x120e Flickering

[wildone81]

@damoseisun

So the X120e is your only computer?  As is, it seems yours is the only one that consistently has this issue, and if there was a way to get a loaner from Lenovo or whomever, then perhaps we all could get to the bottom of this.

[damoseisun]

@ wildone81

Yes, it is my only computer. The screen flickering is not as consistent as I first thought. It seems the constant flickering occurs more often when in battery mode or plugged in and charging. But I’ve also observed sporadic flicker lines when fully charged as well. Either way, this has been a relatively consistent issue I’ve experienced. Even though I'd like to help, I don’t think I’d be able to send in my machine,  I may be moving to another country soon so...

[JameZ]

@wildone81 and damoseisun,

I am sorry to say that we have to look for volunteer for this issue as the engineering team weren't able to replicate the issue after the BIOS fix therefore we are unable to proceed to send it to development to investigate further.

They would need a X120e system which is causing this issue before they can fully diagnose the problem.

So if anyone who is willing to volunteer their X120e, I would greatly appreciate it as we can proceed to diagnose this issue further.

//JameZ

[psumme1]

Just noticed something interesting.  I have line flickering on the top right of my screen right now, but when I minimized my browser, the flickering disappears.  Then, if I maximize my browser, it immediately comes back.  I can go back and forth and it goes from flickering, to no flickering.

[HiVolt]

I notice this only happens if I use the x120e for several hours, ie if its left on and not gone to sleep or hibernate, which is how I have it configured on AC power.

So after something "warms up" enough? I dunno...

[JameZ]

@psumme1,

If you kill the browser in task manager and re-open it, does the flickering still occur?

//JameZ

[psumme1]

Just ended chrome in task manager and then opened it back up.  Flickering is still occuring.

[JameZ]

@psumme1,

I've dropped you a PM, please check your inbox.

//JameZ

[Hyper-X]

I've also experienced this recently on my x120e and I'd like to share a few scenarios that I've tested across 3 identical x120e units, all exactly the same.

- The myth that the flickering lines has to do with aftermarket memory is proven false.  It occurs using the OEM memory installed/provided by Lenovo.  On that same note I also have Crucial OEM-specific modules on-hand and it also occurs with them also.

- It can be reproduced despite your OS being SP1 or not for Windows 7.  Updating to SP1 has no bearing on whether it resolves the issue.

- It can be reproduced even when PowerPlay (found in your Catalyst Control Center) is disabled.  PowerPlay being enabled does seem to make it occur more often but disabling it isn't a perfect solution.

- It can be reproduced even when you're using the latest Levono-provided drivers (8.813.4.0) and on BIOS 1.12.

--> Link to this driver is here.  It's not posted on their main site yet.  Text on the changes are here.

- It can be reproduced by using ATI/AMD's 850 drivers and CCC.

What I'm currently testing is a change in my power settings found in the Lenovo Power Manager.  It seems that I can reproduce the problem when a change in the power state occurs, like after the display turns off, computer switches from AC to BATT to AC again, etc.  On some of the settings, the display is set to automatically lower the refresh rate after a set duration.

Some monitors (LCD's) don't like having their refresh rates altered beyond 60Hz which is standard for most.  I'm not certain what's going on when it goes into 50Hz mode but I'm experienting to see if that has any bearing on the results. Anyhow my personal settings are as follows and so far no reproduction of the flickering as of 3 days.

IDLE TIMERS:

Lower Display Refresh Rate: NEVER  (for both Battery and AC)

Video Driver:  8.850.0.0 (found on AMD's website)

CCC:  11.5

OS:  Windows 7 Pro x64 SP1

RAM:   Crucial OEM 4GB x2 DDR3 (8GB total)

CPU:  E-350

[wildone81]

Well, I've had those settings myself, and as much as they help, it has happened to me while it was charging with the power setting to "Power Optimized" after a month of no flicker. At this point I'm wondering if it might have to do with the particular panel in use or maybe the lcd driver. I suppose until a particularly bad unit is sent in for testing we can only guess.