Mac mini M1 & Dell S3221QS flickering.

Question

Level 1

10 points

Mac mini M1 & Dell S3221QS flickering.

Ive had both my Mac Mini M1 and Dell monitor for over a year now and I'm still not able together to the bottom of the constant flickering and fine vertical bars. I use the monitor with an Intel MacBook Pro 15" with absolutely no issues.

I have been through the various threads on here but no-one, it seems, has come up with a solution.

Things I have tried:-

USB-C to Display Port - results in the screen going totally black and back to normal every few seconds.
USB-C to HDMI - I get the flickering and vertical stripes.
HDMI - HDMI - As above
Dell USB-C to HDMI adapter (a popular recommended solution) - As above

The fact that this monitor seems to work ABSOLUTELY FINE with non-M1 computers suggests to me the issue is with the Apple side of things.

Has anyone found a reliable solution to this?

TIA!

Mac mini, macOS 12.4

Posted on May 20, 2022 9:19 AM

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Answer 1

greaseham Author

Level 1

10 points

May 24, 2022 12:52 PM in response to hcsitas

OK. I've now tried everything you suggest and I still get the flickering and vertical lines issue. This display works perfectly with my Intel based MacBook Pro (15" Touch Bar).

I can (mostly) make the flickering stop when I’m in HDR mode, but the colours are JUST AWEFUL and no matter how much I try and calibrate it, I can’t get a decent quality image.

Surely this is an Apple issue… isn’t it?

I wish I was able to upload a video of the problem.

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Answer 2

greaseham Author

Level 1

10 points

May 25, 2022 12:44 AM in response to hcsitas

I’ll try a lower resolution, but I bought this monitor for its 4K capability. Like I say, it only seems to have issues with my M1 MacMini. At this point I think I’ll sell the Dell and look elsewhere. Many thanks for your help 🙏

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Answer 3

hcsitas

Level 6

12,728 points

May 25, 2022 1:00 AM in response to greaseham

You’re welcome! IIWY, I’d stick to standard widths (27” max) minus gimmicks like curved, gaming etc. Better chance of working fuss-free with the mini. I’d also avoid USB C video connections, sticking to HDMI and using USB-A for monitor hub/camera functions (if applicable). If all that’s a compromise you’re willing to make, Dell will play along too like an obedient puppy. Good luck!

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Answer 4

hcsitas

Level 6

12,728 points

May 20, 2022 9:26 AM in response to greaseham

Stick to HDMI-HDMI and try a shorter cable 5’ or less, 3’s perfect.

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Answer 5

greaseham Author

Level 1

10 points

May 20, 2022 10:05 AM in response to hcsitas

Thanks for the response. Sadly, I’m using a 3’ 4K high quality HDMI cable.

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Answer 6

hcsitas

Level 6

12,728 points

May 20, 2022 10:17 AM in response to greaseham

Have you tried both HDMI ports?

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Answer 7

greaseham Author

Level 1

10 points

May 20, 2022 10:23 AM in response to hcsitas

I’ll give that a go. Many thanks!

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Answer 8

hcsitas

Level 6

12,728 points

May 20, 2022 10:25 AM in response to greaseham

You’re welcome🤞. Additionally, test with HDR disabled and with different response time settings (OSD settings). If that doesn’t work, try changing the refresh frequency on the Mac.

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