Dell S2421HGF Monitor User’s Guide Model: S2421HGF Regulatory model: S2421HGFb
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data if instructions are not followed. WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. Copyright © 2020 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Contents Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 About your monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Package contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Product features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Identifying parts and controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Front view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Side view. .
Connecting the HDMI and power cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Connecting the DisplayPort (DP to DP) cable (optional) and power cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Organizing your cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Securing your monitor using Kensington lock (optional) . Removing the monitor stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VESA wall mounting (optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety instructions CAUTION: Use of controls, adjustments, or procedures other than those specified in this documentation may result in exposure to shock, electrical hazards, and/or mechanical hazards. • Place the monitor on a solid surface and handle it carefully. The screen is fragile and can be damaged if dropped or hit sharply. • Always be sure that your monitor is electrically rated to operate with the AC power available in your location. • Keep the monitor in room temperature.
About your monitor Package contents Your monitor ships with the components shown in the table below. If any component is missing, contact Dell. For more information, see Contact Dell. NOTE: Some items may be optional and may not ship with your monitor. Some features may not be available in certain countries. NOTE: If you are connecting a stand that you purchased from any other source, follow the set up instructions that were included with the stand.
Power cable (varies by country) HDMI cable • Quick Setup Guide • Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Information About your monitor │ 7
Product features The Dell S2421HGF monitor has an active matrix, Thin-Film Transistor (TFT), Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and LED backlight. The monitor features include: • 60.47 cm (23.8 in.) viewable area (measured diagonally). 1920 x 1080 (16:9) resolution, plus full-screen support for lower resolutions. • Supports AMD FreeSync™ Premium, with a high refresh rate of 144 Hz and a rapid response time of 1 ms gray to gray in Extreme mode*. • Color gamut of 72% NTSC, CIE 1931 (72%), and CIE 1976 (83%).
Identifying parts and controls Front view Label 1 Description Power On/Off button (with LED indicator) Use To turn the monitor on or off.
Back view Back view without monitor stand Label Description Back view with monitor stand Use 1 Joystick Use it to control the OSD menu. 2 Function buttons For more information, see Operating the monitor. 3 VESA mounting holes (100 mm x 100 mm - behind attached VESA Cover) Wall mount monitor using VESAcompatible wall mount kit (100 mm x 100 mm). 4 Regulatory label Lists the regulatory approvals. 5 Stand release button Releases stand from the monitor.
Bottom view Bottom view without monitor stand Label Description Use 1 Power connector Connect the power cable (shipped with your monitor). 2 Security lock slot Secures the monitor with security lock (security lock not included). 3 Stand lock feature To lock the stand to the monitor using a M3 x 6 mm screw (screw not included). 4 HDMI port (HDMI 1) Connect your computer with the HDMI cable (shipped with your monitor).
Monitor specifications Model S2421HGF Screen type Active matrix - TFT LCD Panel technology TN Aspect ratio 16:9 Viewable image Diagonal 604.7 mm (23.8 in.) Width (active area) 527.0 mm (20.75 in.) Height (active area) 296.5 mm (12.10 in.) Total area 156255.5 mm2 (251.08 in.2) Pixel pitch 0.2745 mm x 0.
Color depth 16.7 million colors Color gamut 72% NTSC, CIE 1931 (72%), and CIE 1976 (83%) Connectivity • 1 x DisplayPort version 1.2 • 2 x HDMI ports version 1.4 • 1 x Headphone out port Border width (edge of monitor to active area) Top 5.4 mm Left/Right 5.4 mm/5.4 mm Bottom 19.
Preset display modes Display mode Horizontal frequency (kHz) Vertical frequency (Hz) Pixel clock (MHz) Sync polarity (Horizontal /Vertical) VESA, 640 x 480 31.5 59.9 25.2 -/- VESA, 640 x 480 37.5 75.0 31.5 -/- VESA, 720 x 400 31.5 70.1 28.3 -/+ VESA, 800 x 600 37.9 60.3 40.0 +/+ VESA, 800 x 600 46.9 75.0 49.5 +/+ VESA, 1024 x 768 48.4 60.0 65.0 -/- VESA, 1024 x 768 60.0 75.0 78.8 +/+ VESA, 1152 x 864 67.5 75.0 108.0 +/+ VESA, 1280 x 1024 64.0 60.0 108.
Physical characteristics Model S2421HGF Signal cable type • Digital: HDMI, 19 pins • Digital: DisplayPort, 20 pins (cable not supplied) NOTE: Dell monitors are designed to work optimally with the video cables that are shipped with your monitor. As Dell does not have control over the different cable suppliers in the market, the type of material, connector and process used to manufacture these cables, Dell does not guarantee video performance on cables that are not shipped with your Dell monitor.
Environmental characteristics Model S2421HGF Compliant standards • RoHS-compliant • BFR/PVC free monitor (excluding external cables) • Arsenic-free glass and Mercury-free for the panel only Temperature Operating 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) Non-operating • Storage: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F) • Shipping: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F) Humidity Operating 10% to 80% (non-condensing) Non-operating • Storage: 5% to 90% (non-condensing) • Shipping: 5% to 90% (non-condensing) Altitude Operating 5000 m
Power management modes If you have a VESA DPM™ compliant display card or software installed on your computer, the monitor can automatically reduce its power consumption when not in use. This is referred to as Power Save Mode*. If the computer detects input from the keyboard, mouse, or other input devices, the monitor automatically resumes to function.
Pin assignments DisplayPort connector Pin number 20-pin side of the connected signal cable 1 ML3 (n) 2 GND 3 ML3 (p) 4 ML2 (n) 5 GND 6 ML2 (p) 7 ML1 (n) 8 GND 9 ML1 (p) 10 ML0 (n) 11 GND 12 ML0 (p) 13 GND 14 GND 15 AUX (p) 16 GND 17 AUX (n) 18 Hot Plug Detect 19 Re-PWR 20 +3.
HDMI connector Pin number 19-pin side of the connected signal cable 1 TMDS DATA 2+ 2 TMDS DATA 2 SHIELD 3 TMDS DATA 2- 4 TMDS DATA 1+ 5 TMDS DATA 1 SHIELD 6 TMDS DATA 1- 7 TMDS DATA 0+ 8 TMDS DATA 0 SHIELD 9 TMDS DATA 0- 10 TMDS CLOCK+ 11 TMDS CLOCK SHIELD 12 TMDS CLOCK- 13 CEC 14 Reserved (N.C.
Ergonomics CAUTION: Improper or prolonged usage of keyboard may result in injury. CAUTION: Viewing the monitor screen for extended periods of time may result in eye strain. For comfort and efficiency, observe the following guidelines when setting up and using your computer workstation: • Position your computer so that the monitor and keyboard are directly in front of you as you work. Special shelves are commercially available to help you correctly position your keyboard.
• Vary your work activities. Try to organize your work so that you do not have to sit and work for extended periods of time. Try to stand or get up and walk around at regular intervals. • Keep the area under your desk clear of obstructions and cables or power cords that may interfere with comfortable seating or present a potential trip hazard.
Handling and moving your display To ensure the monitor is handled safely when lifting or moving it, follow the guidelines mentioned below: • Before moving or lifting the monitor, turn off your computer and the monitor. • Disconnect all cables from the monitor. • Place the monitor in the original box with the original packing materials. • Hold the bottom edge and the side of the monitor firmly without applying excessive pressure when lifting or moving the monitor.
• When lifting or moving the monitor, do not turn the monitor upside down while holding the stand base or stand riser. This may result in accidental damage to the monitor or cause personal injury. Maintenance guidelines Cleaning your monitor CAUTION: Read and follow the Safety instructions before cleaning the monitor. WARNING: Before cleaning the monitor, unplug the monitor power cable from the electrical outlet.
Setting up the monitor Connecting the stand NOTE: The stand is not factory-installed. NOTE: The following instructions are applicable only for attaching the stand that was shipped with your monitor. If you are attaching a stand that you purchased from any other source, follow the set up instructions that were included with the stand. To attach the monitor stand: 1. Follow the instructions on the flaps of carton to remove the stand from the top cushion that secures it. 2.
6. Open the protective cover on the monitor to access the VESA slot on the monitor. 7. Slide the tabs on the stand riser into the slots on the display back cover and lower the stand assembly to snap it into place.
8. Hold the stand riser and lift the monitor carefully, then place it on a flat surface. NOTE: Hold the stand riser firmly when lifting the monitor to avoid any accidental damage. 9. Lift the protective cover from the monitor.
Connecting your monitor WARNING: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the Safety instructions. NOTE: Dell monitors are designed to work optimally with Dell supplied inbox cables. Dell does not guarantee the video quality and performance when using non-Dell cables. NOTE: Route the cables through the cable-management slot before connecting them. NOTE: Do not connect all cables to the computer at the same time. NOTE: The images are for the purpose of illustration only.
Organizing your cables After attaching all necessary cables to your monitor and computer, (See Connecting your monitor for cable attachment,) organize all cables as shown above. Securing your monitor using Kensington lock (optional) The security lock slot is located at the bottom of the monitor. (See Security lock slot) For more information on using the Kensington lock (purchased separately), see the documentation that is shipped with the lock.
Removing the monitor stand NOTE: To prevent scratches on the LCD screen when removing the stand, ensure that the monitor is placed on a soft, clean surface. NOTE: The following instructions are applicable only for attaching the stand that was shipped with your monitor. If you are attaching a stand that you purchased from any other source, follow the set up instructions that were included with the stand. To remove the stand: 1. Place the monitor on a soft cloth or cushion. 2.
3. Use a Phillips crosshead screwdriver to remove the four screws securing the plastic cover. 4. Attach the mounting bracket from the wall mounting kit to the monitor. 5. Mount the monitor on the wall. For more information, see the documentation that shipped with the wall mounting kit. NOTE: For use only with UL or CSA or GS-listed wall mount bracket with minimum weight or load bearing capacity of 13.6 kg.
Operating the monitor Power on the monitor Press the Power button to turn on the monitor. Using the joystick control Use the joystick control on the rear of the monitor to make OSD adjustments. 1. Press the joystick button to launch the OSD main menu. 2. Move the joystick up/down/left/right to toggle between options. 3. Press the joystick button again to confirm the settings and exit. Joystick Description • When the OSD menu is on, press the button to confirm the selection or save the settings.
• For 2-way (right and left) directional navigation. • Move right to enter the submenu. • Move left to exit from the submenu. • Increases (right) or decreases (left) the parameters of selected menu item. • For 2-way (up and down) directional navigation. • Toggles between the menu items. • Increases (up) or decreases (down) the parameters of selected menu item. Using the rear-panel controls Use the control buttons on the rear of the monitor to access the OSD menu and shortcut keys.
4 To launch the Dark Stabilizer menu. Shortcut key/ Dark Stabilizer 5 To directly access the Brightness/Contrast adjustment sliders. Shortcut key/ Brightness/ Contrast When you press any of these buttons (excluding the joystick button), the OSD Status Bar appears to let you know the current settings of some OSD functions.
Using the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu Accessing the menu system Icon Menu and Submenus Game Preset Modes Description Use this menu to personalize your visual gameplay experience. Allows you to choose from a list of preset color modes. • Standard: Loads the monitor's default color settings. This is the default preset mode. • FPS: Loads color settings ideal for First-Person Shooter (FPS) games.
Preset Modes • RPG: Loads color settings ideal for Role-Playing Games (RPG). • SPORTS: Loads color settings ideal for sports games. • Game 1/Game 2/Game 3: Allows you to customize the color settings for your gaming needs. • ComfortView: Decreases the level of blue light emitted from the screen to make viewing more comfortable for your eyes.
Game Enhance Mode The feature offers three available functions to enhance your gameplay experience. • Off Select to disable the functions under Game Enhance Mode. • Timer Allows you to disable or enable the timer at the upper left corner of the display. The timer shows the time elapsed since the game starts. Select an option from the time-interval list to keep you aware of the remaining time. • Frame Rate Selecting On allows you to display the current frames per second when playing games.
Dark Stabilizer The feature improves the visibility in the dark gaming scenarios. The higher the value (between 0 to 3), the better visibility in dark area of the display image. Hue This feature can shift the color of the video image to green or purple. This is used to adjust the desired flesh-tone color. Use the joystick to adjust the hue level from 0 to 100. Move the joystick up to increase the green shade of the video image. Move the joystick down to increase the purple shade of the video image.
Brightness/ Contrast Use this menu to activate Brightness/Contrast adjustment. Brightness Brightness adjusts the luminance of the backlight. Move the joystick up to increase the brightness level or move the joystick down to decrease the brightness level (min. 0 / max. 100). Contrast Adjusts the Brightness first, and then adjust the Contrast only if further adjustment is necessary. Move the joystick up to increase the contrast level or move the joystick down to decrease the contrast level (min. 0 / max.
Input Source DP HDMI 1 HDMI 2 Use the Input Source menu to select between the different video signals that may be connected to your monitor. Select the DP input when you are using the DisplayPort (DP) connector. Press the joystick button to confirm the selection. Select the HDMI 1 or HDMI 2 input when you are using the HDMI connector. Press the joystick button to confirm the selection. Auto Select Turn on the function to allow the monitor to automatically scan for available input sources.
Display Aspect Ratio Input Color Format Use the Display menu to adjust images. Adjusts the image ratio to Wide 16:9, 4:3, or 5:4. Allows you to set the video input mode to: • RGB: Select this option if your monitor is connected to a computer (or media player) using the DP or HDMI cable. • YPbPr: Select this option if your media player supports only YPbPr output. Sharpness Reset Display This feature can make the image look sharper or softer.
Audio Volume Allows you to set the volume level of headphone output. Use the joystick to adjust the volume level from 0 to 100. Reset Audio Resets all settings under the Audio menu to the factory defaults. Menu Select this option to adjust the settings of the OSD, such as, the languages of the OSD, the amount of time the menu remains on screen, and so on.
Timer Sets the length of time for the OSD to remain active after you move the joystick or press a button. Move the joystick to adjust the slider in 1 second increment, from 5 to 60 seconds. Reset Menu Resets all settings under the Menu menu to the factory defaults. Personalize Shortcut Key 1 Shortcut Key 3 Allows you to choose a feature from Preset Modes, Game Enhance Mode, Dark Stabilizer, Brightness/Contrast, Input Source, Aspect Ratio, or Volume and set it as a shortcut key.
Others Display Info DDC/CI Select this option to adjust the OSD settings, such as DDC/CI, LCD Conditioning, and so on. Displays the monitor's current settings. DDC/CI (Display Data Channel/Command Interface) allows your monitor parameters (brightness, color balance, and etc.) to be adjustable via the software on your computer. You can disable this feature by selecting Off. Enable this feature for best user experience and optimum performance of your monitor.
LCD Conditioning Firmware Service Tag Helps reduce minor cases of image retention. Depending on the degree of image retention, the program may take some time to run. You can enable this feature by selecting On. Displays the firmware version of your monitor. Displays the service tag of your monitor. This string is required when you look for phone support, check your warranty status, update drivers on Dell's website, etc. Reset Others Resets all settings under the Others menu to the factory defaults.
OSD warning message When the monitor does not support a particular resolution mode, you will see the following message: This means that the monitor cannot synchronize with the signal that it is receiving from the computer. See Monitor specifications for the Horizontal and Vertical frequency ranges addressable by this monitor. Recommended mode is 1920 x 1080. NOTE: The message may be slightly different according to the connected input signal.
If you press any button other than the power button, the following message will appear depending on the selected input: NOTE: The message may be slightly different according to the connected input signal. If either HDMI or DP input is selected and the corresponding cable is not connected, a floating dialog box as shown below appears. NOTE: The message may be slightly different according to the connected input signal.
Locking the rear-panel control buttons You can lock the rear-panel control buttons to prevent access to the OSD menu and/or power button. To lock the button(s): 1. Press and hold Button 5 for four seconds, a menu appears on the screen. 2. Select one of the following options: • Menu Buttons: Choose this option to lock all OSD menu buttons except the Power button. • Power Button: Choose this option to lock only the Power button.
Setting the maximum resolution To set the maximum resolution for the monitor: In Windows® 7, Windows® 8, and Windows® 8.1: 1. For Windows® 8 and Windows® 8.1 only, select the Desktop tile to switch to classic desktop. 2. Right-click on the desktop and click Screen Resolution. 3. Click the dropdown list of the Screen Resolution and select 1920 x 1080. 4. Click OK. In Windows® 10: 1. Right-click on the desktop and click Display settings. 2. Click Advanced display settings. 3.
Using the tilt and vertical extension NOTE: The following instructions are applicable only for attaching the stand that was shipped with your monitor. If you are attaching a stand that you purchased from any other source, follow the set up instructions that were included with the stand. Tilt With the stand attached to the monitor, you can tilt the monitor for the most comfortable viewing angle. NOTE: The stand is not factory-installed. Vertical extension NOTE: The stand extends vertically up to 100 mm.
Troubleshooting WARNING: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the Safety instructions. Self-test Your monitor provides a self-test feature that allows you to check whether your monitor is functioning properly. If your monitor and computer are properly connected but the monitor screen remains dark, run the monitor self-test by performing the following steps: 1. Turn off both your computer and the monitor. 2. Unplug the video cable from the back of the computer.
Built-in diagnostics Your monitor has a built-in diagnostic tool that helps you determine if the screen abnormality you are experiencing is an inherent problem with your monitor, or with your computer and video card. To run the built-in diagnostics: 1. Ensure that the screen is clean (no dust particles on the surface of the screen). 2. Press and hold Button 5 for four seconds until a menu appears on the screen. 3.
Common problems The following table contains general information about common monitor problems you might encounter and the possible solutions: Common symptoms No Video/Power LED off What you experience No picture Possible solutions • Ensure that the video cable connecting the monitor and the computer is properly connected and secure. • Verify that the power outlet is functioning properly using any other electrical equipment. • Ensure that the power button is pressed fully.
Missing Pixels LCD screen has spots • Cycle power On-Off. • Pixel that is permanently Off is a natural defect that can occur in LCD technology. • For more information on Dell Monitor Quality and Pixel Policy, see Dell Support site at: www.dell.com/ pixelguidelines. Stuck-on Pixels LCD screen has bright spots • Cycle power On-Off. • Pixel that is permanently off is a natural defect that can occur in LCD technology.
Synchronization Problems Screen is scrambled or appears torn • Reset the monitor to factory settings. • Perform monitor self-test feature check to determine if the scrambled screen appears in self-test mode. • Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector. • Restart the computer in the safe mode. Safety Related Issues Visible signs of smoke or sparks • Do not perform any troubleshooting steps. • Contact Dell immediately.
Wrong Color Picture color not good • Change the settings of the Preset Modes in the Game menu OSD depending on the application. • Adjust Gain/Offset/Hue/ Saturation value under Custom Color in the Game menu OSD. • Change the Input Color Format to PC RGB or YPbPr in the Display menu OSD. • Run the built-in diagnostics.
Product specific problems Common symptoms What you experience Possible solutions Screen image is too Image is centered small on screen, but does not fill entire viewing area • Check the Aspect Ratio setting in the Display menu OSD. Cannot adjust the OSD does not monitor with the appear on the buttons on the rear screen panel • Turn Off the monitor, unplug the power cord, plug it back, and then turn On the monitor.
Appendix WARNING: Safety instructions WARNING: Use of controls, adjustments, or procedures other than those specified in this documentation may result in exposure to shock, electrical hazards, and/or mechanical hazards. For information on safety instructions, see Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Information (SERI). FCC notices (U.S. only) and other regulatory information For FCC notices and other regulatory information, see the regulatory compliance website located at www.dell.
S2421HGF Outline Dimension Unit : mm (inch) Dimension : Nominal Drawing : Not to scale Z=0 63.79 [2.51] 122.04 [4.8] M4X10 (x4) Tilt 5 21 181.02 [7.13] 184.51 [7.26] 189.44 [7.46] 318.99 [12.56] 351.63 [13.84] 368.91 [14.52] 366.33 [14.42] 25.94 [1.02] 130 [5.12] 221.61 [8.72] 198.03 [7.8] Lift 100 [3.94] 298.03 [11.73] 468.91 [18.46] 451.63 [17.78] 296.46 [11.67] 153.6 [6.05] 3.49 [0.14] 19.8 [0.78] 321.63 [12.66] Z=45.8 [1.8] 5.38 [0.21] 5.37 [0.21] 527.04 [20.75] Z=43.8 [1.
