AW3420DW, flickers on and off

Question

My AW3420DW has flickered since day1 but seems to be getting worse. The flickering is not consistent although it seems to happen more right after start-up. Sometimes it flickers every couple seconds and then there are long periods where it won't flicker at all.

I've connected it to two different computers (Dell Latitude 7400 2-in-1 and Alienware Aurora R11 w/ GeForce RTX 2080Ti) using both HDMI and DP. I've tried moving the power cord from the UPS to the wall. Same results with all combinations.

The Latitude runs at 3440x1440 / 50Hz. The R11 normally runs at 3440x1440 / 60Hz. I've also tried 50Hz and it still flickered. I tried 85Hz and the problem is so bad I have to wait for the settings to revert.

Note: when it flickers the power button changes back to white like the monitor is going to sleep.

Thoughts?

JayB3589 · Accepted Answer

With two computers failing on two different inputs and with multiple power sources it certainly seemed to be something with the monitor.

I disconnected all cables from both computers and the monitor. I held the power button to discharge circuits in the monitor. I re-ran the cables very carefully in an attempt to minimize contact between the power cable and the video cables (see comment below). The Aurora R11 video (DP-DP) hasn't flickered since. The Latitude 7400 2-in-1 (HDMI-HDMI) has only flickered a couple of times. The HDMI connector is closer to the power connector so there is a bit more chance of EMI. I've ordered a new HDMI cable and will see if that completely eliminates the problem.

I haven't had a ton of time on the computer this week but I did test refresh rates with the R11 up to 100Hz and no flickering. I'll call this one fixed, at least for now.

Comment: I would like to point out a design flaw in the location of the power connector in relation to the video connectors on the AW3420DW. The power cable must run in close proximity to the video cables since it's farthest out on the monitor and the connectors are all side by side. Depending on how the cables are run through the stand and into the monitor, the distance of close proximity is probably 12-18 inches. It would be better to have power on one side of the stand and video on the other.

Doghouse Reilly · Answer

My AW3420DW arrived in April, 2020 and has been trouble free out of the box. DP input from Aurora R9 SLI 2080 Supers (3440 X 1440, 120Hz at 3ms with G-Sync enabled) and HDMI input from a Switch (1080P).

Since you have tried two different computers with the same flickering result, the problem would seem to be a defective monitor. Perhaps you could try one more computer (three strikes, you're out) or perhaps a gaming console and if it is still flickering you can put the odds on the monitor being bad.

Airdanny777 · Answer

I have this same monitor and the screen randomly goes black for 3-5 seconds. I only have a DP cable attached (aside from the power). Does this happen because of the proximity of the DP cablento the power cable? Ill try to leave everything disconnected for some minutes to see if it helps. This is a really annoying issue considering such a high cost monitor...

r72019 · Answer

Computers take a little longer to ship because they need to be assembled to the order of the customer (Dell outlet computers maybe ready to ship but the ones off the website, especially the Alienwares, usually need to be assembled first).  With global part shortages due to COVID, compounded with increased demand due to more teleworking and staying at home, there's been longer than usual delays. This isn't a problem specific to Dell.

Yameesou · Answer

Hi. off topic question, can I ask where did you buy this monitor from? was it from Dell or another seller. I hear stories that Dell don't deliver on time or even close to it. I want to buy one but I dont want the run around. Enjoy your monitor

Airdanny777 · Answer

I got mine from Amazon and took about 3 business days to arrive.

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AW3420DW, flickers on and off

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