Screen flashes black

[Zodis]

Hey guys, a week ago I bought a new PC. But since yesterday the screen has been randomly flashing black for a second or two then returning to normal. At first I thought this was because of my monitor and DVI cable as they are quite old, but if it’s been working for a week without issues would it be the cable so suddenly? I also tried a reboot into safe mode and uninstalling, rebooting, then reinstalling my drivers but that didn’t solve the issue. I have a GTX 1050 if that’s any help. All help very much appreciated, thanks.

[DOUGIE]

Hi Zodis, and welcome to PCHF.
Seems to me it possibly could be a connection, even try another wall outlet. Is the AC into the monitor, firm?
I would be reseating the card, as well. Try a new DVI cable. Not expensive.
I have a MSI GeForce GTX 1050 and no issues. Nice card.

[Zodis]

Everything seems to be connected properly. I’ll try reseat it and I’ll go pick up a new DVI cord tomorrow. Thanks for the quick response.

[phillpower2]

I also tried a reboot into safe

Was the screen flashing the same when in Safe Mode.

[Zodis]

No I don’t think it was but it doesn’t flash constantly enough to tell as I was only in safe mode for about a minute. I realised the flashing started when I installed a printer that was HP brand, (I have a Dell) So I uninstalled that and it seems to have stopped.

[phillpower2]

I realised the flashing started when I installed a printer that was HP brand, (I have a Dell) So I uninstalled that and it seems to have stopped.

Only way of knowing would be to create a new system restore point then try reinstalling the HP printer again.

[Zodis]

The flashing has come back again so obviously the printer wasn’t the issue. I ordered a new DVI cord* online so when that’s arrives I’ll plug it in and monitor (haha) the problem.

[DOUGIE]

Hi Zodis. I would also be trying the monitor on another Computer.
If you tap the monitor in different spots, does it instantly flicker?
Another thing to try, if your Motherboard has onboard graphics, remover the graphics card, and hook up to onboard graphics.
All a process of elimination.

[phillpower2]

Just my two cents as well, try running the computer in Safe Mode only (no networking) and see how that goes.

We could also do with knowing the brand and model name or number of the PSU, if the power supply is old or old and below spec you will get no end of display issues.

[Zodis]

I ran the computer in safe mode and it didn’t seem to flicker. And I’ve currently removed the graphics card and running on board graphics and it doesn’t seem to flicker. The power supply is: Dell Model # L240AS-01. Dell P/N RONM7. P/N PA-2241-1DF. 240W. I hope I’ve listed that correctly. As for the other specs. It’s a Dell Inspiron 3668.
Operating System
Windows 10 Home 64-bit
CPU
Intel Core i7 7700 @ 3.60GHz 42 °C
Kaby Lake 14nm Technology
RAM
12.0GB Dual-Channel Unknown @ 1196MHz (17-17-17-39)
Motherboard
Dell Inc. 07KY25 (Socket 0) 28 °C
Graphics
SyncMaster (1920x1080@64Hz)
Intel HD Graphics 630 (Dell)
Storage
931GB Seagate ST1000DM010-2EP102 (SATA) 31 °C
Optical Drives
PLDS DVD±RW DU-8A5LH
Audio
Logitech G933 Gaming Headset

As copied from Speccy.

Edit* The on board graphics didn’t take DVI so I’m using an AVI.

[DOUGIE]

Looks like @phillpower2 was right on the money.PSU.
Now we know what sort of PC, you have.
These Dell PSU’s are proprietary, and different shape to normal PSU’s.
I have fitted much stronger PSU’s, but involved modifying the back of the tower to make fit.

[Zodis]

I looked at what was installed updated etc. on the day the problems started and it was when I installed the last gfx driver. The DVI cord arrived today and an update just came out for the driver again and after using the new cord and the latest driver update it seems to have completely stopped.

[jmarket]

Glad to hear you got it resolved @Zodis We’ll keep this thread open for a few days to ensure the problem has 100% been resolved. If you feel it’s been resolved to your satisfaction, you can click the Mark Solved button to let us know

[phillpower2]

The DVI cord arrived today and an update just came out for the driver again and after using the new cord and the latest driver update it seems to have completely stopped.

After reading the above I am surmising that this is also with the GTX 1050 fitted, please see the included attachment below;

[Zodis]

That’s troubling . . . It is a Dell branded GTX 1050 tho, would they have not taken this into consideration, maybe it doesn’t need as much? I’m not sure as my knowledge on cards isn’t the greatest. If not I’ll take a look at buying a new PSU asap.