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
    2018-01-27T02:12:04+00:00

    I had this exact same issue.

    I spoke to Microsoft and we tried a bunch of things. Here's what initially worked for me.

    In checking the display refresh rate (Settings / Display / Display Adapter Properties / Monitor), my refresh rate was set to 59 Hertz. I changed it to 30 Hertz (unusable performance) then back to 60 Hertz, and the problem (at least for now) has stopped.

    UPDATE

    The problem re-appeared, so this "fix" does not appear to be so. However, the problem is far less often. Possibly coincidence.

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-01-20T17:47:18+00:00

    What I have noticed since I've gone with the latest Intel driver, is that it is only my Samsung LU24E85KRS/EN 4k monitor that has the problem.  The HDMI TV's at home and work are now fine.

    Again, I don't understand why the Monitor plays nice with my old Surface Pro 3 but not the Surface Pro 2017

    Samsung don't have any firmware i can try for this model.  nor is their a windows 10 monitor driver specific for it.

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-01-19T22:07:50+00:00

    Then disable its support.  Supposedly that is what the TCON exceptions you are seeing indicate--a problem with pen support.  Otherwise, do you know where those events are being captured?  You could disable them from being seen there.  FWIW I don't have any such exceptions and don't know where they will be coming from but can imagine that an obscure analytic trace could have been enabled to try to diagnose problems in that area.

    Good luck

    Robert

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-01-19T21:33:37+00:00

    No issue with the pen... i don't have one.  It's the second monitor.

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  5. Anonymous
    2018-01-18T07:16:41+00:00

    Hey there,

    I can see that things aren't really moving... I tried some drivers install last week, all sort of combinations and I still have the same problem.

    Now seriously considering to buy a MacBook. At least, Lightroom will work properly and I'll be able to use the external 4K screen...

    Such a pity :-(

    G.

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