GPU suddenly stopped working properly with display, connected via hdmi/vga adapter.

[ppvndctr]

I have a pretty old Samsung SyncMaster 2033 (1600x900) that is connected to my gtx 1060 via VGA-HDMI adapter (display only has VGA, graphic card only has dvi-d/hdmi/displayport) running on win7x64

It worked fine for half a year, but suddenly my monitor started to go full black for ~2 seconds and then turn back on with a sound of unplugged/plugged device (the same sound you get in win when you unplug/plug in mouse, for example). When it happens, when picture comes back, around 3 out 4 times it is noticeably blurred, as if it is resized and monitor shows me "Not optimum mode. Recomended mode 1600x900, 60Hz" message (despite me having 1600x900 set up in windows/nvidia control panel), and it also displays "67.5kHz 60Hr PP 1920x1080" in it's "Information" menu tab instead of usual "60.0kHz 60Hr PP 1600x900". I've also noticed that in this case windows shows me "1024x728" as "recommended" resolution. Also it seems that windows can only recognise my display as "generic pnp display" or shows it as "hdmi device" when this happens. However the same thing happens even in bios (no "not optimum..." message tho, screen just goes black for two seconds and comes back blurred)\, before windows is even loaded.

I've tried to update graphic driver and reinstall monitor driver, for no avail, obviously. Then I've tried to replace VGA-HDMI adapter with another, similar one that is confirmed to be working. Zero changes. Then I've pulled my graphic card out, connected my monitor via VGA port on my motherboard and run it on integrated video (Intel HD Graphics 4000 in i5-3750). It works fine, picture is good and doesn't go out, but it seems that windows still cannot recognize the model of my display. I've tried to connect my monitor with a laptop with VGA output, and it worked completely fine fine too. I've tried to connect my TV with my graphic card via the same hdmi port and it worked fine too. It just that this graphic card -> hdmi-vga adapter -> my monitor combo doesn't seem to work.

Update: I got my hands in a laptop with integrated graphics and HDMI output, connected it with this monitor, and it has similar problem, "not optimum resolution.." message, windows doesn't properly recognise the monitor and suggests 1024x768 as native resolution.

I'm completely baffled at this point, what can it be and what can I do?

 

[jojesa]

I have encountered similar issues with HDMI to VGA adapters.
I have not issues with DVI to VGA adapters.

 

[ppvndctr]

I have encountered similar issues with HDMI to VGA adapters.
I have not issues with DVI to VGA adapters.

I'll keep that in mind, thanks, but I really couldn't find a DVI-D (it is only dvi-d, my graphic card doesn't have dvi-i ports) to VGA adapter anywhere near me. Had to resort to HDMI to VGA one. And it worked for few months, stopped just now.

I will try to get one and test it, but I really don't understand the nature of this problem.

 

[jojesa]

Since DVI-D carries a 100% digital signal, so you need to specifically by and DVI-D to VGA adapter like this one... by the way the do cost more.
The issue is with the HDMI connection, which requires a signal back from the monitor to the GPU and when that signal is not received it does not deliver any signal to the display.
If you get a HDMI to VGA converter that states that in the description (sometimes powered), then you won't have that issue.

 

[ppvndctr]

The issue is with the HDMI connection, which requires a signal back from the monitor to the GPU and when that signal is not received it does not deliver any signal to the display.

That's interesting, I've never heard about this. Where can I read more?

And still, why did it suddenly stop working? And are dvi-d converters any different in this regard?

 

[defiantuk]

No idea if this will work seem to remember reading somewhere that monitors sometime retain setting so try this unplug monitor from mains leave for a couple of mins then plug monitor back in and turn on then turn computer on.

 

[ppvndctr]

No idea if this will work seem to remember reading somewhere that monitors sometime retain setting so try this unplug monitor from mains leave for a couple of mins then plug monitor back in and turn on then turn computer on.

Oh, I've tried this.

Update: I got my hands in a laptop with integrated graphics and HDMI output, connected it with this monitor, and it has similar problem, "not optimum resolution..", windows doesn't properly recognise the monitor and suggests 1024x768 as native resolution. I guess there is some kind of problem with the screen itself, that it stopped working with adapter. Maybe it is time to buy a new one after all.

 

[jojesa]

Update: I got my hands in a laptop with integrated graphics and HDMI output, connected it with this monitor, and it has similar problem, "not optimum resolution..", windows doesn't properly recognise the monitor and suggests 1024x768 as native resolution. I guess there is some kind of problem with the screen itself, that it stopped working with adapter. Maybe it is time to buy a new one after all.

It might not be the monitor, it's an issue with the hand shake between the digital signal (HDMI) to the analog signal (VGA).
If you connect a computer with a VGA port to the monitor you won't have this issue...unless the monitor is no longer working properly.