Windows 10: Problems with new HP Z38c LED curved monitor

I am running Windows 10 Pro 10.0.19042 build 19042. I have been using a HP Z27i monitor connected to my desktop by a 3m Displayport cable for years without issue. The native resolution for this monitor is 2560 x 1440 @ 60Hz. Today I replaced this monitor with my new HP Z38c LED monitor, retaining the existing Displayport cable. This monitor runs at the higher resolution of 3840 x 1600 @ 60Hz. I say new monitor, it is actually a discounted ex demo model, but appears to be in perfect condition. Checking the HP website for the serial number indicates it was registered on 30/01/2020, so it is just over a year old, which is actually older than I was led to believe The spec. of the Intel graphics chip on my Gigabyte AORUS GA-Z270X mother board is perfectly capable of handling this resolution. I've noticed on dark areas of the screen there is a constant flickering, which is the best way I can describe it. The pixels seem to appear and disappear randomly but they are barely visible. If I set the background wallpaper to solid black and minimise all the windows it is much easier to see. Also, every now and again the whole image will flash black briefly. Sometimes this is so quick I wonder if has happened, other times it can last a second so is very noticeable. Does anyone have any idea what the issue might be or how I can start to troubleshoot it?

:)

 

Problems with new HP Z38c LED curved monitor

I am running Windows 10 Pro 10.0.19042 build 19042.

I have been using a HP Z27i monitor connected to my desktop by a 3m Displayport cable for years without issue. The native resolution for this monitor is 2560 x 1440 @ 60Hz.

Today I replaced this monitor with my new HP Z38c LED monitor, retaining the existing Displayport cable. This monitor runs at the higher resolution of 3840 x 1600 @ 60Hz. I say new monitor, it is actually a discounted ex demo model, but appears to be in perfect condition. Checking the HP website for the serial number indicates it was registered on 30/01/2020, so it is just over a year old, which is actually older than I was led to believe

The spec. of the Intel graphics chip on my Gigabyte AORUS GA-Z270X mother board is perfectly capable of handling this resolution.

I've noticed on dark areas of the screen there is a constant flickering, which is the best way I can describe it. The pixels seem to appear and disappear randomly but they are barely visible. If I set the background wallpaper to solid black and minimise all the windows it is much easier to see.

Also, every now and again the whole image will flash black briefly. Sometimes this is so quick I wonder if has happened, other times it can last a second so is very noticeable.

Does anyone have any idea what the issue might be or how I can start to troubleshoot it?

 

Problems with new HP Z38c LED curved monitor

In order for the USB ports on the new monitor to work, it needs to be connected to my desktop via a USB type C cable and as my motherboard also has a type C connection, earlier today I ordered a Type C to Type C cable. I've read this can also take the video signal, so it should allow me to test a different cable connection.

While typing this reply, the monitor did something it hasn't done before and the whole screen turned pink, then was okay again. I could still make out the open desktop windows, it was almost as though some colours were removed, leaving only pink, then just as quickly it returned to normal! (it has now happened 5 times in the 5 mins I've been typing this message).

The displayport cable I'm using was purchased a couple of years ago and is an Amazon basics cable. I was thinking of purchasing a 8K displayport cable, one that is capable of higher refresh rates than 60Hz for 4K, but I'll see if the USB Type C cable makes a difference first.

- - - Updated - - -

Although I was rather sceptical, I tried your suggestion and swapped around the Displayport cable. To my surprise the issue appears to have gone!

It makes me wonder if one of the ends wasn't pushed far enough into the socket. I had tested the monitor connection many times, ensuring it was fully engaged, but hadn't checked the desktop end as I hadn't touched this.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

Problems with new HP Z38c LED curved monitor

At a guess, it's a connection issue.

The first thing I'd try is swapping ends of the DisplayPort cable.

The next would be a different cable.

I hope that it's not a hardware failure of the monitor.