GPU-30: Display Flickers
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 GPU-30: Display Flickers 
Last Updated
 1/21/2010   
Article Number
 GPU-30 

Issue Description:
The display connected to the ATI graphics card flickers.

Recommendations:
There are four potential causes to the issue. The following troubleshooting tips can help resolve the various causes of the issue:

  1. Interference from nearby electronic devices (Cathode-ray tube (CRT) displays only)
    1. Unshielded computer speakers or other appliances near the computer can cause interference to the display
    2. Switch off all electronic devices that are close by to the CRT display, and check if the flickering still occurs

  2. Improperly connected hardware
    1. Ensure all connections are securely fastened
    2. Use only the supported adapters, dongles, and cables that were shipped with the graphics card
    3. Avoid the use of unsupported third party splitters, KVM switches, or adapters

  3. The display, cable / connection type, and the graphics card
    If flickering occurs before the operating system and drivers load (during BIOS POST), faulty hardware can be a likely cause. Note! Although not common, faulty hardware can still be the cause of the issue even if the operating system loads. In order to determine if there is a potential defect in the hardware, try the following diagnostics:
    1. The Display:
      1. Connect the display to another computer.
      2. If the flickering still occurs, it is possible that there is a problem with the display. For further confirmation, try connecting another display to the computer.
    2. Cables / Connection Type:
      1. Not all available connection types on a display are configured by the manufacturer to work with a computer
        2. Try using a different cable, or connect the display using a different connection type (VGA, DVI, HDMI, S-Video, etc)
        Refer to the display's user manual to determine the best method for connecting the display
    3. Graphics Card:
      1. Connect another display to the graphics card or
      2. Test the graphics card in another system if possible

  4. Resolution and refresh-rate not set correctly
    The display’s owner’s manual will specify what resolution and refresh rates are supported for each accepted connection type.  It is critical that these specifications are followed when setting the desktop area and refresh rate within the ATI Catalyst™ Control Center. In order to correctly set the resolution and refresh rate for the display, follow the below steps:

    1. For ATI Catalyst Control Center 9.7 or higher:
      1. Use the drop-down menu from the welcome screen, and select Desktop Properties.
      2. Using the drop-down menu at the top, select the display to configure
      3. Use the drop-down menus provided to choose the desktop area (resolution) and refresh rate


      4. When finished, click Apply

    2. For ATI Catalyst Control Center 9.7 or higher:
      1. From Advanced View, select Displays Manager from the left
      2. Use the drop-down menus provided to choose the desktop area (resolution) and refresh rate


      3. When finished, click Apply

NOTE! Third party tools that allow a user to configure displays are not supported by AMD.

Applicable Products:
This article applies to the following configuration(s):

  • Hardware
    • ATI FireGL™ Series
    • ATI FirePro™ Series
    • ATI FireMV™ Series
    • ATI Radeon™ Series
    • ATI All-in-Wonder™ Series
    • ATI Integrated Chipsets
  • Software
    • ATI Catalyst™ Control Center Software
  • Operating System
    • Windows 7® 32bit
    • Windows 7® 64bit
    • Windows Vista® 32 bit
    • Windows Vista® 64 bit
    • Windows® XP
    • Windows® XP x64
    • Windows® XP Media Center 
 


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