AMD issue / Flickering using multi 1440p monitors and drivers 15.7 and up

[tential]

Dirt Rally 8040*1440 Ultra Preset

https://youtu.be/Y1AAVDLdatI

No issue when running games

You really prefer that setup over something like a 40-50 inch 4K monitor?

 

[KaRLiToS]

You really prefer that setup over something like a 40-50 inch 4K monitor?

It is hard to ditch multi-monitor. What you see is a video of monitors using not the best camera, you must see when playing in front.

But I agree, my monitors are from 2012, next setup will be something top of the line. I'm milking my system until something really worth it releases. (Like 16nm GPUs)

 

[digitaldurandal]

You really prefer that setup over something like a 40-50 inch 4K monitor?

The peripheral view is awesome in driving games. It is actually really immersive in any first person view game. You don't focus on the left and right monitor. You look straight ahead.

 

[TheProgrammer]

I had as similar issue with an AMD card using 3 monitors, also the DisplayPort not waking monitors issue. I fixed it by just trying different combinations of DVI, DP and HDMI on each monitor till I found a combo that worked.

I have a Dell-Asus-Dell (the Dells are the same model) and the inputs that worked on each were respectively, DisplayPort-HDMI-DVI. I had the most problems with DisplayPort but it seems to work fine if used with only 1 monitor if it's one of the Dells.

I know NV has had similar issues in the past with DP wake issues as well, so it's hard to tell if that's an AMD issue or not. The flicker clockspeed issue I also have when I play videos. I've just ignored it, preferring the lower clockspeed otherwise.
The video you linked appears to be the same thing but a bit more extreme.

It's disappointing to know the 390s also have this similar issue. Unless I get one at a bargain price, I kind of doubt I'm going to spring for another Radeon soon.

It is hard to ditch multi-monitor. What you see is a video of monitors using not the best camera, you must see when playing in front.

But I agree, my monitors are from 2012, next setup will be something top of the line. I'm milking my system until something really worth it releases. (Like 16nm GPUs)

Is that your rig? Because it's awesome. The Quad Damage sign takes me way back. I don't want to take your thread off topic so reply via PM if you wish.. but are those Audio Engine A5+s? I'm looking at either those or Klipsch Promedia but leaning towards the Klipsch because I don't have much deskspace.

 

[Peter Nixeus]

https://youtu.be/iEDeIxsWroI

I'm going to try to replicate your set up with 3 x 2560x1440 monitors. Does it matter how it is connected to get those flickering on idle? Because I see you are using 3 adapters (Bizlink and Accell are the same company btw). Please give me some time to do this.


what is the exact model number of your graphics card?

You said it worked fine in 2011, but that was before you got your 2560x1440 monitors in 2012. I am assuming the monitors you owned in 2011 for your eyefinitiy setup were not 2560x1440 or higher resolutions?

 

[KaRLiToS]

I'm going to try to replicate your set up with 3 x 2560x1440 monitors. Does it matter how it is connected to get those flickering on idle? Because I see you are using 3 adapters (Bizlink and Accell are the same company btw). Please give me some time to do this.


what is the exact model number of your graphics card?

You said it worked fine in 2011, but that was before you got your 2560x1440 monitors in 2012. I am assuming the monitors you owned in 2011 for your eyefinitiy setup were not 2560x1440 or higher resolutions?

Hi Peter Nixeus, my setup has changed since because of a previous issue, I had to change one monitor.

My monitors were like this in 2011 (Tri 6970 and Quad 7970)
1st: CrossOvers 27Q Led-P DVI
2nd: CrossOvers 27Q Led-P DVI to DP adapter
3rd:CrossOvers 27Q Led-P DVI to DP adapter

In 2013 Quad R9 290x
1st: CrossOvers 27Q Led-P DVI
2nd: CrossOvers 27Q Led-P DVI
3rd:CrossOvers 27Q Led-P DVI to DP adapter

In 2014 they broke something in drivers for so long and had to sell and buy another monitor (same setup)
1st: CrossOvers 27Q Led-P DVI
2nd:CrossOvers 27Q Led-P DVI
3rd: Samsung U28D590 (4k) native Display Port



I'm using the bolded set-up.

Graphics cards: Sapphire R9 290x Reference BAttlefield 4 Edition

SKU:21226-00-50g
P/N : 102-c67101-00-at
100361BF4SR

 

[KaRLiToS]

Is that your rig? Because it's awesome. The Quad Damage sign takes me way back. I don't want to take your thread off topic so reply via PM if you wish.. but are those Audio Engine A5+s? I'm looking at either those or Klipsch Promedia but leaning towards the Klipsch because I don't have much deskspace.

Sorry I haven't seen your post/edit. Yes it is my rig and thank you for the compliment. Quake has always been my best games.

My speakers are M-Audio AV40 and the SubWoofer is something very modest. It is the Polk Audio PSW 111

 

[thesmokingman]

It is doing it to people with triple 1080p monitors. And I don't want 4 cards with memory running at 1000mhz all the time. ( And when you say that to me, it's like saying, but why don't you disable all your 3 other cards and play on one single monitor and set the resolution at 1080p so you don't get any drivers issues.)

<--triple 1080@144hz (running@100hz @desktop)

I used to get this issue from time to time and depending on the driver version. I always addressed the problem by controlling precisely what apps can call for acceleration by using RivaTuner Stats Server or RTSS. I'm pretty sure you know this method by since it's one I've used for years and written of in my guide. I've built up a very large profile list in RTSS and thankfully it is persistent thru updates. Btw, I've also noticed that windows update causes flickering that is unfixable while Win Update is running.

That said, I'm on 15.11.1 and have not had any flickering issues thus far, knock on wood.

 

[thesmokingman]

Also, Nvidia side is not bug free either. We all have our unique bug issues. For ex my htpc server runs a 970 and every few days the display resolution goes bonkers and shrinks to like 480 res. What the? It's an easy enough fix but it is annoying as you remote in and the screen is too small to use remotely in the first place, making me have to get out of my chair and go to the htpc and switch the receiver on. I'm sure I'd find more bugs if it was a normal desktop. It is what it is I suppose.

 

[KaRLiToS]

Hi tsm106, I'm fine as of right now with the 2d clocks of the first card set to 1250mhz, I just find it annoying that I have to run the first card at this clock on the memory all the time.

 

[KaRLiToS]

UPDATE: BAD UPDATE

Just a little history: I was on driver 15.6 until September. It's then I decided to try 15.9.1 and notice the flickering issue on desktop, but back then I also noticed a bug while playing games...every games but I had so many issues recently and trying to fix the 2d bug that I forgot about the games bug. I tried many drivers to soon realize that any drivers above 15.6 was causing issues (15.7 and up), the issue mentionned in this thread actually.

I also found out a PSU problem I had with my Lepa G 1600 http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2455424 . So I RMAed my PSU and bought an EVGA SuperNova 1600T2 and my shutting PC issue went away. This process took around a month or so and I just received my RMAed PSU this week. So long process: diagnose PC, realize defective PSU, send PSU to RMA, buy another better PSU, wait for the new PSU, receive new PSU, install new PSU, cable management. This whole PSU problem made me forget about the 15.7 and up bug.

So for people following this thread, it took a while to diagnose the 2d clocks issue/flickering and to try to find out the best workaround so I settled for GPU Tweak 2d clocks (idle) set at 1250mhz so the desktop flickering went away. So with GPU tweak set accordingly, this issue in the video doesn't appear anymore on desktop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEDeIxsWroI

So with all those issues I had for the past two months were solved and put aside, I decided to start back gaming, gaming for long period... it's then I realise the game stuttering bug was still present when playing for a little while. I have been working on that issue for the past two weeks and I now have a conclusion: since 15.7, there is a bug issue with display port cable/monitor with 2d and 3d.

In the video bellow, I can play for like an hour or less without issue and then stuttering and sound cracking appear after a while, I have to unplug display port cable (or restart PC) to remove the bug and then I can play for another hour before the bug gets back... as shown in the video below:
https://youtu.be/EgCBw4zgfXQ

So in other words, the bug I'm experiencing in this thread is appearing on 2d clocks and 3d clocks, the only workaround I have is for 2d clocks. For 3d clocks I have to unplug and plug back the DP cable everytime the bug appears during games (as shown in the video above)and by the way it appears in EVERY GAMES and even if I quit a game and go in another game, the bug will be there too, the only solution is to restart PC or unplug DP cable and plug it back.

No issue with 15.6 but missing many crossfire profiles.

PLEASE AMD, fix your damm things

 

[KaRLiToS]

By the way check the vid in 1080p60

https://youtu.be/EgCBw4zgfXQ

 

[Rvenger]

UPDATE: BAD UPDATE

Just a little history: I was on driver 15.6 until September. It's then I decided to try 15.9.1 and notice the flickering issue on desktop, but back then I also noticed a bug while playing games...every games but I had so many issues recently and trying to fix the 2d bug that I forgot about the games bug. I tried many drivers to soon realize that any drivers above 15.6 was causing issues (15.7 and up), the issue mentionned in this thread actually.

I also found out a PSU problem I had with my Lepa G 1600 http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2455424 . So I RMAed my PSU and bought an EVGA SuperNova 1600T2 and my shutting PC issue went away. This process took around a month or so and I just received my RMAed PSU this week. So long process: diagnose PC, realize defective PSU, send PSU to RMA, buy another better PSU, wait for the new PSU, receive new PSU, install new PSU, cable management. This whole PSU problem made me forget about the 15.7 and up bug.

So for people following this thread, it took a while to diagnose the 2d clocks issue/flickering and to try to find out the best workaround so I settled for GPU Tweak 2d clocks (idle) set at 1250mhz so the desktop flickering went away. So with GPU tweak set accordingly, this issue in the video doesn't appear anymore on desktop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEDeIxsWroI

So with all those issues I had for the past two months were solved and put aside, I decided to start back gaming, gaming for long period... it's then I realise the game stuttering bug was still present when playing for a little while. I have been working on that issue for the past two weeks and I now have a conclusion: since 15.7, there is a bug issue with display port cable/monitor with 2d and 3d.

In the video bellow, I can play for like an hour or less without issue and then stuttering and sound cracking appear after a while, I have to unplug display port cable (or restart PC) to remove the bug and then I can play for another hour before the bug gets back... as shown in the video below:
https://youtu.be/EgCBw4zgfXQ

So in other words, the bug I'm experiencing in this thread is appearing on 2d clocks and 3d clocks, the only workaround I have is for 2d clocks. For 3d clocks I have to unplug and plug back the DP cable everytime the bug appears during games (as shown in the video above)and by the way it appears in EVERY GAMES and even if I quit a game and go in another game, the bug will be there too, the only solution is to restart PC or unplug DP cable and plug it back.

No issue with 15.6 but missing many crossfire profiles.

PLEASE AMD, fix your damm things

I am not sure if its driver related now. Sure seems like the monitors haven't a clue what refresh they are running at until you unplug and reinitialize. Did you ever wipe your OS yet and do a clean install? (Sorry if I missed that above)

 

[KaRLiToS]

I am not sure if its driver related now. Sure seems like the monitors haven't a clue what refresh they are running at until you unplug and reinitialize. Did you ever wipe your OS yet and do a clean install? (Sorry if I missed that above)

Brand new Windows 10 OS. (Didn't mention it)

Drivers 15.6 doesn't do it.

 

[KaRLiToS]

Yet another user with issues
https://community.amd.com/thread/193857
http://www.overclock.net/t/1584720/...o-monitors-problem-edit-flickering-issue/0_30

Hello, I have two BenQ GW2765 monitors that are connected via DisplayPort and HDMI to two R9 290X video cards running with Crossfire enabled. I was looking forward to having this extra monitor help me when I work, but has instead given me more work just to get them to stop flickering. After about 15-20 minutes after logging in, both screens will begin to flicker. I've tested the cables and with each monitor just on by itself to see if a monitor or cable was bad, but they work fine, as long as it's not set in a dual monitor setup.

I've tested around and found that when they both start flickering, if I play a YouTube video and full screen it, the flickering stops on both monitors. So, it seems like it might be something with the drivers. I'm not sure and am tired of this problem. Does anybody have any ideas?

OS: Windows 10 Home 64-bit
AMD Driver version: 15.12
Video Card: MSI R9 290X Battlefield 4 Edition (GPU Clock/Memory) 1000Mhz/1250Mhz
ASUS ROG R9 290X (GPU Clock/Memory) 1050Mhz/1350Mhz

Thank you in advance!

 

[RussianSensation]

So in other words, the bug I'm experiencing in this thread is appearing on 2d clocks and 3d clocks, the only workaround I have is for 2d clocks. For 3d clocks I have to unplug and plug back the DP cable everytime the bug appears during games (as shown in the video above)and by the way it appears in EVERY GAMES and even if I quit a game and go in another game, the bug will be there too, the only solution is to restart PC or unplug DP cable and plug it back.

No issue with 15.6 but missing many crossfire profiles.

So just to recap:

(1) You are using 2xDVI 1440p monitors + native DP for the 4K monitor.
> That means you are using an Active DP cable, right? You tried a different cable and it made no difference?

> All of your 3 monitors are connected to the top card?

(2) You have flicking with all versions of AMD drivers after 15.6 even when your GPUs are not overclocked?
> As a fix, did you de-activeate overdrive in the catalyst control, and used MSI Afterburner to overclock the card to bring memory clocks to 1250mhz in 2D?

(3) Then what happens is with memory clocks at 1250mhz in 2D, you have issues in 3D because there is a DP bug once you start playing games in 3D?

Right now with the bug in Catalyst 15.7 and higher:

What are your GPU clock / memory clock for 2D?***
What is your GPU clock / memory clock for 3D applications?***

If you revert back to Catalyst 15.6, even with the same GPU/memory clock as above*** you have 0 issues?
> What happens if you force the master card to which the monitors are connected to always run at 1Ghz GPU / 5000mhz (1250mhz) memory?
> Does increasing the GPU/memory voltage do anything to help with this bug?

(4) Testing variations of the bug:

What happens if you set all 3 monitors to 2560x1440 resolution?
What happens if you set all 3 monitors to 1080P resolution?

(5) Have you tried disabling all power saving technologies in the BIOS - locked PCIe to 100, and enabled High Performance mode in Windows settings? Disabled Hybernate/sleep, etc.? Disabled the ability of the screen to go to sleep/turn off?

(6) Changing what the Main Display is for Windows:

Have you tried assigning the Main display to one of the DVI monitors?
Have you tried assigning the Main display to the 4K monitor instead?
> Does this make any difference?

Do you get the same bug in Duplicate display mode (You'll see the same display on each of your monitors) vs. Extend mode (You'll see one continuous display that stretches across all of your monitors)?

(7) If the issue is primarily related to the graphics card's memory clocks, you already tried de-activating/disabling AMD PowerPlay in MSI AB?

In MSI AB: Settings -> Activate "unofficial overclocking" and choose "without PowerPlay".

With this, then use MSI AB/ASUS GPU Tweak to overclock the 2D memory clock to the same value as the 3D memory clock => 1250mhz resolves your issues in 2D flickering but no 3D?

I've also read that some people have this issue under Windows 10 but not under Windows 8.1.

(8) What if you go to the very basics => Start with Eyefinity on just 1 videocard, no cross-fire at all. What happens?

 

[KaRLiToS]

(1) I am using the Display Port cable coming with the Samsung U28D590 (4k). I just ordered another display port cable today to test. Another 20$ purchase that AMD crappy drivers made me do.

Yes all the monitors have been plugged to the first card like it should since the release of Eyefinity technology.

(2) I have flickering issue with all the drivers above 15.6 yes. This means with all the Windows 10 drivers. I have it on Windows 10 and Windows 8.1.

I never used Overdrive in my life. Since the release of R9 290x, I mostly use Sapphire Trixx because of it's +200mv adjustment. I use GPU tweak to adjust the 2d clocks to 1250mhz. Only the first card is necessary to OC the memory for the 2d bug to disappear.

(3) Even if I set the 2d clocks to 1250mhz or not, the 3d bug will still appear, seems completely unrelated but they both are related to the display port output/cable...I don't know.

If you watch my video, I get the issue in 3d only after playing for a while, like 30 minutes or more, if I unplug the DP and plug it back, i'm good for another while.

https://youtu.be/EgCBw4zgfXQ

I can play Dirt rally for a while without issue, but in this vid I didn't play long enough for the bug to appear. https://youtu.be/Y1AAVDLdatI

Normally, like it always been before with 15.6 and below, 2d clocks were at 300/150 on all cards, now I have to set the first card at 300/1250mhz to prevent the 2d bug. I have no workaround for the 3d bug but to restart PC or unplug/plug back DP cable.

But thanks for the suggestion, I will try to set all cards at 1000/1250 for 2d and I will force a constant 1000/1250 for 3d too, I will also try to raise the voltage by +100mv without overclocking. Then I'll test. And report back tonight... already so many time lost with this issue


(4)
Pay attention to everything in the images below. (I haven't tried 1080p and I don't intend too, AMD should do their parts

Without Eyefinity

Eyefinity Enabled

KEEP IN MIND THAT EVERYTHING WAS WORKING FINE WITH DRIVERS BELOW 15.6

 

[KaRLiToS]

(5) Yes, ULPS is always disabled when I install new drivers. My Power Options profile is set to be High Performance and everything is manually set to prevent sleep and hibernation. Everything in the BIOS haven't changed for the past 3 years and all the C3 C 6 and C7 are disabled

(6) REFER TO QUESTION #4 (main display selection doesn't work)

(7) Will give it a try

I get it in Windows 8.1 and Windows 10

(8) I will give it a try too. but I think I already tested it.



________________________________

I really appreciate your help RS.

Since I didn't have this issue before with drivers below 15.7 . I get issues with all the drivers supporting windows 10.
I am also not the only one experiencing this and I see many new threads openning every weeks. I have seen numerous threads about it, they are linked in the OP. To me, it is another driver issue. AGAIN. Even if I try 1000 things and I deviate from my main configuration, it will not solve my issue, the only one that can solve it is AMD driver team. I will not accept to run my eyefinity on a single card at 5670x1080.

I have been using this setup since 2011-2012 first with Tri 6970 and until now, the 6970 Trifire were the most bug free system I had. I had a couple of ones with HD 7970 QuadFire but they were solved after couple of month. (This thread is linked in the OP)

The worst hassle I had was with those R9 290x.

But when it works it's fine
https://youtu.be/yYtXrwL_tNo
https://youtu.be/TubrESZCTxs
https://youtu.be/L8WKZZb5q8I
https://youtu.be/Y1AAVDLdatI

Also, Mad Max and Assassin's Creed Syndicate runs super fine until I get the bug. But the games are smooth. WIll make a Vid with Syndicate eyefinity.


_________________________

 

[MeldarthX]

Karlitos; you can also tweet AMDMatt; if you have an account at OCUK; can send him a trust message as he's support and AMD and runs a few different system set ups; and eyefinity also.

He might know what's going on or some work arounds; also have you check to for any updates for your monitors as I know a lot of issues are from actual timings in the monitors not having a clue what they are doing; and its up to drivers to try to work around badly set controller cards in monitors.

 

[thesmokingman]

Karlitos; you can also tweet AMDMatt

Yea, you should go hug it out with him. lol

 

[KaRLiToS]

I basically tried everything this week end even the few things left that RussianSensation mentionned. The only working solution is to revert back to 15.6. And it is the same solution for every users experiencing this issue.

I tried to post my issue on overclockers.co.uk in the AMD driver thread. This thread is managed by AMD's rep. There are two reps. After posting it, a couple of users raise their hands to tell they also have this issue.

I have wasted over 150 hours trying to solve that issue. Screw that and screw AMD.

 

[RussianSensation]

I have wasted over 150 hours trying to solve that issue. Screw that and screw AMD.

I feel your pain since you spent so much $ on flagship cards and water-cooled them and then got such a nice monitor setup. Just sell your 290Xs and get 2 after-market 980Tis and then next year re-evaluate the GPU landscape. If you get 2 MSI Lightning cards, they run so quiet, you don't need to spend $ on water-cooling them.

 

[Arachnotronic]

I feel your pain since you spent so much $ on flagship cards and water-cooled them and then got such a nice monitor setup. Just sell your 290Xs and get 2 after-market 980Tis and then next year re-evaluate the GPU landscape. If you get 2 MSI Lightning cards, they run so quiet, you don't need to spend $ on water-cooling them.

This.

 

[MeldarthX]

I feel your pain since you spent so much $ on flagship cards and water-cooled them and then got such a nice monitor setup. Just sell your 290Xs and get 2 after-market 980Tis and then next year re-evaluate the GPU landscape. If you get 2 MSI Lightning cards, they run so quiet, you don't need to spend $ on water-cooling them.

the problem is nvidia has their own issues with multi monitor; and sli just isn't has fast as crossfire when they are both working.

as I said I'm wondering if its not a driver issue but controller issue with the monitors; is there any new flashes for the monitors?

 

[RussianSensation]

the problem is nvidia has their own issues with multi monitor; and sli just isn't has fast as crossfire when they are both working.

as I said I'm wondering if its not a driver issue but controller issue with the monitors; is there any new flashes for the monitors?

Ya I forgot that for 3D gaming, the 3 monitors must be identical and have the same resolution for them. From what I read, this issue seems to affect Hawaii, but not Fury/Fury X. So the OP can sell the 4K monitor and go triple 1440p with the competitor, or try going with dual Fury Xs as a stop gap.