Asus G1s excessive screen flickering..

So I just got my G1s today (yay!) and I installed vista etc. and hooked it up via VGA (my model didn't have DVI out ). The native resolution on the external monitor is 1680x1050 (same as G1s). I just notice as I started to play games that there is a lot of flickering. I figured it was the screen refresh rate, so I checked on that. The max refresh rate with 1680x1050 is 60Hz. I lowered the resolution and put the refresh rate to 75Hz and still saw noticeable flickering. So, I thought maybe it was the Nvidia drivers for vista. Went looking for them online, nowhere to be found. I also downloaded and install all the up to date drivers for my lcd. The only thing left I can think of is that I'm using an analog (VGA) versus digital (hdmi/dvi) connection. Since my LCD doesn't have an HDMI in, I was going to order an HDMI to DVI cable. Before I do this, though, I'd like to see what you guys think about it, or maybe if anyone can offer an idea to solve my problem without shelling out cash for this cable. I would like to eventually get it, but I hope that it isn't necessarily the problem in this situation. So again, any help in advance is appreciated.

 

I think your assumption is correct. Flickering is generally caused by the connections rather than the graphics card, so long as your drivers are up to date and there are no known issues with you brand of monitor. Sometimes bad cables can have that affect.

 

I'll try switching out the cables, I have another VGA lying around somewhere..
The thing is, the current one is brand new, came with the monitor from newegg just days ago

 

Hah, I switched out the cables, and no more flickering!
EDIT:Scratch that it's back. ><

 

A likely culprit. Hope you enjoy your system!

 

Haha, notice I edited. Still there, but it's weird. Only when I look for it do I see it, otherwise I kinda just look past it and ignore it. Meh, I'll order that cable.

 

often with screen flickering problems, the culprit is usually improper grounding. you could try some sort of ground loop eliminator...but they're a bit expensive...

 

A ground loop eliminator...geez. If you have a very high quality monitor and very low quality cables comparitively, you may need that, it is usually cheaper than buying the really nice cables, if you have a >$750 monitor

 

My monitor may not be properly grounded. I live in a very old house and the plugins are only two prong, so I use one of those adapter thingies for my three prong power strip. Any other way besides dropping a bundle of money on a ground loop eliminator to see if this is the problem?

 

ooo....from what i hear, it really isn't recommended to use one of those 3 to 2 prong adapters.

 

yea, those are bad. It is pretty easy to replace a socket in your home. If you are unsure an electrician can do it for like 50 bucks or something. Probably cheaper than the eliminator.

EDIT: See. About 10-15 minutes and you are done.

EDIT2: You can skip the testing part, so all the equipment you need is a screwdriver, electrical tape, wire strippers or an X-Acto knife (if you are good at it) and a night light (to see if the outlet power is off or on).

 

I've got no other option, unfortunately.

 

Cool. Thanks a bunch man.

 

I too have an older house with two prong outlets. Further I dont ahve the actual ground wire inside the outlet box, and my outlets are not grounded where they are nailed to the wall. I am in the electrical field, and the best solution was to install a GFCI outlet where ever I needed a good grounded plug. This wont help with Ground loop noise, but It will add further protection to your electronics. That multi outlet strip with a breaker/fuse cant do its job, inless it is properly grounded, the GFCI will do its job without the ground.

I hope your house has grounded outlets, where there is no wire present, but you can attach a wire to the metal box, and connect it to the ground tab on your outlet, if not consider the GFCI, they are pricey, but lots cheaper than a new power supply, or worse, the Laptop! GFCI run around 10-15 dollars a piece.

 

Wow, seriously? no ground wire in the box? That is crazy. Well, if he gets by with that I would trust him =P.