XL2730Z Screen blacks out periodically

[Sainthoodx]

Hey there,

I just got the BENQ XL2730Z and it is quite a beast. I am using an R9 290x. Unfortunately, I've had a fair many problems with this monitor; the issues I'm having while Freesync is enabled may have to do with AMD's beta Freesync driver. However, I have run into issues with overly sensitive DisplayPort (and a DisplayPort cable I had to replace), but the issue which is most disappointing is with the Blur Reduction frequently blacking my monitor out.

There are two Blur Reduction value sliders on the monitor OSD with values which match up to the Blur Buster's Strobe Utility settings (area=crosstalk, intensity=persistence). Here's the problem:

The lower the intensity, the more often my screen *almost completely darken for 2 to 3 seconds. For example, when I choose an "intensity" value of 1 (matching the "Persistence" value of "0.5 ms" ?), the screen will *almost completely black out every few seconds for 2 to 3 seconds. If the intensity is set to half way (matching up the "Persistence" value of "2.5 ms" ?) the 2-3 second blackouts happen once every few minutes. But it's enough to be irritating for a new monitor.

Here is a YouTube video of my issue: http://youtu.be/muVIs6_djoU

Am I doing it wrong???????????????

For info, my monitor settings when using Blur Reduction are:
Brightness: 100
Contrast: 50
Gamma: 1
Color Intensity: 15
Instant Mode: On
AMA: Premium
Resolution: 2560x1440
Hz: 144 / 120

Edit: So a secondary issue when NOT using blur reduction, the monitor *completely blacks out for a few seconds every 5 to 10 minutes or so.

[Falkentyne]

Try hooking up the monitor to a DVI connection. You will be limited to 100 or 120 hz at 2560x1440, and you may need to download the toastyx amd pixel clock patcher also. So do that.
http://www.monitortests.com/forum/Threa ... ck-Patcher
I do NOT know If you need to make a custom resolution for 2560x1440@100 and @120hz though.
You can do that with toastyX CRU if you cant select 100 or 120hz over DVI but make sure you are using the pixel clock patcher first!!

Does the problem happen over DVI after you do this?

Enable blur reduction after. Does it still happen?

If not, then try a clean install.
Uninstall amd catalyst through add remove programs/catalyst install manager.
Download DDU before restarting your computer.
http://www.wagnardmobile.com/DDU/

Reboot into safe mode.
Run DDU in safe mode.

reboot.
Get newest catalyst driver..
Install it. test displayport.

If the problem reoccurs, try a different DP cable?

[Sainthoodx]

Thanks Falkentyne,

Well, I've completed your task, and unfortunately the screen still dims using DVI or DisplayPort, while trying multiple versions of CCC. I am so confused.

Would you RMA the monitor?

[Falkentyne]

Yeah.
You did a clean and fresh uninstall with display driver uninstaller, right?

[Sainthoodx]

Yes I did and I even changed video cards, so the issue is narrowed down to the monitor itself. I'm tempted to just RMA the XL2730Z and downgrade to the XL2720Z at this point, because I'm afraid the next one might perform the same way with the dimmed screen flashing on and off. Is there any real advantage to stick with XL2730Z? The 1440p was nice. Thoughts?

[Falkentyne]

Defective hardware pops up from time to time. This problem has not been reported in any 2730Z review or preview or on any forum post on here or overclock.net, from anyone who has this monitor. So assuming you DON'T get the exact same monitor back that you RMA'd in the first place, I think you'd have a bigger chance of being hit by lightning than a new, unopened 2730z having this identical problem after RMA.

The 2720Z is not a bad choice, but if you DO decide to get one, make very sure it comes with V4 firmware for greatly improved overdrive during blur reduction and a hidden AMA high setting, otherwise study up on how to flash V4 with a USB Ubuntu flash boot drive (I wrote a guide that explains step by step how to flash it; pretty much the two hardest parts of that are getting the V4 firmware file on the main laptop (or desktop) to be seen by Ubuntu (really not an issue; Ubuntu can access files on NTFS partitions), and finding the correct bus address of the monitor (apparently can be anywhere from bus 0 on a laptop, when connected through VGA, to bus 1-4 if flashing from the main desktop PC Via DVI).

Still need more people to get the 2730Z and do Vertical total tweak tests to find if the monitor responds to higher Vt settings to improve blur reduction strobe crosstalk. The few people who have one on this forum either have vanished and not done any VT tweaks, or are afraid to even do them (yet they jump on it on the older Z monitors....)

[Sainthoodx]

Sweet! Do you think Amazon carries V4 for the XL2720Z? I just placed an order...

[Sainthoodx]

According to Mr. F.., The V4 firmware only comes preloaded onto the XL2720Z if ordered directly from BENQ and then requested by calling BENQ. I personally called BENQ to place the order and the representative wasn't confident about his "request" for V4 making a difference and that the monitor should already come pre-loaded with the latest firmware (which was contradictorily listed as V2 on shop.benq). So I decided not to risk it, and just enjoy the 1440p of a XL2730Z reorder. Like Mr. F said, lightning doesn't really strike twice in the same spot, so I'm probably safe to order the same monitor even if the first one was defective

[plex]

THeres a tree in my back yard that was struck by lightning 2 times now, just saying.

[Falkentyne]

Make sure you tell them that V4 firmware has been tested by people on the blur busters' forums, and there are even screenshots showing the overdrive improvements (by masterotaku and I've verified strong improvements on 2720Z).

The changes on 2411Z (and probably 2420Z) are not as drastic, but they are still better than V2 firmware (If you use the new AMA Setting).
They probably are not even aware of the new AMA settings. They have to enable BBR first, then RETOGGLE AMA high, to see the differences. This toggle requires lowering contrast to between 0-20 depending on the picture mode on XL2720Z, and doesn't really require it at all on 2411Z.

I tested alternative AMA high on 2720Z. I get equivalent normal ghosting at contrast 0 (basically zero at the center of the screen) in standard mode as I do in FPS 1 mode at contrast 10 and black equalizer 12, and 10 in standard with new AMA=20 in FPS 1.