Dell E228WFP Buzzing Noise

Question

Hi, I have a Dell E228WFP monitor that is a couple of weeks old. In the past few days I've been hearing a high pitched buzzing noise coming from it. It does not occur immediately it is switched on or everytime, but after it has been on a while then sometimes the noise kicks in. If I turn the monitor off and on again the noise stops for a few minutes before returning. My Brightness/Contrast settings are 43/68 and when I lowered the Brightness to 0 the buzzing decreased in volume and then stopped. When I returned the Brightness to 43 the noise came back again. Can anyone offer ideas about what can stop this problem or is the only option for me to return the monitor for a replacement?

DELL-Chris M · Answer

SopwithPup, Please check your private message.

evaillanc · Answer

Hi, I've got the same problem with the same monitor (E228WFP)   It's brand new and it does that annoying electrical noise when it's on. Is there anything that can be done to correct this or should it be replaced?

SopwithPup · Answer

Hi evaillanc,   Do you find that the buzzing noise stops temporarily when you push the front buttons in hard? Apparently Dell are investigating this problem, but surely if it's a design flaw then there would be more people posting on here that they've had a problem as well?

evaillanc · Answer

Hi,   The noise can be heard when the monitor in on for about 5 minutes, and the only way to make it stop is to increase the brightness to 100 and the contrast to 80 and over.   So in the end my monitor is either too bright or too loud. The other two same monitors I saw at work don't have this problem.

SopwithPup · Answer

Hi,

I've just tried setting the brightness to 100 and you're right, that makes the noise stop. I've left the Contrast at 68 so it certainly seems linked to the brightness setting.

DELL-ChrisM, is there any progress on this matter? If it is not a flaw with the whole E228WFP range then I'd certainly want to exchange the monitor for one that is fit for purpose.

DELL-Chris M · Answer

SopwithPup, I have reported this to Product Group.

VIP12888 · Answer

Hello,   My system is only a few days old and I have had this problem since day one. Is there anything that can be done? It is not very loud, but the continuous buzz is extremely anoying.   Thank you.

DELL-Chris M · Answer

All, Lower the brightness a little and tell me if this decreases the buzzing.

VIP12888 · Answer

It does, for a little while, and then the noise kicks in again. I have tried different combinations of contrast/brightness, always with the same result. Sometime it takes longer for the noise to come back, but it always does.

SopwithPup · Answer

It appears that the only way to prevent the buzzing noise is to keep the brightness level at a minimum of 93. Anything lower than that and the buzzing noise eventually comes back again. Come on Dell, this is a clearly unacceptable fault with this product!

mcarver2000 · Answer

So what is the status of this issue? Are we supposed to just live with the buzzing? I operate my computer in a dimmly lit area and need to have the brightness turned down to avoid eye strain. Anything below about 93% starts the buzzing back up again. I prefer my brightness much lower than that to accommodate the ambient light in the space where I use the monitor. But, the ear-strain of the buzzing is too much.... thanks

VIP12888 · Answer

Is this the right forum to talk about our problem? Why is nothing happening? Should we just be calling Customer Support instead? On another forum (Dell E228FP Buzzing Sound), the monitor simply got replaced, so why is it taking so long for ours?

SopwithPup · Answer

A friend of mine who has an excellent knowledge of electronics informed me that the problem could be down to the power supply unit within the monitor (probably a switch mode unit, which is small and cheap). The buzzing noise could be the 50cps mains frequency, which is within the human hearing range. By changing the brightness we are most likely making the display draw  more current from its power unit. The solution would be a better quality power supply unit.   Dell, what's your response to this comment?

mcarver2000 · Answer

The buzzing seems to be the coming from the housing itself. One can pinch the front and back of the case around the bottom near the control buttons and the buzzing will stop, let go and it returns....

DELL-Chris M · Answer

All,

Get them replaced if under warranty.

* If you have a service tag number associated with your monitor, you may use Chat or Email support to setup the monitor exchange.

* If you only have an Order number associated with the monitor, you must call in,
1-800-624-9896.

* They will need the following information -
20 digit PPID number on back of monitor
Name, address, phone, email address
Order number
Issue
Troubleshooting done

Monitors

Dell E228WFP Buzzing Noise

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