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M1/M2 flickering, ghosting with external display [Merged]
- Thread starter aednichols
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My main display (BenQ) is connected with a USB-C cable - I believe the cable currently connected is the one that came with the monitor. I've previously tried other cables, with no luck.
My second display (an old LG which never flickers) is connected via HDMI.
Now that I seem to have a way of reproducing the problem, I’m going to try some different display and cable combinations when I get some time to see if it makes any difference.
My second display (an old LG which never flickers) is connected via HDMI.
Now that I seem to have a way of reproducing the problem, I’m going to try some different display and cable combinations when I get some time to see if it makes any difference.
I've tried multiple configurations today.
I've tried various HDMI and USB-C connections. I've swapped the two monitors over, I've tried it with just one monitor connected, and nothing I've tried stops the flickering from happening.
I've ordered yet another cable from Apple as my last attempt. My eyes are suffering, and I'm getting a bit fed up of wasting time on this. If the new cable doesn't work, the BenQ monitor goes in the bin, and I'll try an Apple Studio Display 🤷♂️
Good luck. I had similar issues with LG, the HDMI cable from Costco worked for me. Much cheaper than apple. It’s a hit and miss, hope it works for you.
Hi,
Maybe its Apple's intention to try to move you to Apple Studio Display? You are not alone, as you can see. I also have this nonsense. I thought that my monitor is faulty too at first. Now I think that it is happening because Apple has put something proprietary in their hardware. If you can, connect windows pc to this computer and try to access the same page. Is result the same or different than with Apple silicon?
A (quite expensive) Apple Thunderbolt 3 cable hasn't solved the problem, and neither has multiple other attempts with various different cables, so I'm assuming this is a bug that I'm not going to be able to solve. As the problem has been ongoing ever since the M1 silicon was released, I'm not holding out much hope for Apple solving the problem any time soon either (in fact it's got significantly worse for me since updating to Ventura).
I guess my next step is to dig even deeper into my wallet and buy a Studio Display.
*sigh*
I do wish they would sell a 27" iMac, then I could be sure I wouldn't have display problems. At the moment, I'm a bit hesitant to keep spending money when I can't be completely confident I'll get a fully working solution. I guess at least if I buy a Studio Display direct from Apple, I know I can send it back if the problems persist.
I guess my next step is to dig even deeper into my wallet and buy a Studio Display.
*sigh*
I do wish they would sell a 27" iMac, then I could be sure I wouldn't have display problems. At the moment, I'm a bit hesitant to keep spending money when I can't be completely confident I'll get a fully working solution. I guess at least if I buy a Studio Display direct from Apple, I know I can send it back if the problems persist.
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It's clearly not intentional, otherwise it would be consistent and everyone with a third-party external display would get the same problem with Apple silicon. Although the issue seems to be widespread, many people aren't seeing the problem at all. Intentionally causing an intermittent problem with third party displays would pretty much render Apple's entire Mac Mini/Mac Studio/Mac Pro computers unsellable.
It's either a software bug triggered in specific circumstances, or maybe even a hardware issue with some M1/M2 Macs.
I've tried the same display and cable with an M1 MacBook Air today, and didn't get any flicker at all. I'm currently getting flicker regularly with the exact same setup on my M1 Mac Mini, and as stated above, I can usually force the flicker to start by visiting specific websites.
I think what he means is that it is intentional and deliberate that Apple will not acknowledge the issue nor devote any resources in resolving this, as it is not in 'their interests' to do so. (regardless of the fact that it is in their customer's interests). You can see this sentiment in their way of doing business for a long time now (of course other corporations also are guilty of this, but it is quite evident in Apple's case). They will only ever do something for the customer IF it benefits their bottom line, never out of good will. I know a lot of people will claim that this is how all business behave etc etc. The reason Apple wiill get away with it is because they have a massive herd of Apple sheep around.
Instead of saying they've had enough with faulty Apple products, people will go and spend even more money (like buying a ridiculously overpriced for what it is - Apple studio display to replace their perfectly fine monitor that WORKS with every other non m1/m2 device) just so that they can keep using a faulty apple product.
Yes, I get where you're coming from.
I do think though that this could be affecting their bottom line. It's certainly hit my confidence in Apple products, and I haven't yet pulled the trigger to buy a Studio Display. I'm still concerned that I could spend thousands of dollars and still end up with a problem. It's all very disappointing, and I'm now hesitating about the best way forward!
One good thing going for you is that at the very least if you buy directly from Apple, from my past experience, their return policy is pretty good. You can just return your monitor no questions asked. However, the only thing I might say here is that, there are several people on this thread (me included) who have had this problem very randomly and very irregularly. You might not see this issue until your return period has expired.
Although, having said that, I have yet to see anyone with a studio display report this issue although the sample size of studio display users is probably much lower than 3rd party external monitors. If possible, do some research before you buy and I hope the studio display works well for you if you do end up buying it.
Thanks!
Yes, I've already spent hours looking for anyone with a Studio Display reporting the exact same problem, and I've yet to find anyone.
However, as you say, it's very intermittent. However, I do think I should have no problem returning the display even if I get the problem after the 2 week return period. Fortunately, the very strong consumer protection laws where I live mean they would find it difficult to wriggle out of a return even a year after purchase if it doesn't work 100% correctly.
I stumbled across a firmware update for my BenQ display at the weekend.
It seems to have mostly cured the flickering problem. I say "almost", because I've had a very light flickering on one occasion since, but it lasted only for a few seconds. I was previously getting the problem very regularly, usually lasting 15-30 minutes at a time, ever since updating to Ventura. Any website with a large area of dark blue reliably triggered the flickering.
BenQ's web page about the flickering problem mentions nothing about firmware updates, which is a bit disappointing.
It's not clear whether the firmware update is helping to solve a BenQ display problem, or whether it's merely BenQ finding a way of mitigating an Apple silicon problem, but at least it's looking promising.
For now, I've cancelled my order for a Studio Display, and I'll keep my fingers crossed that the problem is at least limited to a manageable level.
It seems to have mostly cured the flickering problem. I say "almost", because I've had a very light flickering on one occasion since, but it lasted only for a few seconds. I was previously getting the problem very regularly, usually lasting 15-30 minutes at a time, ever since updating to Ventura. Any website with a large area of dark blue reliably triggered the flickering.
BenQ's web page about the flickering problem mentions nothing about firmware updates, which is a bit disappointing.
It's not clear whether the firmware update is helping to solve a BenQ display problem, or whether it's merely BenQ finding a way of mitigating an Apple silicon problem, but at least it's looking promising.
For now, I've cancelled my order for a Studio Display, and I'll keep my fingers crossed that the problem is at least limited to a manageable level.
I was having issues with a flickering display with my Mac Mini with the M2 chip. I ordered an HDMI to HDMI cable from Amazon for $5-something, and now the issue seems to be resolved. I am using a Dell monitor.
I have a BenQ SW270C and Mac mini M2 pro and have the flickering on neutral grey areas. HDMI connection is worst and USB-C to DisplayPort least bad but still visible. Not sure where to look for BenQ monitor firmware updates - if any.
I have a different model (PD2705U), but the firmware for my model is on BenQ's website here
There's probably an equivalent support page for your model.
It's not at all obvious that there are firmware updates available. You have to download the firmware and a firmware upgrade tool to install it. There's no way to install it directly on the monitor, nor does the monitor have any way of checking for firmware updates.
Ah, OK. From what I've read recently, firmware updates aren't available for quite a few BenQ displays.
Firmware updates seem to be a relatively new thing for them. Believe it or not, you used to have to return your display to the supplier for them to update it.
Knowing what I know now, and considering the issues I've had, I'd be unlikely to buy BenQ again in future.
I'm using BenQ EX2710U 4K 144Hz monitor (latest firmware) with Mac Studio (Ventura) via USB-C to DisplayPort and no issues so far.
Can anyone summarise 26 pages as to whether there is a workaround for the flickering? I am not sure if "flickering" is the right term in my case, but it happens more with webkit browsers like Safari and Orion and sometimes also with Chromium browsers, usually when there are extended dark areas in the page. I have an M2 Pro mini. Two Benq displays, GW2780 and EL2870U. Thanks in advance
The summary of the 26 pages so far is that there is NO workaround that "works". There some things that 'may' work for some people for a certain period of time before the issue will return. Some will get extended period of no issues while others will get the issue returning sooner and more frequently etc. The TLDR is there are some placebo effects you can apply like tinkering with HDR settings and refresh rates to temporarily subdue the issue.
The actual workarounds are
1. sell your apple silicon device and buy an intel machine (apple or non apple)
2. buy apply studio display or apple pro xdr display
Thanks. I wish there were less drastic workarounds.... I just got an M2 Pro mini and the Studio display is too expensive for me