Surface Pro 4 - External screen keeps turning on/off (black flickering)

Anonymous
2017-06-13T21:32:22+00:00

Hi there,

I just made a video of my recent problem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Phi\_Yru77aM

You can see that when I'm using the built-in screen of my SP4 (i7, 16GB, 512GB) and only one 4K external screen (both at 60hz), this monitor keeps turning black on a random basis. All my drivers and firmware are up to date (Surface Dock and Surface). I even tried the last Intel Iris 540, same results. I tried another MDP to DP cable, same results. I tried another screen, same results. I tried different refresh rates, same results.

I bought this screen a month ago and I was working fine at the beginning. I strongly suspect an update or the fact that I tried to connect two 4K monitors at 60hz (and I would have damaged something in the process?).

If I deactivate the built-in screen, the problem goes away (something that I just found tonight).

Should I send the device in warranty or just wait for a software fix? The 4K experience is not there yet, I'm a bit disappointed I have to say.

Cheers,

D.

Surface | Surface Pro | Display and screen

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-11-30T14:12:34+00:00

    >> I gave up ... and traded my SP4 in for a SP6 ...

    Really good for you two but an expensive solution. I'm still struggling.

    To all of you who managed to submit a case to Microsoft within the warranty period:  have any of you had any success/response/replacement?

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-11-30T00:44:11+00:00

    I gave up on my SP4 and the flickering. I traded my SP4 in for a SP6 and I am no loner having the flickering issue.

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-10-23T11:13:50+00:00

    Not to burst all your bubbles but work just issued me with a Surface Book 2, and I am getting this issue. It's the 13.5" with Intel Graphics 620, and it's connected to the external monitor (Samsung LU28E570DS) via USB-C --> HDMI. I'm limited to 30Hz because of the limitations of Samsung's HDMI ports; and the external monitor randomly blacks for 3 seconds and then comes back.

    At its worst, it's 5-6 times per hour; at best once every 2 hours.

    A side note: I cannot use the Surface Dock to connect to HDMI (via Mini-DP --> HDMI cable) because then I'm limited to 1080p which on the 4k monitor looks dreadful. I have updated the Dock to the latest firmware. I'm waiting for delivery (today) of a Mini-DP to DP cable to try using the Dock to connect to my monitor... but TBH I'm not holding out much hope...?

    Cheers

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-09-27T21:25:08+00:00

    You are right !!!

    just checked and I am also limited to the 30Hz (as mentioned in the wiki).

    So, no solution yet! :-(

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  5. Anonymous
    2018-09-27T20:57:20+00:00

    Hey mate,

    I just tried your trick but unfortunately, the refresh rate has dropped to 30hz and you cannot select 60hz again. This is why the black flickering is gone (bandwidth isn't saturated anymore).

    I found the details of DisplayPort resolutions explained here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DisplayPort#Resolution\_and\_refresh\_frequency\_limits

    Still no luck and it has been more than a year :-(

    G.

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