Mac mini M1 screen flickering with BenQ GW2283 Dual Display and other issues

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Level 1

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Mac mini M1 screen flickering with BenQ GW2283 Dual Display and other issues

Has anyone encountered screen flickering on dark/grey areas of the display with BenQ GW2283 on Dual Display setup (one on HDMI, one on USB-C via a USB-C to HDMI adapter? (Random very fine vertical lines flickering in regular intervals: see video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSLD-rpDHRk) I also tried disconnecting each monitor or switching the ports/cables, etc. but the problem is still persistent. Each monitor is working perfectly fine on Windows 10 laptop and without any issue. I am running the latest Big Sur update (11.4).

Also, a persistent problem I encounter is that every time I switch on the mac mini M1, only 1 of the displays is detected. I need to unplug and replug the HDMI to USB-C adapter every time. I tried replacing the USB-C to HDMI adapter with another adapter but to no avail.

Posted on Jun 3, 2021 6:29 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

den.thed

Level 9

77,206 points

Jun 3, 2021 7:58 PM in response to admontecillo

Sorry, but I really couldn't see what you described in the video.

Plus you will not likely find many folks running dual GW2283 displays.

For the flickering, I would adjust and test some different System Preference settings for the Displays.

Accessibility > Display and make sure that Display Contrast is set to Normal.
Accessibility > Display and only leave Reduce Transparency checked.
General and test Light versus Dark mode.
Displays and turn off Night Shift.

The second problem, is a macOS dual-display hand-shake issue that has been around since early Mojave. To deal with this problem, I have a Mission Control Hot Corner.... setup to "Put Displays to Sleep" Then when one display fails to light after a startup or wake, I use the Hot Corner to re-sleep both displays and then re-wake them. The Hot Corner works 99.9 out of 100 times without have to unplug and replug any cables.

Edit: I encourage you to send Apple Feedback on both of these issues.

https://www.apple.com/feedback/macmini.html

https://www.apple.com/feedback/macos.html

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Answer 2

admontecillo Author

Level 1

10 points

Jun 3, 2021 9:38 PM in response to den.thed

Thanks for your response!

After reaching out to Apple Support, I am now convinced that my problem is more than the handshake issue as even if I am just using a single display, my mac mini M1 would not recognize it right away (after sleep/switch off) plus the fine grey lines flickering. It must be a hardware issue related to the ports. I tried accessing my mac mini remotely via a virtual desktop application and the projected graphics/displays do not have the issue. Also tried using a different set of display (24-inch displays) and still got the same identification/flickering problem.

~1-month-old unit up for repair/replacement, it seems.

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Answer 3

Jun 4, 2021 4:38 PM in response to admontecillo

Hi,

I run two BENQ PD2700u 4ks screens at 60Hz using the Mac mini M1HDMI port and a CalDigit T3+ dock's DisplayPort port. This has worked really well since I tuned the setup in January 2021 with no flicker at all.

Until .... BigSur update 11.4

I still have not figured out exactly what is happening as my Mac mini/BENQ setup starts up OK, but after a while I get flickering on the CalDigit DisplayPort connection. This only started after the OS upgrade.

Jeff

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Answer 4

admontecillo Author

Level 1

10 points

Jun 5, 2021 11:01 PM in response to jefforyfromcanberra

What a pain! It's 2021 and we're having these display issues with supposed-to-be and touted as a game-changer silicon. My 7-year-old windows laptop and my MBP late 2011 have not a problem with these displays. It really is a game-changer! hahaha.

Oh, and by the way, I tried using my VGA displays via USB-C to VGA adapter, and guess what, the problem is still there even in macOS recovery. I can see these dancing/flickering grey lines randomly distributed on the display, and it flickers on a seemingly regular interval/cycle/Hertz, like a heartbeat. I tried ALL sorts of adjustments including changing the frequency to 30/50/60, checking my power supply cycle, replacing and interchanging cables, re-installing macOS, etc. The only thing that is left is changing the mac mini M1 HAHAHA.

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Answer 5

admontecillo Author

Level 1

10 points

Jun 24, 2021 6:06 AM in response to admontecillo

hello everyone! Just to give you an update on my issue above after 17 days of bringing it to the AASP. The local AASP has diagnosed that the main logic board in my unit is defective and is due for replacement. I will keep you guys posted after I get the "repaired" unit.

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Answer 6

admontecillo Author

Level 1

10 points

Jul 16, 2021 3:14 AM in response to admontecillo

Just an update on my own issues (flickering lines on dark areas of display, display recognition troubles, etc):

the MLB of my mac mini m1 16GB has been replaced, and the problem is still persistent! the certified tech saw it with his own two eyes. so I guess there is really a fundamental issue with the 16GB RAM/8-core GPU variant of M1. Time for Apple to own this one. I am now demanding for a refund and NOT for a replacement. I'll just buy something else.

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