Random signal loss P870DM-G GTX 980

Hello, I've posted the same thing in Owner's Lounge thread, but I figured out my Clevo isn't that new and it will be better if I make separate thread for my issue.

Over a year ago I purchased Clevo P870DM-G with i7 6700K and GTX 980 8GB on board (desktop versions). Windows 10 Pro x64.

PROBLEM: Since the begging I was using it with external 144 Hz monitor Acer XB270HU connected via DisplayPort and since the begging there's an issue with random signal loss. Usually screen of my XB270HU goes black for few seconds and then comes back (at that time blue light on monitor goes orange which indicates no signal), sometimes it flickers black quickly and then returns. Most of the times when it happens I can hear the Windows "device disconnected" sound. This issue is so random it can happen 3-4 times a day or once every three day. In some cases the side effect of that is that when the screen returns from black maximum refresh rate available is only 85 Hz instead of default 144 Hz. To fix the refresh rate issue I have to turn off monitor, unplug DisplayPort cable, plug it back in and turn on the monitor.

Problem did not occur for 2 weeks when my Acer XB270HU was plugged to another PC.

Problem does not occur on my Samsung TV which is plugged to my laptop via HDMI.


What I've tried already:

1. Changing cable. I've read a lot about DisplayPort cables and I've learned that long, bad quality cables can cause issues like that so I've bought the best and the shortest cable available on my market (I'm from EU). I've felt like it reduced frequency of the problem but it may be the placebo effect because it's so random. Recently I've bought another, supposably even better, certified by DisplayPort organization cable "Accell Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort 1.2 Cable". It didn't change anything, the issue still occurs.

2. Installing latest NVIDIA drivers with DDU in Safe Mode.

3. Format C:, new fresh system.

4. Some "magic" tricks found online with pluging off monitor and holding the power button down for 30 sec.

5. Setting all possible options to High Performance.

6. Changing DisplayPort slots on my laptop.



Nothing helps It is also not related to any application, it can happen during gaming, watching movies or browsing the Internet. So I figured out it must be hardware related, problably video card.

POSSIBLE FIX: I've spend a lot of time searching for a fix and only recently I've found by accident someone on EVGA forum with exactly the same problem as mine. He claims that changing his GTX 980 vBIOS from the old version (84.04.2F.00.80) to a newer 84.04.31.00.83 provided via email by EVGA support actually FIXED his issue. Here's a link https://forums.evga.com/RESOLVED-SEE-LAST-REPLY-GTX-980-SC-DisplayPort-to-Acer-XB270HU-No-Signal-Detected-m2332671.aspx


My current BIOS: 1.05.04
My current vBIOS version is: 84.04.88.00.2E
My GTX 980 ID is: 10DE 161A

I know it's not possible to flash my Clevo GTX 980 with EVGA's vBIOS, but I would be ecstatic after all that time if my issue was also as easy to fix. I've searched online, but I couldn't find any newer matching vBIOS on techpowerup.com or anywhere else. Obviously either Clevo or my reseller (Hyperbook) does not provide on their websites any type of vBIOS, but I've e-mailed them yesterday and will see what they respond.

I really don't want to return my laptop although I still have 2 year of warranty but I will do it eventually if nothing helps.


Anyway, I was wondering guys if any of you ever had simmilar issue? Or can help me? Or just provide information about vBIOS version of your GTX 980 from yours Clevo P870DM-G?

Do you think that using latest version of Prema BIOS and Prema vBIOS can fix my issue? If so how can I get/buy them??

 

After further investigation I'm almost 99% sure that my problem can be fixed with new version of GTX 980 Clevo vBIOS. I've found more evidence that both Nvidia and video card manufacturers were aware of that issue with certain monitors (click Select OS -> Win10 64) https://www.asus.com/Graphics-Cards/STRIXGTX970DC2OC4GD5/HelpDesk_Download/ and some of them fixed it like EVGA or Asus, changelog: "Fix DP display issue with certain monitors."


Does anyone know if Prema vBIOS is based on vBIOS version with that issue already fixed?

 

@Prema vBIOS I'm pretty sure is based on the newer one, as he had to make a v2 due to nvidia driver changing something a few years ago

Did you try updating your bios/ec to the latest? I believe the P870DM-G is 1.05.08, and EC is 1.05.05 and EC2 is 1.05.02

After doing that, power it down and drain the power, doing the 30s deal to reset the EC

 

Nope, I didn't update my BIOS, still on 1.05.04, same when I bought it. But how can it help? People report that updating vBIOS fixed their issue with signal loss, not BIOS.

Unfortunately no one is replying to my emails, neither Clevo or reseller support :/

 

Well updating bios and EC sort of update the root of the machine, so it could help

If you don't want to do it, then don't, just a recommendation to try

 

I will do it as soon I get a respond from either Prema or my reseller support, I need any kind of information about new version of vBIOS for GTX 980. I want to know if it even exists

 

My reseller doesn't seem to give a fly about my issue They didn't respond to my email and when I phoned them they basically said "wait until Clevo support reponse".

As far as I can see also Prema won't answer me or any other Clevo GTX 980 owner with knowledge about their vBIOS version...

 

Which reseller is that? It's possible that you put some heat into their customer service here and try to leverage a more appropriate response.

 

Hyperbook from Poland. I wrote to them exactly the same thing as I did in post #1, only in Polish. Without mentioning about Prema vBIOS because I still have stock BIOS and vBIOS.

 

Little update: Finally got a respond from my reseller after asking them how long will it take to simply answer my questions. They said that Clevo just mailed them they are preparing new version of vBIOS and as soon as they'll get proper files I will be informed.


Yeah, funny thing, EVGA and ASUS fixed this issue over 2 years ago with their new versions of vBIOS and Clevo is making their own just now.... without providing any release date. Feels like my reseller is waiting for my warranty to expire and they already have very bad reputation about handling warranty.

 

I don't think there even was a newer Clevo 980 MXM vBIOS. They only had a beta and a final release version back then.

 

Thank you for your reply! I watched almost all MrFoxRox's YT videos including his interview with OWNorDISOWN and found out that other Clevo reseller from my country called DreamMachines is Prema vBIOS/BIOS partner. I've contact them, but I'm not sure if I can buy from them Prema vBIOS/BIOS since I'm not their customer.


Is it possible to buy Prema vBIOS/BIOS for my P870DM-G from you or any other way?

 

Partner Shops can not sell the mods on their own. Only bundled with their own hardware.
Right now I have my hands full, but drop me a PM and bring a little patience...

 

That would be great! I'm struggling with this issue for a long time now, I can easily wait couple more weeks or months if necessary