Arch Linux

pelegs

Member

Registered: 2020-10-18

Posts: 26

Laptop's 2nd monitor randomly turns goes black for a couple of seconds

I have the issue stated in the title: I'm using an external monitor as a second screen for my laptop. From time to time, the monitor turns black, then after a couple of seconds it's back to normal.
This does not happen on the laptop's screen, just the external monitor. I have zero ideas where to even start with troubleshooting this, and would appreciate any suggestions.

Specifications:
* Laptop: Dell xps 13 9350.
* Monitor: Eizo Flexscan EV2785, connected to the computer via HDMI (monitor) to USB-c (computer).
* Window manager: Sway.
* Configuration: workspace 1 is on the laptop's screen, the rest are shown on the external monitor.
Note: when I disconnect the monitor the active workspaces that were on the external monitor are switched to the laptop - this does not happen with the blackout (i.e. the workspaces stay in the same configuration).

Last edited by pelegs (2022-01-10 17:40:10)

ngoonee

Forum Fellow

From: Between Thailand and Singapore

Registered: 2009-03-17

Posts: 7,356

Re: Laptop's 2nd monitor randomly turns goes black for a couple of seconds

I've had these symptoms before, and traced it down to using HDMI, not had problems with a USB-c to DisplayPort adapter since. Never drilled deeper than that, in fact the display never disappears from xrandr (consistent with your Note).

My guess is that the display desyncs over time (my 144Hz display couldn't do full 144Hz over HDMI1.2 (or was it 1.4) which was all the monitor supported) or something to that effect. Changing the cable did not help. DP solved it though.

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seth

Member

Registered: 2012-09-03

Posts: 51,270

Re: Laptop's 2nd monitor randomly turns goes black for a couple of seconds

You can try to disable usb autosuspend and if this is an intel chip, also psr and fbc - all of them are at least prone to cause those symptoms.
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Power_ … utosuspend
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Intel_ … flickering
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Intel_ … nable_fbc)

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siepo

Member

Registered: 2020-11-23

Posts: 10

Re: Laptop's 2nd monitor randomly turns goes black for a couple of seconds

I have had these symptoms too, and they got worse over time. The computer was ok with a dvi connection to the same display.

pelegs

Member

Registered: 2020-10-18

Posts: 26

Re: Laptop's 2nd monitor randomly turns goes black for a couple of seconds

I switched to a USB c connection and it worked ok for a few days, but now it started acting up again.

dawierha

Member

Registered: 2022-04-05

Posts: 3

Re: Laptop's 2nd monitor randomly turns goes black for a couple of seconds

I'm suffering from the same behavior. Any solution in sight?
I have found that running my laptop on battery power only fixes the issue, weirdly. So it probably has something to do with the power management or the the power supply.

zen8841

Member

Registered: 2021-09-17

Posts: 1

Re: Laptop's 2nd monitor randomly turns goes black for a couple of seconds

dawierha
what is your laptop model? I'm using sfx14 and suffering the same problem. Using  battery can also fix the issue.

djenis

Member

Registered: 2021-04-19

Posts: 82

Re: Laptop's 2nd monitor randomly turns goes black for a couple of seconds

I have the same issue. Here's my hardware:

Laptop:
- OS: Arch Linux x86_64
- Host: TUXEDO Pulse 14 Gen1 Standard
- Kernel: 6.0.7-arch1-1
- Resolution: 3840x2160

Screen: Dell UltraSharp U3219Q 31.5" 4K Ultra HD Monitor

djenis

Member

Registered: 2021-04-19

Posts: 82

Re: Laptop's 2nd monitor randomly turns goes black for a couple of seconds

Interestingly, this only happens when the laptop is charging

seth

Member

Registered: 2012-09-03

Posts: 51,270

Re: Laptop's 2nd monitor randomly turns goes black for a couple of seconds

https://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php … 9#p2067279 ?

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How to upload text · How to boot w/o GUI · Disable Windows Fast-Start! · Fix your xinitrc

dawierha

Member

Registered: 2022-04-05

Posts: 3

Re: Laptop's 2nd monitor randomly turns goes black for a couple of seconds

dawierha
what is your laptop model? I'm using sfx14 and suffering the same problem. Using  battery can also fix the issue.

These are my specs:
* OS: Arch Linux x86_64
* Host: System76 Lemur lemu7
* Kernel: 6.2.7-arch1-1
* DE GNOME 43.3
* CPU: Intel i7-7500U (4) @ 3.500GHz
* GPU: Intel HD Graphics 620