Why does my second monitor blink on and off during startup?
Asked by
MellowQuasar27
My Acer second monitor repeatedly turns on and off for several minutes whenever I start my computer. After a random amount of time, it eventually settles down and works normally. I already swapped the video cable from HDMI to DisplayPort, but the behavior did not change. What could be causing this, and how can I tell whether the problem is the monitor, its power supply, or the computer?
Answers
Check the computer’s refresh-rate and resolution settings against what the monitor supports. Try setting it temporarily to a standard resolution and 60 Hz, then disable features such as variable refresh rate or unusual gaming modes. If the blinking continues before the operating system even loads, settings are less likely and a power or monitor fault becomes more probable.
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This sounds like a possible hardware issue, such as aging capacitors or a failing power supply. Check whether the monitor uses an external power brick and, if so, test it with a compatible replacement that matches the required voltage, amperage, and connector polarity. At three years old, it is worth testing before replacing the whole display.
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Try updating the graphics drivers and the monitor’s firmware if Acer provides one. Also swap the monitor’s connection with your other display: if the other monitor blinks in the same setup, the computer, port, or display settings may be responsible. If only this monitor does it, the monitor or its power supply is more likely at fault.
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