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Flickering screen problem with BenQ monitor on 5,1

B

bwinter88

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jul 20, 2012
152
1,913
This is a head-scratcher, for sure. Hoping someone has some insights.

I have a 5,1 with a GTX 1080 installed. I recently bought a BenQ monitor, the PD3200. Since day one with this monitor, it will occasionally (once every 1 to 5 minutes) flicker briefly to black. Here is a video demonstrating the problem.

  • I got BenQ to send me a replacement monitor. Still happens.
  • It does not happen when the BenQ monitor is connected to any other system, so it must be the Mac Pro.
  • But I have an LG monitor as well, and it does not happen with this monitor, only the BenQ.
  • It occurs in Boot Camp too.
  • I have tried swapping the 1080 with a flashed 980, the problem still occurs, so it is not the graphics card.
  • I have tried powering the graphics card with an external supply, the problem still occurs, so it is not the power supply.
It seems to be a combination of the BenQ monitor and the Mac Pro, but I don't know who to blame.

What do you guys think?
 
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bwinter88 said:
This is a head-scratcher, for sure. Hoping someone has some insights.

I have a 5,1 with a GTX 1080 installed. I recently bought a BenQ monitor, the PD3200. Since day one with this monitor, it will occasionally (once every 1 to 5 minutes) flicker briefly to black. Here is a video demonstrating the problem.

  • I got BenQ to send me a replacement monitor. Still happens.
  • It does not happen when the BenQ monitor is connected to any other system, so it must be the Mac Pro.
  • But I have an LG monitor as well, and it does not happen with this monitor, only the BenQ.
  • It occurs in Boot Camp too.
  • I have tried swapping the 1080 with a flashed 980, the problem still occurs, so it is not the graphics card.
  • I have tried powering the graphics card with an external supply, the problem still occurs, so it is not the power supply.
It seems to be a combination of the BenQ monitor and the Mac Pro, but I don't know who to blame.

What do you guys think?
Click to expand...

Did you try another cable?
 
Do you have another machine you can plug into the monitor (maybe a laptop)?
Are you running 3840x2160 at 60Hz‎ or 3840x2160 at 30Hz‎? If 60Hz, switch to 30Hz and see if it improves at all.
Are you using SwitchResX or any video output plugins/add-ons?
 
bsbeamer said:
Do you have another machine you can plug into the monitor (maybe a laptop)?
Are you running 3840x2160 at 60Hz‎ or 3840x2160 at 30Hz‎? If 60Hz, switch to 30Hz and see if it improves at all.
Are you using SwitchResX or any video output plugins/add-ons?
Click to expand...
I'm running 3840x2160 at 60Hz. No SwitchResX or any add-ons. I just tried 30 Hz and the flicker is still there. I've already tried it with my laptop and didn't see any, but I only tried it out for about half an hour and it's been known to go longer than that without flickering on the Mac Pro. I'll test it again on the laptop for longer as well.
 
If you lower the resolution does it still happen?

Any menus in monitor for sync, colorsync, or HDR that can be enabled or disabled? Have run into issues at 60hz with some HDR capable monitors recently.

Can you update the monitor firmware?
 
bsbeamer said:
If you lower the resolution does it still happen?

Any menus in monitor for sync, colorsync, or HDR that can be enabled or disabled? Have run into issues at 60hz with some HDR capable monitors recently.

Can you update the monitor firmware?
Click to expand...

So I have the Macbook Pro plugged in running the BenQ at 3840x2160 at 30Hz, and it is flicker- and glitch-free. I was experiencing the flicker on the Mac Pro at this same resolution and refresh rate, so it is definitely something with the Mac Pro specifically, but of course only manifesting on the BenQ. I can't find any firmware for the BenQ. Settings are the same on the monitor for both setups.

EDIT: IT just flickered on the MacBook! It's definitely the monitor. Woohoo. Time to hop on the phone with BenQ support. So bizarre how they gave me two monitors in a row with the exact same issue.

Just went to the reviews on Amazon for this monitor...looks like this is a common issue. Someone is already on their 3rd replacement with the same problem still occurring. I think it goes without saying, do NOT buy this monitor...
 
Last edited:
Did you have Windows? If yes, try Windows. If no, you can boot your Mac via a Linux LiveCD. I suspect that may be software issue. No necessary the GPU driver, but may be something like a bug in HiDPI mode (OS level).
 
h9826790 said:
Did you have Windows? If yes, try Windows. If no, you can boot your Mac via a Linux LiveCD. I suspect that may be software issue. No necessary the GPU driver, but may be something like a bug in HiDPI mode (OS level).
Click to expand...

I just found some additional info on it...turns out it's a manufacturing/design defect in the actual AUO panel used in the monitor (and a few others by HP and Acer). Something to be wary of when shopping for a 32" 4K monitor right now.
 
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bwinter88 said:
I just found some additional info on it...turns out it's a manufacturing/design defect in the actual AUO panel used in the monitor (and a few others by HP and Acer). Something to be wary of when shopping for a 32" 4K monitor right now.
Click to expand...
We have one of these at work and it's never flickered. Been connected to a number of laptops (Mac and windows) as we use it in the meeting room.
 
I have a similar, but different problem - 2X BenQ 32" Monitors, MP 5,1 /10.13.6 / GTX 980 with up-to-date drivers. My cMP will NOT boot when hooked-up to either BenQ 32" monitors. The boot stops before the "Bong" and must be shut-down. This happens regardless of which cables (DP/mini-DP/HDMI) I use. The GTX 980 is a flashed card from Bison and works fine. Changing the card output ports makes NO difference.
I have to boot the machine using a 27" NEC monitor - once past the "Bong" and the Apple Logo, I can switch over to the BenQ's which then work..PERFECTLY!!!
If I take the DP cable from a fresh boot to the NEC and plug that cable into the BenQ (changing the input as appropriate) there is no signal.
BenQ Tech Service was useless - claims that because the monitors can function, it must be a Mac problem. Help anyone?
 
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