XPS 13 9360 QHD+ random screen flicker/flash

@greg_FR

MFG date: 10/15/2016

BIOS 1.2.3 (but problem was present also in previous version)

16 Gb RAM, 512 gb Toshiba SSD.

Screen model QHD+

I also just updated the display drivers with Intel's latest display drivers to see if that would make a difference,  no difference.

BTW - as I am typing this from another computer (not my Dell) - I am on the BIOS screen on my XPS.

I'm seeing the same flickering happen while on BIOS screen.

I guess software (Intel Graphic driver / Windows) is thus ruled out, at least for me. Either BIOS or hardware.

@Greg_FR

Manufacture date: 4th December 2016

BIOS: 1.2.3

Screen: QHD+

@frederelias

Interesting that it occurs while in BIOS, I'll see if I can replicate this. I didn't notice the issue before updating to 1.2.3 though, but maybe I just didn't happen to see it.

Yes, I agree that the fact that it can occur in BIOS would indicate that it's either a BIOS bug or an hardware issue. It would really be interesting to confirm that. I would very much like to know how to contact Dell as I have found other issues that I would like to report so that they can be solved... (like an important regression on power consumption I'm sure of in BIOS 1.2.3 compared to 1.0.7).

Hi all, can any of you confirm that the problem is visible while in the BIOS?

Thanks!

I have the same problem with my QHD+, 512SSD, 9360 Dell . Display flickers even in BIOS.

BIOS-Version is 1.2.3 but I have seen the flickering in version 1.07 as well. Still trying to reach the dell support ...

Greetings

Just wanted to give an update on this:

The flickering issue hasn't been as bad for me lately, however today after installing Office 2016 it occurred again. With Word open, I was able to produce the flickering/flashing it by moving the cursor quickly around the screen, but when the cursor was still there was no flickering at all. The flickering was turning the whole screen black in very fast flashes, rather than just parts of the screen.

As I was able to produce the issue at will I decided to play around with a few things. The first thing I tried was changing the scaling from 225% back to the default size of 250% (Settings>System>Display). I then closed Word and opened it again and tried moving the cursor around the screen...nothing, no flickering at all. I then changed the scaling to 225% again and repeated...sure enough the flickering was back. I did this a few times and saw the same behaviour every time. The annoying thing is that I can't reproduce this a few hours later after a reboot. I'm back at 250% now so we'll see how it goes.

Secondly, on my machine I'm able to produce major flickering if I force a shutdown by holding down the power button, then powering up again straight away. This flickering is different to what I've seen in the OS though, it's more like static noise that occurs on parts of the screen and starts immediately from the Dell logo and proceeds in Windows until it's cleanly shutdown/rebooted.

I've been speaking with Dell technical support about this and have come to the conclusion that a motherboard replacement is necessary. It's being replaced on Thursday so I'll know for sure if it is indeed a hardware issue (I still don't think it is).

Microsoft is actively working on addressing the problem,

At the time of this writing, the current Windows insider build on the slow ring (aka beta / pre-release) addresses this challenge with font rendering on high DPI devices (with challenges remaining on mixed DPI multi-monitor configurations)

Keep in mind that Dell delivers the (integrated) hardware and sometimes drivers. Microsoft adds with the operating systems, and then come the applications which wreak additional havoc.

(Did you ever try Microsoft Skype for Business 2016 in a version from a couple of months ago? Or Microsoft PowerPoint? Totally, totally bonkers. Or some other non-Microsoft apps.).

Generally speaking, any and all rendering issues are a result of the bleeding edge of very high DPI devices for Windows 10. Give it some more months, and the software will have improved.

I have an important update concerning the random screen flicker/flash I experienced : I reported it to DELL premium support before Christmas and they immediately replaced my motherboard (the next day).

Since then, I haven't experienced a single flicker/flash so I can for sure report the problem is no more present (before I got flickers at least once in two hours).

Nevertheless, there is an important (?) thing to note : the new motherboard was delivered in BIOS 1.0.7 version and I haven't upgraded to 1.2.3 yet so I can't be 100% sure the problem was hardware and not BIOS related.

@SuperHanss : please let us know if the motherboard replacement fixes the problem for you too and what BIOS you run...

Great to hear that the problem is fixed @Greg_FR

Some people are reporting that the issue was occurring on 1.0.7 as well but yeah it's probably safer to stay on that version for now.

I'll keep you posted on mine.

Update: had my board replaced, all is well so far, haven't seen any flickering yet.

Other bonuses include: coil whine is significantly quieter compared to the previous one and Netflix works again (the app and in Microsoft Edge - very strange).

@Greg_FR my new board is also on 1.0.7

@SuperHanss

Good news !

I forgot to mention that Netflix worked again immediately after the motherboard replacement (the app and in edge), this is so weird... What could explain that ? This is not the BIOS as I have already tried a 9360 with BIOS 1.2.3 with Netflix working.

Hi guys, nice to hear this problem was resolved with a motherboard swap. I've been having the same issue since the day I got my XPS 13 and have been dealing with them with Dell. I had the issue on the original BIOS 1.0.7 firmware and the update 1.2.3. I had also experienced the flickering on the BIOS screen and Dell start up splash window.

They swapped out my LCD which didn't fix the issue and also returned my XPS 13 to me with the carbon fiber finish scratched up. I'm currently trying to have them replace it completely now especially since they scratched the finish unnecessarily and am not really willing to go through another week long repair to swap out the motherboard, especially for a product I only recently purchased and is still brand new.

Either way, I'm happy I wasn't alone with this issue as I just found this thread and that it is definitely a hardware issue and not a driver one. Also, hearing about the reduction in coil noise is a huge plus because it can get quite intense sometimes haha.

But yeah, thought I'd share my experience so far just to add to what you have all been discussing. Hopefully Dell handles this manufacturing issue in-house so others aren't afflicted by it.

System Info:
MFG Date: 11/18/2016
Current BIOS: 1.2.3 (However, problem was present in 1.0.7)
Model: XPS 13 i7 7500U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
Display: Touch QHD+

I have the exact same issue :

video : www.youtube.com/watch

My specs are : XPS13 9360 - 1To - 16gb ram - QHD+

Bios : 1.2.3 (flashed it)

Manufacturing date : 12/16/2016

Just got a new XPS13 9360, 1To, 16gb ram, QHD. same flicker, but really often.

also using latest bios and win10 pro 64bits.

www.youtube.com/watch

@stephen_no:

Unfortunately a motherboard replacement seems to be the only fix for this. Both myself and @Greg_FR had replacements and it fixed the issue.

My replacement board came with BIOS 1.0.7 and was flicker free, upgraded to 1.2.3 again and still no flickering.