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HDD causes screen flicker !!?? - Plz Help!

post #1 of 27
7/3/04 at 5:38am
Thread Starter 
This is very annoying. . . Ive just received my 9100 and have noticed that while the screen is set to anything other than 'full' brightness, when the HDD is accessed (while the computer is just idle) - the lcd screen flickers in time with the HDD 'blips'.

I have searched the forum but cant find any related posts. Dells support line is closed today (saturday).

Has anybody else seen this before? Thanks in advance...
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post #2 of 27
7/3/04 at 7:11am
Hi,
I have the same problem on my 9100 and it has only started in the last few days. I have had my 9100 for 2 weeks now. I first thought it may be game related. I was using the latest version of the Omega drivers (2.551). I also tried the latest version of the Dell drivers. Same issue. I have the latest version of DirectX as well. It tested it in safe mode for a while and I didn't see the problem at all.

I'd like to hear people's thoughts on this one.

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post #3 of 27
7/3/04 at 7:21am
Thread Starter 

Drivers?

Thats interesting that you say 'safe mode' dosent cause the same issue. I was wondering if this could be a chip-set (power management) problem. Having only received my laptop yesterday - I havent yet had time to test this theory.
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post #4 of 27
7/3/04 at 9:53am
I believe I have this same issue. I will be testing this later.

Mine seems to be only every few seconds, but I still seem to notice it. More of a quick flash or a very slow refresh.
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post #5 of 27
7/3/04 at 10:06am
Thread Starter 

It still occus in SafeMode (for me atleast)

Ive just booted into Safe Mode and the very same intermittant 'screen flickering' occurs when the HDD is accessed. I can 'hear' when its happening too as the HDD makes a noticeable 'click'.

Another interesting point is that having booted from CD into Linux - its absolutely perfect.

So I'm still thinking that Windows is causing this as opposed to any kind of Hardware fault.
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post #6 of 27
7/3/04 at 11:42am
Ths happens with my XPS as well. Dell is sending me a replacement unit next week. If that does not solve the problem, I think mine goes back to Dell.

There is at least one other thread here on notebookforums.com discussing the issue, but the author never posted any resolution.

At least one other XPS owner tested his system and reported no problems.

What brand screen do each of you have?

I have a Toshiba screen.

Ira
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post #7 of 27
7/3/04 at 11:58am
Thread Starter 

Default monitor...

Strange, but in my windows registry - it says default(unknown) monitor. Ive also just booted to Linux and on the startup screen its telling me that the device is unknown and the monitor is 'LCD5000'.

Any thoughts while I download AIDA32?

> Thanks for your input so far guys !

Aida32 hs told me nothing. Damn!

But searching through other forumns, it sseems that the LCD5000 referrs to a Toshiba TFT?

I cant find a monitor driver for this model.
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post #8 of 27
7/3/04 at 1:09pm
Thread Starter 

Im convinced its the IDE bus

Having just run the Dell Diagnosis tests, Ive noticed that on both the DVD and HDD tests were the 'only' times when this screen flicker appeared.

My next test will be to use an alternative HDD (only 6 gig) - just to see if its a faulty or (power hungry) HDD.

Test 2 will be to remove the DVD unit and see what happens.

My HDD is a 60GIG 5,400rpm hitachi (I think).
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post #9 of 27
7/3/04 at 1:32pm
I didn't think Dell sold any 5400 rpm drives. According to their website, it's either 4200 or the one 60GB 7200 rpm.

Clint
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post #10 of 27
7/3/04 at 1:43pm
Thread Starter 

Just taken it out and its a 5,400rpm

Hi Clint. Ive just taken it out and its 100% 60GIG 5,400rpm. Also, as a further point of interest - removing the DVD drive made no difference.

I think now its very likely to be one of two things: 1) The HDD is drawing random amounts of power and causing the screen flickering - or 2) The Toshiba screen is sensitive (too sensitive) to these power fluctuations.

Lets see what the alternative HDD brings. Also - I'd be interested to know from the other people with the same issue, what HDD's they have. There may be a pattern!?

Over and out for now. Im off to install this tiny 6GIG as a test.
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post #11 of 27
7/3/04 at 2:09pm
It can't be just the 60GB disc, mine is a 40GB disc and I think I am experiencing the same issue.
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post #12 of 27
7/3/04 at 4:56pm

I have this problem and my system has

The Toshiba screen and the 7,200 RPM 60G drive. See the FAQ for ideas on how to determine the type of screen you have.

Ira
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post #13 of 27
7/3/04 at 6:57pm
Thread Starter 

Toshiba screen problem?

Mines a Toshiba too!... Could this be a toshiba screen power problem? Either way, for me at least- it means that I can never use anything less than 100% brightness (giving terrible battery run-time)... that is unless I want to get hypnotised by the flashing.

Dell support are getting a call mondya morning. This thing is only 48 hours old...
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post #14 of 27
7/3/04 at 7:00pm

I suggest

You call customer service rather than wasting your time with tech support. I suspect you want a new system, not a week+ delay to get this one fixed. After jousting with lots of tech support people, I finally talked to customer service and got a replacement sent to me. It arrives Monday, so I shall soon see if this is a persistent problem. If so, I may give up on Dell.

Ira
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post #15 of 27
7/3/04 at 7:06pm
Thread Starter 

Ira - Please advise..

Ira,

I have opted for the 1 year RTB warranty. Does this not mean that Im going to have to post the monster back to Dell - and then wait an age for a replacement? Mine arrived on friday morning and I attempted to contact support today (saturday) - but they were closed.

You clearly have more experience with Dell than I do.. what does you experience tell you about my current situation? For the money I paid, I would hope not to wait yet another fortnight to get it back.

Barry
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post #16 of 27
7/3/04 at 9:08pm
Anyone with this flicker problem have a Northwood processor?
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post #17 of 27
7/3/04 at 9:41pm

Answers

I have the XPS with a Northwood.

As for dealing with Dell, I too have the standard 1 year, send it back for service warranty. If you call customer service and complain a bit, they will eventually relent and agree to send you a new system. Afterall, if they don't you can just box the thing up and send it all back and take your business elsewhere.

I didn't quite have to get this explicit with customer service. I just had to indicate that I was very unhappy at the thought of spending thousands of dollars for a system that I needed to start using and then be without it for a week or more. I then suggested that Dell send me a replacement so I wouldn't have any down time and the rep checked with her supervisor and agreed. Dell ended up handling this like an order for a brand new system, so it went through the complete build and ship process. Once it arrives, I will test the new system. If it works, I will swap my existing hard drive into the new system to retain all the work and configuration I have already done and send back the old system with shipping covered by Dell. If the new system does not work, then both new and old go back to Dell and I find a new vendor.

If the new system does work, I will likely upgrade my warranty coverage to include multiple years and on-site so I don't have to go through this excitement again.

Ira
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post #18 of 27
7/3/04 at 9:47pm
You realize you will get a Prescott precessor now...
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post #19 of 27
7/4/04 at 4:38am

I doubt I will get a Prescott

I just got the current system a week ago and it is a Northwood. Others have also recently reported receiving Northwoods in the 3.2 and 3.4 gig 9100 and XPS configs. I have heard of 2.8 gig systems coming through with Prescotts, but we will see.

Ira
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post #20 of 27
7/5/04 at 2:05pm
Thread Starter 

Dell are coming out !

The boys at Dell have agreed (even though I only have a RTB warranty), to come out with a new monitor!

I've taken the opportunity to explain that my current monitor - although has a flicker issue - is currently 'lazy pixel' free. And that the replacement should be tested before the person come onsite.

Its amazing what asking for a product return address can do!

Many thanks for all of your support and advice.
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