Surface Pro 4, Screen Flickering, Shaking

Anonymous
2017-01-19T07:47:47+00:00

Hi All,

Update: Flickergate is now having a forum to bring all affected users at a single platform to plan for resolvement of issue. Please join at

 https://forum.flickergate.com

UPDATE: Check FlickerGate.com for videos of the problem and to submit your own. 

I purchased SP4 device a few months ago and it was working fine for a month. Then I noticed that when the CPU is at its max, the screen flickers a bit. Investigating further revealed that it flickers even if it is setting idle. It does not flicker if at least one of the following thing is done:

  1. A video being played in browser 
  2. If I keep the touch screen busy by either taping it or keeping a finger on it
  3. If I use the touchpad
  4. If keyboard is used for typing

This resulted in making the device completely unusable while reading articles or ebooks. I am a developer, most of the time I have to read the code and to do that, I have to constantly keep a finger on the touch pad or the screen. I contacted surface support in October and November and was told that the developers are working on the patch. Looking at the updates the developers are pushing since then, I don't think anyone is even aware of the problem there. 

My previous support ticket numbers are:

 ***deleted personally identifiable information***

***deleted personally identifiable information***

Just wondering if anyone else had the same problem (and the fix) and if not, what's the procedure for the refund? I will rather go for a mac then sacrificing $2000+ for a dancing screen.  

Kind Regards,

Abbas

***Personal information deleted by the moderator. Please see the Microsoft Community Frequently Asked Questions for more information on how you can protect your privacy.***

Surface | Surface Pro | Display and screen

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Anonymous
2018-05-11T17:59:00+00:00

Hey Everyone,

Creating the best products and experiences for our customers is our top priority.

We have heard your feedback and after careful examination, have determined that a small percentage of Surface Pro 4 devices are exhibiting a screen flicker that cannot be addressed with a firmware or driver update.

To support customers affected by this issue, we will replace eligible Surface Pro 4 devices for up to three years from the date of purchase, free of charge. If you believe your device is experiencing this issue, please visit our Surface Pro 4 screen flicker article for more details.

Bryan [MSFT]

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-03-16T21:41:21+00:00

    Microsoft just replaced my SP4, so when I see MS employees posting here suggesting things like "log in as a different user" I get the feeling the left hand is not talking to the right hand. This definitely sounds like a hardware issue.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-03-17T00:10:18+00:00

    Microsoft just replaced my SP4, so when I see MS employees posting here suggesting things like "log in as a different user" I get the feeling the left hand is not talking to the right hand. This definitely sounds like a hardware issue.

    In this case the left hand doesn't know the right hand exists.  Beware of assistance from so called Microsoft employees with 3 letter last names.

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-03-17T04:42:08+00:00

    Hi,

    I run the Windows Update jus 2 hrs ago, apparently there is an update for the Intel HD Graphics 520. The Driver date is 6/7/2016 and version 20.19.15.4463. I updated it on my SP4. Its a older version as compare to one that is updated in Oct 2016.

    I'm stressing my SP4 with 6 Chrome window with youtube video running simultaneously, and Edge with other programs running. My SP4 is recording 84-95% CPU utilization, and Package Temp abut 50-55C, Graphic Temp is about 54-55C. Cooling fan is audible and running. Its has been running for an hour plus in this condition, so far no flickering or double vision yet.

    Will observed longer to see any issue.

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-03-17T05:53:37+00:00

    Hi, Displays starts to flicker and double vision begins, after I stop all chrome windows, programs etc. 2hrs later and stream video online. CPU utilization 20-40%, Package temp 40-43C, graphics temp 40-42C.

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