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Newish build, first problem.

G

gkg101

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jun 4, 2007
Messages
422
Current build has been perfect for four months until last night I came home after work and swithced on my computer and I got a flickering screen at the motherboard spash screen, which was flickering on and off at high speed like a strobe. By the time I reached the Windows welcome screen, the flickering had stopped, and the rest of the boot process went normally. I played some games and didn't notice any problems with flicker. I was hoping this was just a freak thing and let the computer go to sleep, but upon wake up, a few hours later, I got the same flicker, this time at the welcome screen which went away by the time I reached the desktop. Has anyone seen this type of thing? Video card? Motherboard? Will it lead to failure?
 
Sure that's the way to go eventually, But before I do anything, I want to see if this problem progresses to the point where it effects performance or something breaks. I still have time on warranties. In the mean time has anyone seen this exact type of thing?
 
well I narrowed it down to a monitor problem only. The flicker happens when I switch the monitor on without computer connection. And after warming up, it works normal. No need for further tinkering.
 
The monitor (Sansung 226bw 22" 1680x1050) is past its warrantee, any idea how much longer it will work? It only takes a few seconds for the strobe effect to stop and the picture still looks great. I mean, is it a sure thing that it will go shortly?
 
Once they start going bad, they sometimes go bad in a hurry - I know mine did. It is either the backlight, or the inverter board - both of which can sometimes be replaced cheaply depending on the model. You can google it a little, or check eBay for used inverters - although honestly, for that monitor, I'd probably just use it until it breaks and then buy a new one, as it's not that great a monitor to begin with.
 
What level of technical ability would I need to replace the inverter or backlight. Approx how much of an investment of time and money?
 
Really depends on the monitor - you'd have to look (google) around for a guide of some kind.
 
Yep, there's descriptions of this on the web, and YouTube videos that show my exact problem. And today the flickering lasted longer. I'll research some more to see if I can fix it. While we're here, can you recommend a good bang for buck 1680 x 1050 monitor for gaming and web?
 
did you check all the cable connections both power and video? Maybe you should re-seat the gpu?
 
Right did you check the power cable @ the back of the monitor? Maybe its come loose, or if the video cable isn't locked in properly maybe that can cause a short? All I am saying is that it's the simplest thing to check and eliminate from the process. Power cables have been known to go bad over times if they are bent in a weird way.
 
hossdaddy said:
Right did you check the power cable @ the back of the monitor? Maybe its come loose, or if the video cable isn't locked in properly maybe that can cause a short? All I am saying is that it's the simplest thing to check and eliminate from the process. Power cables have been known to go bad over times if they are bent in a weird way.
Click to expand...
Yes, I checked that. This link shows my problem, and I'm going to study it tonight after work
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjjpmCcs8ho
 
I studied the repair but I don't want to mess with it..maybe later. Any suggestions for a new 1680x1050 monitor that might last longer than my Samsung? I want to spend around $150 or $200 for better bang for buck. Also, given my system that has only 768 mb video memory, could I get away with a slighly higher resolution without sacrificing too much in the way of eye candy? There doens't seem to be that many 1680 x 1050 choices.

Oh, I should note that I need this monitor for graphically intensive games. Ready to buy right now, or probably could hold out a little this monitor is still working so far, but seems to be fading fast.
 
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gkg101 said:
I studied the repair but I don't want to mess with it..maybe later. Any suggestions for a new 1680x1050 monitor that might last longer than my Samsung? I want to spend around $150 or $200 for better bang for buck. Also, given my system that has only 768 mb video memory, could I get away with a slighly higher resolution without sacrificing too much in the way of eye candy? There doens't seem to be that many 1680 x 1050 choices.

Oh, I should note that I need this monitor for graphically intensive games. Ready to buy right now, or probably could hold out a little this monitor is still working so far, but seems to be fading fast.
Click to expand...

In the $150 to $200 range you're looking at 23" to 24" 1080p monitors. There's even a couple recertified 25" monitors in that range. But basically you have a wide selection to chose from.
 
tonytnnt said:
In the $150 to $200 range you're looking at 23" to 24" 1080p monitors. There's even a couple recertified 25" monitors in that range. But basically you have a wide selection to chose from.
Click to expand...

Do you think I should stick to 1650 x 1080 ? I don't mind spending less than $150 for sure, and 22" is fine for me.. How much of a hit would I take performance wise considering my 768 mb of video memory, considering that I like to play at native resolutions? Also, what brands are solid quality?
 
gkg101 said:
Do you think I should stick to 1650 x 1080 ? I don't mind spending less than $150 for sure, and 22" is fine for me.. How much of a hit would I take performance wise considering my 768 mb of video memory, considering that I like to play at native resolutions? Also, what brands are solid quality?
Click to expand...

16:10 monitors are on their way out of the market. For 16:9, the next resolution lower than 1920x1080 would be 1600x900.
 
Thanks all, I think I get the idea. I'll get a 1080p, 16:10, anywhere from 22" to 24" for about $200. What's the best bang for buck right now?
 
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