s.
reply
helldog3105
For a long time I had a Diamond MultiScan 20M. But it gave up the ghost about 4 years ago. It was one of the nicest monitors I had that could run the Amiga. Horrible to move though. Weighed so much. I had to brace the desk I had it set on with additional reinforcement.
reply
For a long time I had a Diamond MultiScan 20M. But it gave up the ghost about 4 years ago. It was one of the nicest monitors I had that could run the Amiga. Horrible to move though. Weighed so much. I had to brace the desk I had it set on with additional reinforcement.
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
