Comments on: Solution: Secondary LCD monitor flickers when laptop connected to AC power

By: Evan

Evan — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:26:35 +0000

That’s interesting that it worked for you, Jimmy. I am actually not all that sure that will work in all cases, though, because for a random reason (I broke off the third prong because I had to charge the laptop in a place with only two prong outlets), the laptop that had that issue only had two prongs and not three. The dual shielded VGA cables are not that expensive either, as far as I know. Recently I had another interesting experience though with “cheap” dual shielded VGA cables (in China), so be aware that not all cables are created equally.

By: Jimmy

Jimmy — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:09:17 +0000

Another fix for the static flicker problem is to get one of those adapters that turns your AC adapters 3 prong plug into a 2 prong plug. The adapters removes the ground of your power supply. For some reason this completely solves the flicker static problem in using an external monitor. I believe the static comes from interference in the ground. Just be aware that you won’t have a ground anymore so use a good power surge strip.

My Levono laptop interestingly does not have a ground on it’s power supply and I don’t have this flicker problem at all when using it. My Gateway laptop on the other hand does have a third ground prong and exhibits the flicker issue. The problem was solved with the adapter.

Give it a shot, the adapter is $ .75 cents at home depot.

By: Evan

Evan — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:14:20 +0000

Glad to hear this post helped you, Nicky. Make sure you buy a high quality dual shielded cable, and all should be good There are also some low quality (cheap) cables that pop up from time to time, that also may cause issues.

By: Nicky

Nicky — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:35:47 +0000

Thanks, I’m having the same problem with a new laptop and computer and will try your fix. It’s a relief that I’m having the same problem as other people because it’s driving me crazy and the IT support has not been helpful.

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:11:48 +0000

This totally fixed my problem as well. Now to uninstall all the junk HP packaged with my monitor that didn’t help at all! Cheers!

By: Evan

Evan — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:11:50 +0000

Its own power source. I actually haven’t ever heard of a monitor running off a laptop’s power source before, so I assume you need to plug it in almost regardless of model (there might be something super fancy I’ve never seen before, but I kinda doubt it at least for now).

By: Technologically Illiterate

Technologically Illiterate — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:27:45 +0000

Was the extra monitor plugged into its own power source? Or just running off the laptop?

I just bought a monitor to supplement my tiny laptop screen and can’t get it to work!!

By: Ben

Ben — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:55:45 +0000

Thank you! I have been having the same problem with a 19 in Dell monitor and a e6400 latitude laptop. The AC input to the laptop is right next to the VGA cable – I swapped the cables and viola! No more (or a lot less) flickering.

By: Evan

Evan — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:33:01 +0000

Hmm, that’s interesting. What’s the solution to dirty AC power?

By: Marcus

Marcus — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 10:42:21 +0000

The real problem is dirty AC power.