Your gaming computer monitor has a huge impact on your gaming experience. Do you know even a minor issue in it can have a severe impact on your eyes, affecting the entire gameplay? Yes, you read it right. Issues in the display are the most common reason behind gaming performance. Make sure your unit is in the best condition and allows you to do what you are doing without putting strain on your eyes or tilting your head to get the best viewing angle.

Nonetheless, like other parts of your gaming setup, you can encounter some problems with your gaming PC monitors too. Stuttering or flickering is one of the most common ones. But don’t panic if the hardware starts flickering. You can troubleshoot the issue.

Read this blog to learn what causes a flickering or stuttering issue and how you can troubleshoot this problem.

What Causes Monitor Stuttering

Monitoring stuttering is generally caused by software or hardware problems, or even both. A loose cable connection, slow GPU, slow CPU, changes made in Windows configuration, low RAM, overheating processor (GPU/CPU), or an incorrect refresh rate are the most common causes.

To fix the problem, you must understand the refresh rate.

  • Refresh rate: Referred to as Hertz, refresh rate is the number of times per second that your monitor screen displays a new image. Today’s modern screen can refresh up to 100 times per second or even more. A monitor's specifications containing a number such as 60Hz, 100Hz, or something else is the refresh rate. 100Hz means the screen displays images 100 times per second. Changes in refresh rate can cause flickering.

Tips to Fix Flickering Issues in Your Gaming Computer Monitor

Check Power Cable

If securing the connection cable doesn’t troubleshoot the flicker, check the power cable and ensure it is secure at both ends. If the issue continues, the cable itself may be defective. Replace it if possible.

Check Monitor Cable

If your monitor is stuttering or flickering, it can be due to a loose or faulty video cable. So, check it. If loose, tighten the cable on both the monitor and the computer end. Make sure both ends of the connectors are secure. If the problem persists, replace the cable.

Check and Set Refresh Rate

Incorrect refresh rate setting is another cause of stuttering. If you have recently updated your graphic driver, checking the display setting is important. Most LCD monitors are either 59 or 60 hertz. Though, premium gaming computer monitors use 5Hz, 120Hz, and 144Hz. If the refresh rate is changed, the stuttering issue occurs.

To fix the stuttering problem, follow the below steps:

  1. Right-click anywhere on the desktop.
  2. Select your graphics card
  3. Click on change resolution.
  4. Select the flickering monitor in the options
  5. Check if the refresh rate is minimum 60Hz
  6. If your monitor offers 100Hz, set it to that
  7. Save any changes and retest.

To ensure you have applied the right hertz setting, it is also important to update your video drivers.

You can also check the refresh rate through Windows 10 Settings.

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Click on System
  3. Scroll down and select Advanced display settings
  4. Select the Monitor tab
  5. Check the refresh rate
  6. Set it to the right number

Check Your Graphics Card

At times, flickering in gaming computer monitors is also the result of graphics card issues. Though it’s unusual, it is a possibility. However, if you have multiple monitors, but only one screen acts up, the issue is not your graphics card. In case, all monitors as well as yours flicker, then checking the hardware and connection is worthy

See your graphic cards and make sure it doesn’t have accumulated dirt and dust on the surfaces. Also, check the cooling fan and ensure it is working.

Check and Update Display Drivers

Display drivers in your PC can be a cause of screen flickering in your Windows gaming monitor. Updating it will be the way to fix the problem. To this, follow the below steps:

  1. Start your PC in safe mode
  2. Uninstall your current display adapter
  3. Check for driver updates
  4. Start your PC in safe mode
  5. Select and hold (or right-click)
  6. Start and select Device Manager
  7. Expand the Display adapters section

After these 7 steps, select and hold (or right-click) followed by selecting uninstall the device. Then select ‘delete driver software.’ Then choose to uninstall and restart your computer. After this, open settings by pressing Windows logo key + L.

From Settings

  • Select Update & security
  • Go to Windows Update
  • Check for updates
  • Install any available updates

Check if Your Monitor Is Ok

The final possible cause is your monitor itself.

  • Change the port you are using
  • If it’s DVI, try using the DisplayPort or VGA output
  • Use a spare monitor to test if the problem persists
  • Then check your unit on another PC to see if it works fine

If your display unit flickers on another PC with a different hardware connection, it has probably no life now. You can either look for a new gaming computer monitor or get the existing one repaired.

Wrapping Up: Tips to Fix Flickering Gaming Computer Monitors

Despite the fact that modern gaming monitors are far more advanced and reliable than the old CRT technology, developing a flicker in them is possible. Stuttering or flickering is among the most common problems in any gaming monitor. The above steps are some of the easy ways to troubleshoot the issue. Thankfully, not all these above causes mean you need to look for a new monitor. Often a simple tweaking of display settings or tightening of monitors or cables can handle the situation.