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
    2018-10-23T11:13:50+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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  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
    2018-11-30T00:55:01+00:00

    Same. The 4 has a systemic issue with external 4K displays.

    My 6 works flawlessly.

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  4. 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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  5. Anonymous
    2018-11-30T14:52:42+00:00

    A response yes, a replacement no. The responses were all grasping at straws, resetting the computer, trying new drivers, even suggesting new displays. I did all of the above, and still no luck. It is a fundamental issue with the surface pro 5.

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