How to Use and Troubleshoot the Dell S2716DG Monitor

Summary: Learn how to setup and use Dell S2716DG monitor. Find troubleshooting instructions for common video or display issues.

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Article Summary: This article provides information on How to Use & Troubleshoot your Dell S2716DG Gaming Monitor.

Table of Contents:

Key Features

The Dell S2716DG is Dell’s first gaming monitor offering one of the best gaming display performance along with a list of features to match up with gamers’ speed of reaction while displaying clear and undistorted images for the best gaming experience. Some of the key features of this monitor are:

  • Nvidia G-SYNC enabled monitor with an extremely high refresh rate of 144Hz and a rapid response time of 1ms.
  • Resolution up to 2560 x 1440 through DisplayPort and HDMI, with full-screen support or lower resolutions.
  • Tilt, Swivel, Height & Rotate adjustment capabilities.
  • Removable stand and VESA 100mm mounting holes for flexible mounting solutions.
  • Equipped with 1 USB upstream and 4 USB downstream ports.
  • Software and Documentation media includes an Information File (INF), Image Color Matching File (ICM) and product documentation.
  • Analog backlight dimming control for flicker-free display.
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Nvidia G-SYNC

NVIDIA G-SYNC is a groundbreaking new display technology that delivers the smoothest gaming experience ever. G-SYNC’s revolutionary smoothness is achieved by synchronizing display refresh rates to the GPU in your GeForce GTX-powered desktop or notebook, eliminating screen tearing and minimizing display stutter and input lag.

System Requirements

  Desktop Computer Notebook Computer
GPU G-SYNC features require an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 Ti BOOST GPU or higher. NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M, GTX 970M or GTX 965M. SLI configurations are also supported.
GPU Driver Version R340.52 or higher R352.06 or higher
System Requirement DisplayPort 1.2 directly from GPU
Operating System Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8 or Windows 7
 
For a complete list of supported GPU's, visit Nvidia G-SYNC website.

How do I enable Nvidia G-SYNC?

Nvidia G-SYNC feature is automatically enabled on all supported computers. If it is not, you can manually enable to Nvidia G-SYNC feature using the Nvidia Control Panel by following these instructions:

  1. Ensure that the latest version of the Nvidia GPU driver is installed. If not, visit the Nvidia website to download and install the latest drivers for your graphics card.
  2. Right-click on the Windows Desktop and select Nvidia Control Panel.
  3. Select Display on the left pane and then choose Set Up G-SYNC.
  4. Check the box next to Enable G-SYNC (Figure 1).
  5. Select Set Up Multiple Displays on the left pane.
  6. Set the G-SYNC capable monitor as the primary display.
  7. Select Manage 3D Settings on the left pane.
  8. Under the Global Settings tab, locate Vertical Sync (Figure 2).
  9. Click the drop-down and select G-SYNC.
SLN299298_en_US__1I_S2716DG_GSYNC_Enable_TM_V1
Figure 1: Nvidia Control Panel

SLN299298_en_US__2I_S2716DG_Vertical_Sync_TM_V1
Figure 2: Vertical Sync

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Specifications

This section provides some specifications of the Dell S2716DG Gaming Monitor. For more information about the Dell S2716DG Gaming Monitor, refer to the User Guide at the Dell Support website.

Feature Dell S2716DG
Maximum Resolution 2560 x 1440 at 144 Hz
Luminance Output 350 cd/m² (typical)
Contrast Ratio 1000 to 1 (typical)
Video Input Connectors HDMI 1.4
DisplayPort 1.2
Screen Type Active Matrix - TFT LCD
Video Display Capabilities 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080p, 480i, 576i, 1080i, QHD

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Setting Up Your Monitor

This section provides information on How to Setup Your Monitor.
  • Attaching the Stand - Refer to the Setting Up The Monitor section in the User's Guide on Connecting the Stand to your Dell S2716DG Monitor.
 
  • Connecting the Monitor - Refer to the knowledge base article How to Connect a Monitor to a Computer? for more information. Alternatively, you can also refer to the Setting Up The Monitor in the User's Guide for your Dell S2716DG Monitor.
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Dell LCD Monitor Pixel Guidelines

For more information refer to Dell LCD Monitor Pixel Guidelines knowledge base article.

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Using the On-Screen Display (OSD) Menu

For more information on Using the On-Screen Display (OSD) Menu, refer to the Operating Your Monitor section in the User Guide for Dell S2716DG Gaming Monitor.

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Reset to Factory Settings

To reset your Dell S2716DG Monitor to Factory Settings, follow these instructions:

  1. Press Button 3 (Figure 3)on the monitor to enter the On-Screen Display (OSD) Menu.
  2. Press Button 1 or Button 2 to highlight Others option in the menu and press Button 3 to select.
  3. Press Button 1 or Button 2 to highlight the Factory Reset option in the menu and press Button 3 to select.
  4. Press Button 3 to confirm the reset action.
SLN299298_en_US__3I_S2716DG_FP_Button_TM_V1
Figure 3: Front Panel Buttons 

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How do I set the maximum resolution on Dell S2716DG Monitor?

Using Windows Display Settings

For maximum display performance with Microsoft Windows Operating Systems, set the display resolution to 2560 x 1440 pixels by performing the following steps:

In Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10:

  1. For Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 only, select the Desktop tile to switch to classic desktop view.
  2. Right-click on the desktop and click Screen Resolution.
  3. Click the dropdown list of the Screen Resolution and select 2560 x 1440.
  4. Click OK
If you do not see the recommended resolution as an option, you may need to update your graphics driver by visiting the Nvidia Drivers website.

Using the Nvidia Control Panel

To change the resolution using the Nvidia Control Panel:

  1. Right-click on the desktop and click Nvidia Control Panel.
  2. Click the + symbol next to Display on the left pane.
  3. Select Change Resolution under Display.
  4. In the dropdown menu on the right pane, select the resolution 2560 x 1440.
  5. Click Set up G-SYNC on the left pane.
  6. Select Enable G-SYNC for windowed and full-screen mode.
  7. Click Apply.
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Troubleshooting

This section contains troubleshooting information for your Dell S2716DG Gaming Monitor.

How do I run the Monitor Self-Test?

Your monitor provides a self-test feature that allows you to check whether the monitor is functioning properly. If the monitor and computer are properly connected but the monitor screen remains dark, run the monitor self-test by performing the following steps:

  1. Turn off both your computer and the monitor.
  2. Unplug the video cable from the back of the computer. To ensure proper Self-Test operation, remove all digital cables (DVI, HDMI or DisplayPort) from the back of the computer.
  3. Turn on the monitor.
  4. Turn off your monitor and reconnect the video cable: then turn on both your computer and the monitor.
    If your monitor screen remains blank after you use the previous procedure, check your video card (GPU) and computer, because your monitor is functioning properly.
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How do I run the Built-In Diagnostics?

Your monitor has a built-in diagnostic tool that helps to determine if the screen abnormality you are experiencing is a problem with the monitor or with the video card on your computer.

You can run the built-in diagnostics only when the video cable is unplugged and the monitor is in Self-Test mode.
  1. Make sure that the screen is clean (no dust particles on the surface of the screen).
  2. Unplug the video cable(s) from the back of the computer or the monitor. The monitor will now enter the self-test mode.
  3. On the front panel, press and hold Button 1 and Button 4 simultaneously for two seconds. A gray screen appears.
  4. Carefully inspect the screen for abnormalities.
  5. Press Button 4 on the front panel again. The color of the screen changes to red.
  6. Inspect the display for any abnormalities.
  7. Repeat step 5 and step 6 to inspect the display in green, blue, black, white and text screens.
  8. The test is complete when the white screen appears.
  9. Press Button 4 to exit the Built-In diagnostics.
If you do not detect any screen abnormalities upon using the built-in diagnostic tool, the monitor is functioning properly. Check the video card (GPU) and the computer.

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How do I enable Ultra Low Motion Blur (ULMB)?

Disable Nvidia G-SYNC using Nvidia Control Panel

  1. Right-click on the desktop screen and select Nvidia Control Panel in the menu.
  2. Click on the + symbol next to Display.
  3. Click on Set up G-SYNC.
  4. Uncheck the box next to Enable G-SYNC.

Setup Ultra Low Motion Blur (ULMB) using the On-Screen Display (OSD) Menu.

  1. Ensure Nvidia G-SYNC is disabled in the Nvidia Control Panel.
  2. Press Button 3 on the Monitor. Use Button 1 or Button 2 and select Display in the menu.
  3. Use Button 1 or Button 2 to highlight ULMB (Figure 4).
  4. Press Button 3 to confirm the selection.
Ultra Low Motion Blur is available only when the monitor refresh rate is 85Hz, 100Hz or 120Hz.

SLN299298_en_US__4I_S2716DG_ULMB_Disabled_TM_V1
Figure 4: ULMB Mode in On-Screen Display (OSD) Menu

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How do I test the ULMB functionality on my Dell S2716DG Monitor?

To verify the ULMB functionality on your Dell S2716DG Monitor, perform the following steps:

Requirement:
  1. Ensure that your computer Graphics Card (GPU) is compatible with Nvidia G-SYNC.
  2. Ensure Nvidia G-SYNC feature is disabled in Nvidia Control Panel.
  3. Verify if ULMB is enabled on the Dell S2716DG Monitor using the On-Screen Display (OSD) Menu.
Test ULMB functionality by following these steps:
  • Step 1: Visit http://www.testufo.com/ website on your computer.
  • Step 2: Enable and Disable the ULMB feature on your Dell S2716DG Monitor.
  • Verify that the image is clear and not blurry as shown in Figure 5.
    If the image is blurry, try to Disable and Enable the ULMB feature using the OSD Menu on your Dell S2716DG Monitor.
SLN299298_en_US__5I_ULMB_Comparison_Two_TM_V1
Figure 5: ULMB Test (Without ULMB V/s With ULMB)

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How do I Disable the Monitor Deep Sleep Mode?

Disable the Monitor Deep Sleep mode if you notice any of the two scenarios mentioned below. Follow the instructions mentioned to ‘Disable the Monitor Deep Sleep Mode.

Scenario 1

Your Dell S2716DG Monitor may appear to flash while in DC Off mode when connected to Chromebook. Chromebooks automatically enter sleep mode if the device is left unused for more than 5-6 minutes.

Scenario 2

Your Dell S2716DG Monitor resets to an incorrect resolution of 640 x 480 when connected using a DisplayPort cable. This issue may occur even after reseating the DisplayPort cable multiple times.

Disable the Monitor Deep Sleep Mode by following these steps:

  1. Press Button 3 to enter the On-Screen Display (OSD) Menu.
  2. Use Button 1 or Button 2 and highlight Others. Press Button 3 to select the option.
  3. Select Monitor Deep Sleep (Figure 6) option and Press Button 3 to Disable.
    Pressing any button (except the Power button) on the front panel of your Dell S2716DG Monitor may also wake up the monitor after it goes into deep sleep.
SLN299298_en_US__6I_S2716DG_Deep_Sleep_OSD_TM_V1
Figure 6: Monitor Deep Sleep Mode in On-Screen Display (OSD) Menu

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Monitor enters Power Saving Mode while running Self-Test.

Your Dell S2716DG Monitor may enter ‘Power Save Mode’ when you try to run the Self-Test.

The Dell S2716DG Monitor does not support Self-Test Feature Check (STFC). When the monitor does not detect any signal, it will display the message "Enter Power Save Mode" for 15 seconds and then will go into Deep Sleep Mode.

You can try to wake up the monitor by moving the mouse or pressing any key on your keyboard.

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Nvidia G-SYNC not working properly in a game.

  1. Ensure your computer meets the Nvidia G-SYNC System Requirements. Refer to the Nvidia G-SYNC section for more information.
  2. If required, download and install the latest Nvidia Graphic Card drivers from the Nvidia Drivers website.
  3. Check if your Dell S2716DG Monitor is connected to your computer using the DisplayPort cable.
  4. Enable Nvidia G-SYNC using Nvidia Control Panel.
  5. Check the Nvidia G-SYNC functionality using the Demo Test.
    • Download the "Pendulum Demo" software from the Nvidia G-SYNC website.
    • Check for G-SYNC functionality within the "Pendulum Demo". Different modes (V-Sync Off, V-Sync On, G-SYNC) will be displayed (Figure 7).
    • Click on each mode to verify if they are working.
    • The Pendulum Demo will not allow you to click on G-SYNC if the Nvidia G-SYNC feature is not working.
SLN299298_en_US__7I_S2716DG_Pendulum_Demo_TM_V1
Figure 7: Pendulum Demo Test

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Common Problems

Common Problem What User Experiences Possible Solution
No Video - Power LED Off No picture
  • Make sure that the power cable connecting the monitor is properly connected and secure.
  • Verify that the power outlet is functioning properly using any other electrical equipment.
  • Make sure that the power button is depressed fully.
  • Test with known good cable and known good system if possible.
No Video - Power LED On No picture or no brightness.
  • Increase the brightness and contrast of the monitor through the On-Screen Display Menu (OSD).
  • Perform monitor self-test feature check.
  • Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.
  • Reseat both ends of the video cable.
  • Try with a known good video cable.
  • Run the built-in diagnostics.
  • Make sure that the correct input source is selected via the Input Source Select button.
  • Test monitor with a known good system if available.
Poor Focus The picture is fuzzy, blurry or ghosting.
Shaky/Jittery Video Wavy picture or fine movement.
Missing Pixels The LCD screen has spots.
  • Cycle power on-off.
  • Pixel that is permanently off is a natural defect that can occur in LCD technology.
  • Run the built-in diagnostics.
Stuck-On/Off Pixels The LCD screen has a bright spot.
  • Cycle power on-off.
  • A few permanently bright or dark pixels are considered normal by industry standards. The exact number of pixels allowed varies depending on the monitor. Refer to Monitor Quality and Pixel Policy for more details.
  • Run the built-in diagnostics.
Brightness Problems Picture too dim or too bright.
Geometric Distortion Screen not centered correctly.
When using DisplayPort input, the positioning adjustments are not available.
Horizontal/Vertical Lines The screen has one or more lines.
When using DisplayPort input, the positioning adjustments are not available.
Synchronization Problems The screen is scrambled or appears torn.
  • Reset the monitor to the Factory Settings.
  • Perform Auto Adjust via On-Screen Display Menu (OSD).
  • Adjust Phase and Pixel Clock controls via On-Screen Display Menu (OSD).
  • Perform monitor self-test feature check to determine if the scrambled screen appears in self-test mode.
  • Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.
  • Restart the computer in the power safe mode.
Safety-Related Issues Visible signs of smoke or sparks.
  • Do not perform any troubleshooting steps.
  • Contact Dell Technical Support immediately.
Intermittent Problems Monitor malfunctions on and off.
  • Make sure that the video cable is connected properly with the monitor and the computer.
  • Reset the monitor to the Factory Settings.
  • Run the self-test feature and determine if the intermittent problem occurs in the self-test mode.
Missing Color The picture does not have color.
  • Run the monitor self-test feature check.
  • Make sure that the video cable connecting the monitor to the computer is connected properly and is secure.
  • Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.
Wrong Color The picture color is not good.
  • Change the color-setting mode in the Color Settings On-Screen Display Menu (OSD) to Graphics or Video, depending on the application.
  • Try a different color preset setting in the Color Settings On-Screen Display Menu (OSD).
  • Adjust the R, G, B value in the Color Settings OSD, if Color Management is turned off.
  • Change the input color format to PC RGB or YPbPr in the Color Settings On-Screen Display Menu (OSD).
  • Run the built-in diagnostic tool.
Image Retention from a Static Image Left on the Monitor for a Long Period Faint shadow from the static image appears on the screen.
  • Use the Power Management feature to turn off the monitor when it is not in use.
  • Alternatively, use a dynamically changing screensaver.
  • Use the LCD Conditioning feature under Other Settings to eliminate image retention.
Video Ghosting or Overshooting Motion videos appear to be blurry around moving objects.
  • Change the Response Time in the Display OSD to Normal.
 

USB Specific Problems

Specific Symptoms What User Experiences Possible Solution
USB interface is not working USB peripherals are not working
  • Check that your monitor is turned On.
  • Reconnect the upstream cable to your computer.
  • Reconnect the USB peripherals (downstream connector).
  • Switch Off and then turn on the monitor again.
  • Reboot the computer.
  • Some USB devices like external portable HDD require higher electric current; connect the device directly to the computer.
High-Speed USB 3.0 interface is slow High-Speed USB 3.0 peripherals working slowly or not working at all
  • Check that your computer is USB 3.0 capable.
  • Some computers have USB 3.0, USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 ports.
  • Ensure that the correct USB port is used.
  • Reconnect the upstream cable to your computer.
  • Reconnect the USB peripherals (downstream connector).
  • Reboot the computer.
Wireless USB peripherals stop working when a USB 3.0 device is plugged in Wireless USB peripherals responding slowly or only working as the distance between itself and its receiver decreases
  • Increase the distance between the USB 3.0 peripherals and the wireless USB receiver.
  • Position your wireless USB receiver as close as possible to the wireless USB peripherals.
  • Use a USB-extender cable to position the wireless USB receiver as far away as possible from the USB 3.0 port.

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Documentation

To view or download the User's Guide or Manuals for your Dell S2716DG Monitor, follow these instructions:

  1. Visit the Dell Manuals website.
  2. Click View Products button under Browse for a Product.
  3. Select Monitors & Projectors and then Select Monitors.
  4. From the list, click on Dell S2716DG Monitor.
  5. Click on PDF next to the required document.
    • Click on More Languages to view the list of available language options.
    • Click on PDF next to the preferred choice of language.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nvidia G-SYNC?

NVIDIA G-SYNC is a groundbreaking new display technology that delivers the smoothest gaming experience ever. G-SYNC’s revolutionary smoothness is achieved by synchronizing display refresh rates to the GPU in your GeForce GTX-powered desktop or notebook, eliminating screen tearing (Figure 8) and minimizing display stutter and input lag. The result: scenes appear instantly, objects look sharper, and the gameplay is super smooth, giving you a stunning visual experience and a serious competitive edge.

SLN299298_en_US__8I_GSYNC_Comparison_TM_V1
Figure 8: Without G-SYNC V/s With G-SYNC

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What are the requirements for using Nvidia G-SYNC?

  1. Compatible Video Card (GPU) which supports Nvidia G-SYNC technology.
  2. Install the latest Video Card drivers. Refer to System Requirements for Nvidia G-SYNC for more information.
  3. Enable G-SYNC feature in the Nvidia Control Panel.
  4. Requires DisplayPort video input.
    Nvidia G-SYNC technology currently supports only DisplayPort video input. Using DVI to DisplayPort or HDMI to DisplayPort converters/adapters is currently not supported.
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How do I enable the Nvidia G-SYNC feature on my computer?

Nvidia G-SYNC feature is enabled by default. Ensure to install the latest video card drivers for your Nvidia Video Card.

Refer to How do I enable the Nvidia G-SYNC feature section of this article for more information.

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What Video Cards support the Nvidia G-SYNC feature?

For a comprehensive list of Nvidia G-SYNC supported Video Cards (GPU) refer to the Nvidia website.

Refer to System Requirements for Nvidia G-SYNC for more information.

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What is Ultra Low Motion Blur (ULMB)?

Ultra Low Motion Blur (ULMB) feature on the Dell S2716DG Monitor helps have lesser motion blur via backlight effect while you are watching fast-moving images (Figure 9).

Video Card (GPU) installed should support the Nvidia G-SYNC feature.

ULMB and Nvidia G-SYNC feature cannot be enabled at the same time. You can choose to eliminate screen tears or improve motion resolution but not both.

This function is available when the refresh rate is set to 85Hz, 100Hz or 120Hz.
 

SLN299298_en_US__9I_ULMB_Comparison_TM_V1
Figure 9: Without ULMB V/s With ULMB

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What are the differences between Nvidia G-SYNC and ULMB?

  Main Function Detail Default Setting
ULMB
  • Reduces Motion Blur.
  • Backgrounds are in sharp focus.
 Uses backlight strobing to reduce motion blur. It is only available on refresh rates of 85Hz, 100Hz or 120Hz.
  • Need to disable Nvidia G-SYNC.
  • Enable ULMB via the OSD menu of the monitor only.
Nvidia G-SYNC Reduce Screen tearing and lag. Nvidia G-SYNC eliminates tearing, adding to the overall smoothness of gameplay. Nvidia G-SYNC is enabled by default.

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Cause

N/A

Resolution

N/A

Affected Products

Dell S2716DG
Article Properties
Article Number: 000124858
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 05 Jun 2025
Version:  7
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