monitor

[peterr]

Hello

I am requesting an opinion, please.

I have a Dell XPS 8300- 4 years of age- and a new Dell monitor S234OM.

When I close a screen by xing out, the screen flickers, slightly. I brought it back to a store and got another, which is the same.

it does the same thing.

It is hard for me to be mobile as I am disabled and I did not know if I should try another brand or if my tower is the culprit. I wish I had another monitor to test it but am alone.

My wife has a laptop very similar to this desktop.

The store has a policy if I return it for another say HP I have to pay again for a new warranty.

Do you have any suggestions that might help me?

Thank you

Petere

[starbuck]

Hi Petere,

 

When I close a screen by xing out, the screen flickers, slightly.

so it only happens when you x out of a screen?

 

If it's a regular occurrence, these are the 2 things that I would check......

 

Firstly have you run the built in diagnostics to see if the problem is the monitor? (although I doubt that 2 would be faulty )

 

Your monitor has a built-in diagnostic tool that helps you determine if the screen abnormality you are experiencing is an inherent problem with your monitor, or

with your computer and video card.

 

 

Secondly there have been flickering problems with some versions of Win10.

Did your system update around the time that this started?

 

Check to see if Task Manager flickers

Open Task Manager by right-clicking on the Start button in the lower left-hand corner of your screen, then select Task Manager.

• If Task Manager doesn’t flicker, an app is probably causing the problem.
  
• If Task Manager does flicker, a display driver is probably causing the problem.
  

There was also a recent problem with a Norton update that caused a flickering problem on some Win10 systems........ do you have Norton installed?

 

I'm just trying to narrow things down a bit.

[peterr]

Hi starbuck **I just disabled some of the extensions and the problem lessened. I have to go through each of the 6 extensions on the Chrome browser. I wrote all below before I tried this. Not sure as it is fickle.

 

1-I read both your directions for the self test and Googled it. I turned the PC off. Then I powered up the monitor to hold buttons 1 and 4 but it just said entering power savings mode in 5 minutes. I waited it out and pressed 1&4 again but the power saving came up again. I guess the answer is to set power to zero in the control panel and do it all over again.

No directions came with either this or the previous monitor so I don't know if this can do a self test. It is only $150.

I run Win 10 pro .WIM 1511 ver. 10586.164

Task manager did not flicker.

I have the following apps;

APPS: [64 byte, no Beta]: Adobe Reader, Treesize, VLC, MBAM, Skype, Office 2010 , updated printer drivers, Chrome, Macrium Reflect, Unlocker, SpywareBlaster, Ad block plus, Speccy, Secunia, Filehippo app manager, Chrome extension = mail a page. Change Win 10 defaults from mail + photo to eMClient + paint, Wise uninstaller , Unchecky.

Maybe one of these is a red flag.

 

Norton and McAfee are not used as I learned years ago about them. I just use Defender, SpywareBlaster, MBAM, and am behind a router.

I bridged the gateway and use my router not theirs.

The flickering is quick as a flash like a stutter when I open a page or close one. it does not happen all the time but most of it. It s annoying but I can live with it. It is the 2nd twin so likely is on m my side. I can still return it for a different brand.

 

I wonder if I could somehow use just the on board video? Maybe I could delete all NVidea or even take the card out. I have never gone past putting RAM in. Would quality suffer much to use on a regular basis if the card was the culprit. It is NVidea GE force 420?

To update drivers they load your pc up with 6 entries in the control panel> programs and features. I kept only the audi and video drivers and the Physx. The last they automatically install with the driver.

 

Speaking of which, I had a problem where the power button would light as flashing amber & the PC would not boot up.. I tightened everything on the board but took out all 6 sticks of 1 GB RAM and replaced the the same ones randomly. When I did the PC powered up. Can a stick work but be weak or faulty? They are locked in securely.

This dickering appeared when I bought each monitor - it did not start while I had therm.

 

Sorry to present such an amount of information but wanted you to have all the variables.

Edited March 26, 2016 by peterr

[starbuck]

Hi Petere,

 

Sorry to present such an amount of information but wanted you to have all the variables.

Too much info is not a problem.

It gives anyone replying, a better picture of the problem..

This isn't really my field, I think that DSTM or Cindy would have a better understanding.

 

I just disabled some of the extensions and the problem lessened.

A corrupt or conflicting extension may well cause problems with the browser.

It's worth checking them all out.

 

I have the following apps;

APPS: [64 byte, no Beta]: Adobe Reader, Treesize, VLC, MBAM, Skype, Office 2010 , updated printer drivers, Chrome, Macrium Reflect, Unlocker, SpywareBlaster, Ad block plus, Speccy, Secunia, Filehippo app manager, Chrome extension = mail a page. Change Win 10 defaults from mail + photo to eMClient + paint, Wise uninstaller , Unchecky.

Maybe one of these is a red flag.

Those that are not running at startup, shouldn't be a problem.

 

One thing that comes to mind..... Have you checked for any new drivers for the monitor?

Most monitors will work from generic drivers, but some may need specific ones.

 

No directions came with either this or the previous monitor so I don't know if this can do a self test.

That's an easy one to rectify:

S2340M Monitor User's Guide

 

Would quality suffer much to use on a regular basis if the card was the culprit. It is NVidea GE force 420?

It would depend on what you use the system for.

Obviously this graphics card has 2GB ram installed.... a lot more than the 'on board' graphics will have.

 

I wonder if I could somehow use just the on board video?

By taking the graphics card out, it should automatically revert back to the on board graphics.

 

I tightened everything on the board but took out all 6 sticks of 1 GB RAM and replaced the the same ones randomly. When I did the PC powered up. Can a stick work but be weak or faulty?

Yes, definitely.

6 sticks is a lot to go through when trying to determine a faulty one.

 

I see you are using AdBlock Plus.

I'd recommend removing this and installing uBlock Origin.

The author of AdBlock Plus sold it when he couldn't do any more with it.

He then went back to the beginning and redesigned a completely new and better AdBlocker.... (uBlock origin)

It uses less resources and has more ad definitions in the database.

 

As you use Chrome....

Google Chrome:

 

uBlock Origin

Click on Add to Chrome

 

Once installed, I recommend that you update the blocking definitions.

 

Right click on the uBlock Origin icon (top right of the browser) and select Options.

Now click on 3rd Party Filters >> Update Now.

[DSTM]

Hi Peterr.

Further to the good advice from Starbuck.

I doubt it is your monitor.

You say you have 6 x1gig sticks of ram.

Can you post what is written on each stick, Please.

I would change the cable to your Monitor to experiment.

I would disconnect the printer and any other periferals while testing.

Are you relying on a driver updater?

Norton and McAfee need to be removed completely.

Use the Internet explorer browser while testing and see if issue persists.

I doubt it is the video card if correct drivers are installed.

Try each I have listed and post results of any changes.

Edited March 26, 2016 by DSTM

[peterr]

Hi Petere,

 

 

Too much info is not a problem.

It gives anyone replying, a better picture of the problem..

This isn't really my field, I think that DSTM or Cindy would have a better understanding.

 

 

A corrupt or conflicting extension may well cause problems with the browser.

It's worth checking them all out.

 

 

Those that are not running at startup, shouldn't be a problem.

 

One thing that comes to mind..... Have you checked for any new drivers for the monitor?

Most monitors will work from generic drivers, but some may need specific ones.

 

 

That's an easy one to rectify:

S2340M Monitor User's Guide

 

 

It would depend on what you use the system for.

Obviously this graphics card has 2GB ram installed.... a lot more than the 'on board' graphics will have.

 

 

By taking the graphics card out, it should automatically revert back to the on board graphics.

 

 

Yes, definitely.

6 sticks is a lot to go through when trying to determine a faulty one.

 

I see you are using AdBlock Plus.

I'd recommend removing this and installing uBlock Origin.

The author of AdBlock Plus sold it when he couldn't do any more with it.

He then went back to the beginning and redesigned a completely new and better AdBlocker.... (uBlock origin)

It uses less resources and has more ad definitions in the database.

 

As you use Chrome....

Google Chrome:

 

uBlock Origin

Click on Add to Chrome

 

Once installed, I recommend that you update the blocking definitions.

 

Right click on the uBlock Origin icon (top right of the browser) and select Options.

Now click on 3rd Party Filters >> Update Now.

 

 

>>>Should I periodically update uBLOCK ORIGIN

[peterr]

Hello DSTM

I am confused as I am reading Speccy which seems to say I have 4 slots but I just removed and replaced the same sticks - 6 of them and think I have 6 GB RAM so figured that would be a GB a stick.

Although the replacement was random all seems to be ok - except the slight flicker when opening and closing a page.

Please see the attachment.

I am a bit disabled so it is hard to get into the machine again. If necessary I would do so though.

I have used 2 different cables - VGA.

No, I did not remove the printer but will for future testing. I followed the directions but no test appeared. The screen showed nothing when I held 1 & 4. I set it to factory.

I went to NVidia and downloaded the driver for my machine a while ago.. I had to clean the installer2 folder as it was full. Also, I removed the Experience entry which helps with downloads. I had about 6 NVidia entries at one time. Now I have audio, video and PhysX. I had to turn off the shader cache as its folder stayed in my temp folder. I like it empty.

I have not used MacAfee or Norton for at least 10 years. I do not prefer them. I use Defender, SpywareBlaster, MBAM, and am behind a router.

I am using Edge as we speak and both browsers are about the same.

Ram is confusing me now as I know I put 6 sticks in - each of 6 rows had a white pared with a brown channel into which each stick was placed. if you have odd sticks I know the order matters but I did not think so with 6 of the same - unless they are 1 GB but not the same. I think the label was facing away and I had to put them in facing me or they would not fit - but not sure.

I appreciate the help.

TY for your help

Peter

[starbuck]

Should I periodically update uBLOCK ORIGIN

Although the auto update is checked on mine, I still run the 'update now' option once in awhile.

 

I use Defender, SpywareBlaster, MBAM, and am behind a router.

I am using Edge as we speak and both browsers are about the same.

A slight digression from the original problem, but.....

SpywareBlaster only really works with Internet Explorer..... because IE uses Active X.

No other browser including Edge uses ActiveX..... so SpywareBlaster probably isn't really doing a lot for you.

With FF and Chrome it'll add some anti cookie tracking support and that is about it.

Edited March 27, 2016 by starbuck

[DSTM]

Hi Peterr.

I googled the specs for your system and said it takes 8gigs 1333 DDR3 ram.

Is it possible to give me the numbers off your motherboard with Speccy, Please.

The image under specs I saw only had 4 slots in total. You say yours has 6 slots.

 

Also could you open Speccy and in the centre column click on motherboard and expand.

What does it say for your 3.3v 5v and 12v readings. This will give us an indication of condition of your Power Supply

 

 

Peterr. Can you as an experiment install Firefox and install Java and see if the flicker remains.

Also Adobe Flash Player for Firefox browser.

Edited March 27, 2016 by DSTM

[DSTM]

Hi Peterr. Work your way slowly through these requests and see if we can't fix this flicker issue.

 

 

These are the voltage numbers I would like to see on your Speccy. Expand Motherboard

 

 

 

This says you only have 4 ram slots. I am confused at the moment till this is cleared up.

 

We need exact wording for motherboard in Speccy. Screen shot will do.

 

In Speccy under "Graphics" is your card recognized or does it list "on board Graphics" ?

Edited March 27, 2016 by DSTM

[starbuck]

Another way to clear up this Ram mystery is to run the 'Crucial Scanner'.

 

Go to http://www.crucial.com/uk/systemscanner/index.aspx

 

1. Select.. Scan your system

2. agree to the terms and conditions.

3. Click the "download the scanner" button, and choose "Save File" when prompted.

4. Save the file to your desktop, or anywhere you prefer.

5. Navigate to this saved CrucialScan.exe file and open it. ... Vista/Windows 7/8/10 users right-click and select Run As Administrator.

6. It will take several moments while your browser is updated with your scan results.

 

When the report comes up it will tell you how much Ram memory is installed, how many modules,how many slots are used, how many are available, how much Ram memory can be installed and what type of memory you can install and your Motherboard type.

 

 

But you will still need to provide DSTM with the rail readings and the graphics card details.

[peterr]

This is the board with RAM and I am still working on the rest

[peterr]

results of scan

[peterr]

I hope I have addressed all requests and please let me know if i have missed something.

[peterr]

[DSTM]

Thanks for that information,Peterr. Will help in our Diagnosis.

[peterr]

I removed the RAM but there was so much writing I took pictures.There is different writing on some - I think 2 are the same then the next two are the same. 2 pair and 2 pair.

There are 4 rows which have brown and white inserts in pairs. BW BW

***I made an awful error. I have 4 sticks and four slots not 6.

I am so embarrassed and should be. I am awfully sorry.

Incidentally I was able finally to remove the largest connector to the board.

 

When I uploaded the file I could read them but now I cannot.

[peterr]

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=B6C2BDE79EC086C5!20022&authkey=!AGq6io4N2pL4NSQ&ithint=folder%2cjpg

 

I hope this is clearer

[Bill M.]

You shouldn't be embarrassed, everyone makes mistakes, particularly with computers. As Dougie said, this information will help a lot.

[peterr]

I forgot to tell you the order you see these in the photo is the order in which I have them installed ; 2,1 - 1,2. I don't know if that makes a difference.

[Bill M.]

Peterr, you have two pairs. When you put them back the pairs should be together in opposing slots.

[DSTM]

Hi Peterr. What Bill means you have 4 slots. Two will be one colour and two another colour.

Normally say slot one and three will be matching colour, say Black. Same colour slots take same size ram.

Can you follow this example?

 

[peterr]

Another goof. I should have consulted the manual in the first place. I now have the 1 GB's in white and the 2 GB's in dark as the book says.

It is w,d w,d or 1,2 1,2 as the diagram in the manual shows.

I am really sorry to have consumed your time with inaccuracies lack of forethought or work on my end. I do try to do it myself if I can. It is pretty perky now.

 

Bill, Your note seems not to be what I have done and I followed the manual, unless I arm misreading you. The pairs are not together but as I outlined according to Dell. I looked at DSTM's diagarm which is what I have.

 

Please get back to me regarding that difference of opinion.

Thank so all for your kind help,

Peter

[Bill M.]

No difference in opinion, I just was clear in my explanation. Follow Dougie's diagram.

[DSTM]

Hi Peterr. Windows recognizes your graphics card drivers so that's OK.

 

Your problem is your Power supply. The rail readings are so low it a wonder the computer boots up.

Your 3.3v is reading 2.832v

Your 5v is reading 2.843v

Your 12v is reading 11.232.

 

This I believe is the cause of all your issues. When a Power supply gets below 11.700v on the 12v rail

every hardware component on your computer is trying to function with too little wattage, hence crazy things start happening like flickering your having.Not only that, all your rail readings are down badly.

Next problem is Dell power supplies are a smaller size than normal power supplies so that causes a problem locating one.

Your PC came with a 460 watt power supply. Maybe staff can locate one on EBAY for you.

Then you need to take the computer to a computer shop to have it fitted.

Compare my rail readings in the example I posted compared to yours and it's obvious your Power supply is Cactus.

 

What do other Techies think?