For PC gamers and hardware enthusiasts, monitoring system performance is a crucial part of the experience. But constantly alt-tabbing out of an immersive game to check temperatures or frame rates can break your flow. While high-end solutions like expensive external readouts or advanced water-cooling integrations exist, a new, incredibly affordable gadget is turning heads. A secondary USB-C display, available for under $15, promises to deliver all that vital information on a crisp 3.5-inch IPS screen.
Found on popular e-commerce platform AliExpress for around $13, this plug-and-play monitor is making system monitoring accessible to everyone. As with many direct-import products, potential buyers should be aware that customer service, returns, or replacements in case of a defect can be challenging or non-existent. However, for a gadget at this price point, many are finding that to be an acceptable risk for the functionality offered. Shipping to the United States is estimated to take between one to two weeks.
Not All Secondary Displays Are Created Equal
To understand the appeal of this specific device, it's helpful to know the two main types of secondary displays. The first kind connects via HDMI or DisplayPort and functions exactly like a regular, miniature monitor. Its main advantage is versatility—it can display anything from a browser window to a video stream. The downside is that it consumes a precious video output from your GPU.
This new budget-friendly display falls squarely into the second category: software-controlled devices. Instead of acting as a standalone monitor, it connects via a simple USB-C cable and is managed by a dedicated application. This means it doesn't tax your graphics card at all, drawing both power and data from the USB connection.
A Deep Dive into the Specs and Setup
So, what exactly are you getting for your money? The unit features a quality IPS panel, known for its vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, measuring approximately 1.9 by 2.9 inches. With a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels, it provides a sharp enough image for its primary purpose: displaying clear, legible text and data.
The accompanying software is where the magic happens. It offers a wide range of configuration options, allowing users to customize exactly which system parameters are displayed. This typically includes real-time readouts of CPU and GPU temperature, utilization percentages, memory usage, fan speeds, and network activity. For overclockers or those stress-testing their systems, having this data constantly visible is invaluable.
Flexibility is another key feature. The screen can be oriented both horizontally and vertically, and it comes with a small stand, making it a perfect desk accessory to sit beside your main monitor. For a truly integrated look, the display and its stand can even be installed inside a PC case with a transparent side panel, giving your gaming rig a professional, custom-built feel.
For gamers and PC tinkerers on a budget, this device is a remarkably clever upgrade. It solves a real problem—efficient system monitoring—without requiring a significant investment or complex installation. If you're looking to add both functionality and a cool factor to your setup, this secondary display is certainly worth a look.
You can find this affordable secondary USB-C display for yourself on AliExpress by clicking here.
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