Why does the screen goes for 0.1 seconds almost every 2 or 3 seconds in Linux?

2 min read 22-10-2024

the ifix

Why does the screen goes for 0.1 seconds almost every 2 or 3 seconds in Linux?

If you've ever experienced a frustrating flicker on your Linux screen that lasts for a mere 0.1 seconds every 2 or 3 seconds, you are not alone. This issue can disrupt your workflow and decrease overall user satisfaction. Let's dive into the possible reasons for this problem and explore potential solutions.

Original Code for the Problem Scenario

In many instances, this issue may not directly relate to coding but instead to configuration or hardware settings. However, to address graphical issues, the following command can be useful in diagnosing your display settings:

xrandr --verbose

This command helps to query the current state of your display output, which can be crucial in troubleshooting flickering issues.

Analyzing the Flickering Issue

The flickering screen in Linux can stem from various sources, including:

Graphics Driver Problems: An outdated or incompatible graphics driver can lead to display issues, including screen flickering. It's essential to ensure that your graphics driver is the latest version compatible with your hardware.
Display Refresh Rate: The refresh rate of your monitor, which is the number of times the image is refreshed per second, plays a crucial role in display performance. If the refresh rate is incorrectly set, it can cause flickering. You can use the xrandr command to check your refresh rate and adjust it accordingly.
Hardware Compatibility: Occasionally, certain graphics cards may not fully support specific display settings, resulting in flickering. Checking the compatibility of your hardware with your chosen Linux distribution can help mitigate this issue.
Power Management Settings: Sometimes, aggressive power management settings can cause the screen to flicker. Modifying these settings within your Linux power management configuration may solve the problem.
Window Compositors: Some desktop environments in Linux use window compositors that can cause rendering issues. Switching to a different compositor or disabling it altogether may alleviate flickering.

Practical Example and Solutions

Updating Graphics Drivers

To update your graphics drivers, you can use the following commands based on your Linux distribution:

For Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall

For Arch Linux:
```
sudo pacman -Syu
```

After updating the drivers, restart your computer to see if the flickering persists.

Adjusting Refresh Rates

If you find that the refresh rate is not set correctly, you can use xrandr to change it. Here's how you can do it:

First, check the supported refresh rates:
```
xrandr
```
Then, set a new refresh rate:
```
xrandr --output <DISPLAY_NAME> --mode <MODE> --rate <REFRESH_RATE>
```
Replace <DISPLAY_NAME>, <MODE>, and <REFRESH_RATE> with the appropriate values from the xrandr output.

Modifying Power Management Settings

You can adjust power management settings in your desktop environment settings or by editing the configuration files directly. For example, if you're using TLP, you may disable specific features that may be causing flickering:

sudo tlp setcharge 60 80

Conclusion

The screen flickering issue that occurs every few seconds in Linux can result from several factors, including outdated drivers, incompatible hardware, incorrect refresh rates, aggressive power management settings, or compositor issues. By systematically addressing these factors, you can often resolve the problem and enjoy a smoother experience on your Linux system.

Useful Resources

By understanding and implementing the solutions outlined above, you can effectively troubleshoot and potentially resolve the screen flickering issue on your Linux machine. Happy computing!