MonitorsComputer Monitor
ASUS MB165 Monitor Manual
Setup, everyday use, maintenance and troubleshooting for the 15.6 in. HD portable monitor, with verified specifications.
- Screen15.6 in.
- ResolutionHD
- On-mode power4.88 W
- Est. yearly cost$2.81
About the ASUS MB165
This guide covers the ASUS MB165, a 15.6 in. HD portable monitor listed as ENERGY STAR certified. Its native resolution is 1366 × 768 pixels (HD), about 100 pixels per inch.
It uses a TFT LCD panel with a rated maximum luminance of 220 cd/m² (nits). Listed signal and data interfaces include USB.
Measured on-mode power is 4.88 W, with 0.27 W in sleep and a total energy consumption (TEC) rating of 16.5 kWh per year — 17% below the ENERGY STAR limit for a display of this size and resolution. That TEC rating is lower than 99% of the 1,472 Computer Monitor models in our database.
Specifications
| Brand | ASUS |
|---|---|
| Model number | MB165 |
| Model name / series | MB165B |
| Display type | Computer Monitor |
| Screen size (diagonal) | 15.6 in. |
| Screen area | 103 sq. in. |
| Panel technology | TFT LCD |
| Native resolution | 1366 × 768 |
| Resolution class | HD |
| Pixel density | 100 ppi |
| Maximum luminance | 220 cd/m² |
| Rated contrast ratio | 500:1 |
| Enhanced Performance Display | No |
| Signal and data interfaces | USB |
| USB-C with Power Delivery | No |
| Power source | USB bus power |
| On-mode power | 4.9 W |
| Sleep-mode power | 0.27 W |
| Off-mode power | 0.09 W |
| Total energy consumption (TEC) | 16.5 kWh/yr |
| ENERGY STAR TEC limit | 19.9 kWh/yr |
| Below ENERGY STAR limit | 17% |
| ENERGY STAR Most Efficient | No |
Safety information
- Place the monitor on a stable, level surface. When using a monitor arm or wall mount, choose one rated for the monitor's weight and VESA pattern and tighten it as instructed.
- Connect the display to a properly grounded outlet with the supplied power cord. Do not use a damaged cord, and do not route it under rugs or through doorways.
- Keep the ventilation openings clear and do not place the display near radiators, heaters or in direct sunlight.
- Do not expose the display to rain, moisture or spilled liquids. If liquid gets inside, unplug it immediately and have it checked before further use.
- Unplug the display during lightning storms or when it will be unused for an extended period.
- Keep fingers clear of the hinge and height-adjustment mechanism when tilting, pivoting or raising the screen.
Setup
Position the 15.6 in. screen about 20–30 in. (50–75 cm) from your eyes, directly in front of you, with the top line of text at or slightly below eye level. Tilt it back 10–20° and place it at a right angle to windows to minimize glare.
- Unfold the stand
Open the folding cover or kickstand and stand the monitor on a flat surface next to your laptop. Do not rest it on soft surfaces that block airflow.
- Power and connect
This model is powered over USB. Connect it to a laptop USB-C port that supports video output (DisplayPort Alternate Mode); if the laptop cannot supply enough power, connect a USB-C power adapter to the monitor's second USB-C port where provided.
- Connect the USB hub (optional)
Connect the monitor's USB upstream port to your computer to use its USB ports for a keyboard, mouse or webcam.
- Set resolution and scaling
In your operating system's display settings, select the native resolution of 1366 × 768. At about 100 pixels per inch, a scaling setting around 100% usually gives comfortably sized text; adjust to taste.
- Adjust brightness
Set brightness so a white page looks similar to a sheet of paper under your room lighting — typically 100–150 cd/m² for office work, well below this model's 220 cd/m² maximum. Lower brightness reduces both eye strain and power use.
Using your monitor
Picture modes and color
Use the on-screen display (OSD) menu to choose a picture preset. A standard or sRGB mode is best for office work and web browsing. Avoid "dynamic" contrast modes for photo editing, as they shift brightness with screen content.
Power management
The monitor enters sleep automatically when the computer stops sending a signal, dropping to 0.27 W. Set your computer to turn off the display after 5–15 minutes of inactivity so this happens during breaks. With the power button off, the monitor draws 0.09 W.
Care and maintenance
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Weekly | Dust the screen with a dry microfiber cloth using light pressure. |
| When smudged | Power the display off, then wipe with a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with water. Never spray liquid directly on the screen or use ammonia- or alcohol-based glass cleaners on anti-glare coatings. |
| Every 3 months | Vacuum or brush dust from the ventilation slots and check that cables are fully seated and not pulling on the ports. |
| Every 6 months | Check the manufacturer's support site for firmware updates, especially if you see compatibility issues with new computers or docks. |
Troubleshooting
Most display problems trace back to cables, input selection or computer settings. Work through these checks before contacting support; for model-specific messages, consult the manufacturer's manual.
| Problem | Possible cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| "No signal" message | Wrong input selected; loose cable; computer asleep or outputting to another screen. | Select the correct input in the OSD, reseat both cable ends, wake the computer, and press Win+P (Windows) or check Displays settings (macOS). |
| Text looks blurry or the picture does not fill the screen | Computer not sending the native resolution; scaling or overscan settings. | Set the resolution to 1366 × 768 and adjust OS scaling instead; turn off overscan or "aspect" options in the OSD. |
| Flicker, dropouts or black screen at high refresh rates | Cable not rated for the bandwidth; adapter or dock limitation. | Use a certified DisplayPort or Ultra/Premium High Speed HDMI cable, connect directly without adapters, or lower the refresh rate to test. |
| Colors look washed out over HDMI | Limited RGB range sent by the computer or console. | Set the output to full RGB range in the graphics driver, or match the monitor's HDMI range setting. |
| Monitor does not wake from sleep | Deep-sleep option on the input; graphics driver issue. | Press a monitor button or reselect the input; disable deep sleep / auto-input in the OSD; update the graphics driver. |
Energy use and running costs
The ASUS MB165 has a total energy consumption (TEC) rating of 16.5 kWh per year. ENERGY STAR's TEC method assumes the screen is on about 35% of the time (roughly 8.4 hours a day) and asleep the rest. At $0.17 per kWh, it costs about $2.81 per year.
| Daily use | Energy per year | Cost per year |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours on, 20 asleep | 9.1 kWh | $1.55 |
| 8 hours on, 16 asleep | 15.8 kWh | $2.69 |
| 12 hours on, 12 asleep | 22.6 kWh | $3.83 |
On-mode power is measured at the factory-default brightness. Turning brightness up increases consumption; using short sleep timers reduces it.
Frequently asked questions
What size and resolution is the ASUS MB165?
It has a 15.6 in. screen with a native resolution of 1366 × 768 (HD), giving a pixel density of about 100 ppi.
How much power does the ASUS MB165 use?
It draws 4.88 W when on and 0.27 W in sleep. Its ENERGY STAR TEC rating is about 16.5 kWh a year, or $2.81 at $0.17/kWh.
Can the ASUS MB165 charge a laptop over USB-C?
No. The certification record does not list USB-C Power Delivery for this model; its listed interfaces are USB.
What inputs does the ASUS MB165 have?
The ENERGY STAR record lists USB. Port counts and versions (for example HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4) are not included in the certification data; check the manufacturer's specifications.
What panel type does the ASUS MB165 use?
It uses a TFT LCD panel with a rated maximum luminance of 220 cd/m².
Sources and disclaimer
Specifications on this page come from the ENERGY STAR certified monitors dataset published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (record certified April 25, 2021), retrieved October 7, 2026.
The setup, operating, maintenance and troubleshooting guidance is written by ManualHarbor's editors for this specific product type and configuration. It is an independent guide — not a reproduction of the manufacturer's manual — and ManualHarbor is not affiliated with ASUS. Always follow the safety instructions, installation requirements and warranty terms supplied with your unit, and contact ASUS or an authorized service provider for warranty repairs and replacement parts.
Running-cost figures use assumed U.S. average utility prices and are estimates for comparison only. See our editorial methodology for details.
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