The Display Flickers, Flashes and/or Blinks When Using a Powered DisplayPort™ to Dual Link DVI Active Dongle
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 The Display Flickers, Flashes and/or Blinks When Using a Powered DisplayPort™ to Dual Link DVI Active Dongle 

Last Updated
3/13/2012 
 
Article Number
GPU-44 

Issue Description:
When using a powered DisplayPort/mini DisplayPort to dual link DVI active dongle to connect the display to the computer, the monitor experiences one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Flickering
  • Flashing
  • Blinking

Possible Causes:
The issue can be caused by, but is not limited to, one of the following conditions:

  • The DisplayPort dongle USB power connector is connected to a USB connector that does not supply sufficient power (USB low power load)
  • A USB hub that does not have an external power connection is being used
  • A USB connection on a motherboard or a USB hub is used that does not support the high power load option for USB
  • The DisplayPort dongle is not AMD validated
  • Damaged/Defective DisplayPort dongle

How to Troubleshoot the Issue:
The following troubleshooting tips can help identify and resolve the cause of the issue:

  1. The DisplayPort™ dongle USB power connector is connected to a USB connector that does not supply sufficient power (USB low power load).
    1. The DisplayPort dongle must receive the required power to ensure it functions reliably. The USB connector used must be designed to supply a USB high power load (5V @ 500mA). A USB low power load (5V @ 100mA) cannot be used.  
    2. Note! If the system experiences a loss of picture or flickering on a panel that is connected to a powered DisplayPort dongle, check the system BIOS for a USB low power or Stand-By option and disable it.
      1. This can help prevent the motherboard from dropping the power of the USB bus below the required amount to operate the Active (powered) DisplayPort dongle, which may be the cause of the flickering and/or blank panel.
  2. The USB connection on a motherboard or a USB hub does not support the high power option for USB.
    1. Ensure that the motherboard or powered hub USB connection supports USB high power. The USB high power connectors are usually found on the back of the computer system. Refer to the manufacturer’s manual or website to determine if the USB connection in use meets this requirement (5V @ 500mA).
    2. If possible, try connecting the DisplayPort dongle to another available motherboard or powered USB hub USB connection to rule out any issues with the USB connection in use.
    3. Note! If the system experiences a loss of picture or flickering on a panel that is connected to a powered DisplayPort dongle, check the system BIOS for a USB low power or Stand-By option and disable it.
      1. This can help prevent the motherboard from dropping the power of the USB bus below the required amount to operate the Active (powered) DisplayPort dongle, which may be the cause of the flickering and/or blank panel.
  3. The DisplayPort dongle quality issues.
    1. The output from a DisplayPort dongle depends on the quality of the dongle used.
      1. Refer to AMD Eyefinity Validated Dongles for a listing of recommended DisplayPort Dongles.
      2. Check with the DisplayPort dongle manufacturer for a firmware update.
  4. Damaged/Defective DisplayPort Dongle.
    1. Check both ends of the DisplayPort dongle to ensure there are no damaged pins.
    2. Verify that the DisplayPort dongle cable is not damaged, creased, or showing any exposed wires.
    3. If possible, replace the DisplayPort dongle with another available dongle to rule out any issues with the DisplayPort dongle in use.

Applicable Products:
This article applies to the following configurations:

Hardware:

  • AMD Radeon HD 7000 Series 
  • AMD Radeon HD 6000 Series
  • AMD Radeon HD 5000 Series
  • AMD FirePro 3D Series
  • AMD FirePro Multi-View Series

Operating System:

  • Windows® 7 32-bit Edition
  • Windows 7 64-bit Edition
  • Windows Vista® 32-bit Edition
  • Windows Vista 64-bit Edition
  • Windows XP 32-bit Edition
  • Windows XP 64-bit Edition
  • Linux® 32-bit Edition
  • Linux 64-bit Edition
 


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