My screen is blingking/flickering while gaming.

[chefteddyfisher]

So I have just built my new pc and have set up everything properly but there is only 1 problem. There is a flicker/blink every now and then on my screen only when I'm gaming. (Twice a minute, more on some games) I've done a clean install of windows, I've tried 2 different monitors, 2 different cables, and sweeping the drivers and reinstalling them. I have tried almost every possible setting in CCC and system display setting with no avail, (vsync, refresh rates etc.) So I think the only possible culprits would be the PSU, Mobo, or my APU. Please help. Specs below.

1.AMD A8-6600k APU with AMD Radeon HD 8570D onboard graphics

2. Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-HD3 rev 3.0 FM2+

3. Gskill RipjawsX 8Gb 1866 Dual-Channel

4. Hec Cougar 450w 80% Efficiency

5. Windows 8.1 Pro 64 bit

I have 1 day left to return whatever defective components. Yes, I dont have a dedicated GPU, but an APU should not have this kind of problem right? I think I should RMA my APU. Or could it be a motherboard or PSU problem? This is my first post here cause I cant seem to find a solution. I've searched everywhere. I haven't overclocked anything and I am using VGA cables.

 

[Erman Yudhistira]

did you check the CPU and GPU temperature? i have A10-5800K and it was very hot with stock cooler. i need to replace it with aftermarket cooler (big cooler).

 

[ewok93]

Try playing in windowed fullscreen if you're playing in fullscreen, or vise versa.

 

[chefteddyfisher]

...

 

[ewok93]

I doubt it's the components, if it's only while you're gaming. What games are you playing that are causing it?

 

[chefteddyfisher]

I doubt it's the components, if it's only while you're gaming. What games are you playing that are causing it?

I have tried both windowed and fullscreen and it still happens. I play CS:GO and DOTA 2 and they blink/flicker in both. I've also tried vsync on and off and tripplebuffered on and off.

 

[ewok93]

Only in those games? Not when watching videos or anything? See if there's anything odd going on in task manager.

 

[chefteddyfisher]

Only in those games? Not when watching videos or anything?

Yes only on those games. Videos and movies run fine.

 

[chefteddyfisher]

did you check the CPU and GPU temperature? i have A10-5800K and it was very hot with stock cooler. i need to replace it with aftermarket cooler (big cooler).

I've tested my APU with Prime95 and with Core Temp my temps were 51C at full load. I don't think its a tem problem? Thank you for answering.

 

[chefteddyfisher]

Only in those games? Not when watching videos or anything? See if there's anything odd going on in task manager.

Sorry, and on Left 4 Dead 2. Those are the only games i have on right now cause I just built this rig. what in particular should I be looking for in the task manager?

 

[ewok93]

Not sure, but those are all Steam games. Try closing Steam when you play those games.

 

[Erman Yudhistira]

only 2 games? maybe update with the newest driver?

 

[chefteddyfisher]

Not sure, but those are all Steam games. Try closing Steam when you play those games.

Correct, all steam games. What do you think is the likely problem? Is it any of my components? cause thats what I'm worried about. 🙁

 

[chefteddyfisher]

only 2 games? maybe update with the newest driver?

The latest driver being the latest version of amd catalyst control center right?

 

[chefteddyfisher]

Not sure, but those are all Steam games. Try closing Steam when you play those games.

I close steam everytime before the games launches.

 

[ewok93]

I doubt it's one of your components. Go into task manager when you play and try closing all steam applications, but leave the game alone.

 

[chefteddyfisher]

I doubt it's one of your components. Go into task manager when you play and try closing all steam applications, but leave the game alone.

Ok I'll try that.

 

[chefteddyfisher]

I doubt it's one of your components. Go into task manager when you play and try closing all steam applications, but leave the game alone.

I tried, still is flickering. whats wrong? 🙁

 

[chefteddyfisher]

I doubt it's one of your components. Go into task manager when you play and try closing all steam applications, but leave the game alone.

Here is a screenshot. Do you think its because my steam client is 32bit? Is there a 64bit steam? and those top 3 processes look suspicious.

 

[ewok93]

Turn off those steam programs and you can try turning off those AMD things.

 

[chefteddyfisher]

Turn off those steam programs and you can try turning off those AMD things.

Cant turnoff Bootstrapper cause it ends steam, gameoverlay restarts itself, i was only able to turn of client service but the flicker is still there.

 

[ewok93]

Well, I'm not sure then, I'm sorry. It sounds like a software issue, though, not hardware. I'll do some more research.

 

[chefteddyfisher]

Turn off those steam programs and you can try turning off those AMD things.

close the top 3 processes and flicker is still present

 

[chefteddyfisher]

Well, I'm not sure then, I'm sorry. It sounds like a software issue, though, not hardware. I'll do some more research.

Thank you so much for all the help, sadly no solution. Please come back when you manage to find one. I'm really worried that it could be one of my components, I wont be able to replace any of them after tomorrow. If it were hardware related what would some signs be?

 

[chefteddyfisher]

Well, I'm not sure then, I'm sorry. It sounds like a software issue, though, not hardware. I'll do some more research.

Hey I just downloaded Heaven Benchmark and when I ran it no blinking/flickering. Does that mean that the issue is with Steam and their games? I will mark your reply as solved.