Flicker on Intel graphics

[beeboenator]

Hi,

I have a problem with my HP Probook 6450b laptop. The laptop screen flickers when showing specific patterns. The problem is most visible on a pattern of alternating white and gray pixels, but other patterns make the screen flicker too. A good example is the background of the following website http://version2.dk (http://www.version2.dk/themes/v2_theme_ ... ckdrop.gif). I only see this problem in Linux - the screen is OK in Windows 7. Also, I don't have the problem on an external monitor.

I have created a video of the problem. It's available a http://dotat.dk/flicker/flicker.avi

First part shows the screen in Mint. Second part is the same, but in Windows 7.

I use an updated Mint 10. Hardware: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5 CPU M 450

00:02.0 VGA compatible controller: Intel Corporation Core Processor Integrated Graphics Controller (rev 02) (prog-if 00 [VGA controller])
Subsystem: Hewlett-Packard Company Device 146d
Flags: bus master, fast devsel, latency 0, IRQ 46
Memory at d0000000 (64-bit, non-prefetchable)
Memory at c0000000 (64-bit, prefetchable)
I/O ports at 4050
Expansion ROM at <unassigned> [disabled]
Capabilities: <access denied>
Kernel driver in use: i915
Kernel modules: i915

[Surreal]

I have the same problem, only with a different graphics card. I have an ATI 2300 Mobility..

The flickering doesn't occur when i switch to Windows 7, or Mint 10 Julia.

[narek_r]

I have exactly the same problem on my Asus x5dij with intel GMA4500. Has anyone got an idea how to resolve this problem. It is really annoying and hurts my eyes.

[richyrich]

@beeboenator
This member found a solution for his Intel 865 from the link below, and I see that the 915 graphics (yours) is listed too.

http://alcor.concordia.ca/manpages/sys4/intel.4.html

good luck.

source: http://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?f=141&t=64513

[rivenathos]

I keep these notes on my blogsite and have found this procesure to work on my own hardware. It may or may not work for you. Good luck!

Just boot Mint normally, open the terminal, and key in:

Code: Select all

gksudo gedit /etc/default/grub

Find this line in the text file:

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GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX ""

Change it to read:

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GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX "i915.powersave=0"

Save, then go back to the terminal and key in:

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sudo update-grub

When you reboot, you should have that annoying intermittent flash across the bottom of the screen anymore.

[narek_r]

I've already tried to include i915.powersave=0, but that does not change anything. The flickering is like the refresh rate seems to be low, like in the video from the first post.

The problem is seen on Ubuntu, Debian, OpenSuse, FreeBSD, Fedora, only in Windows 7 everything works fine.

In the Monitor settings the system shows correct refresh rate, 60Hz .
I've also created an xorg.conf file and included a Modeline from Xorg.0.log(Modelines from EDID). But there is no improvement at all.
Also changing any Options from "Device Section" does not affect anything.

It is really disturbing, so that I cannot work more than 20 minutes on Linux, as my eyes become tired.
Maybe someone can find a solution from my Xorg.0.log(in the Attachment.

Thanks.