Samsung Odyssey G8 G80SD 32 inch Intermittent Black Screen

[NealMcDeal]

Hi Everyone

update.

For months I have been chasing Samsung re: firmware updates, eventually I got hold of 2nd level support and a technician that actually knew something instead of giving me standard pre-canned responses.

I was using 1004 firmware and then upgraded to 1005, unfortunately there was not any improvement.

However, Samsung support gave me access to v1301...a big jump in version numbers and now this is on the support websites to download as a USB update. (I am not sure if it is available via auto updates as I had upgraded them all manually as at the time, the auto update process didn't have the new firmware).

I can say that this version 1301 has "improved" but unfortunately not eliminated the screen blanking issue. This is very disappointing, but that being said it is happening a lot less these days once I have upgraded to this firmware.

So if you are running on anything less than 1301 and have this issue, I suggest you upgrade to the new version. You won't regret it. I have contacted support again, to find out if they are still going to continue looking into this problem. [I have also indicated that I have another problem with the Settings - Number - Color button on the remote, and that my remote eventually stops responding to my monitor - oh well will have to wait for that to be fixed.]

Anyway back to the monitor problem. I only seem to have the problem with Display Port. (Don't matter what frequency as it still occurs - FYI I operate the monitor at 120Hz. But tried 60Hz and 240Hz and still same issues. However, if I use HDMI I don't have any issues at all. I am using a NVIDIA RTX 4080 Super; using G-Sync Compatible/Adaptive Sync.

I have this monitor (as well as a G6) connected to my main PC using Display Port and then a work PC connected via HDMI. I am mainly on HDMI during the day and have NEVER had the issue with HDMI on the G8. However, when using Display Port, the problem still exists. (BTW the G6 has never missed a beat - so if you only use one computer connected to the monitor I will suggest you change your cable to HDMI. But if you are like me that use two computers connected up, the one using Display Port will probably still have an issue.

Do other people still have this issue with the screen going randomly black for about 1-2 sec from time to time? What Frequency (Refresh Rate) are you using?

Thanks

Neal

[LG_Bullet]

I think people are getting tired of battling with customer support because, in the first round, they treat you like an **bleep** (“Have you tried turning it off and on again?”), then they make you log everything, and in the end—just like you said—they start pointing fingers at each other or send you to a service center, where after a long wait, they tell you there’s nothing wrong with the product you bought…

I’ve also had the "pleasure" of dealing with Ubisoft’s customer support, and let’s just say I’d rather not put into words what I think about them. 😞

Maybe the only reassuring thing I can say is that the atmosphere on Nvidia’s forums is getting pretty heated, and they’re rallying dissatisfied customers there as well—let’s hope it leads to something!

I "only" use this hardware as a hobby, but I feel even worse for those who can’t even do their job because of these issues. 😔

[Yaari]

Yeah I agree. Getting some second thoughts on the purchase already. I don't mind waiting for a fix but if its been 8 months already and they are dropping their next 32" 4k next month, I don't really have much faith in this ever being solved. I am a bit worried theres a hardware fault or whatever that makes it so that they can't fix it and they are just going to try and coast it through.

Really not sure what to make of all of this. Props to all of you that already sat through this for so long, I am getting annoyed already.

[Yaari]

Also, its still not GSync compatible with HDMI? It shows the device as unrecognized from what I am reading? That's a mistake on Samsungs part ? I heard they told NVIDIA its a 34 inch display. Another 8 month old problem that is not resolved.

[LG_Bullet]

As far as I know, G-Sync is unfortunately not technically possible over HDMI, only via DisplayPort—but of course, I’m not an expert.

Yesterday, I tested the Nvidia (572.83) driver, and I’m happy to report that during my two-and-a-half-hour test, I didn’t experience any black screen flickering or other issues while using G-Sync.

I only use one monitor, tested without HDR, and the test period wasn’t very long, but for now, the issue seems to be resolved in my case. I’ll try to spend more time testing over the weekend and will update you afterward.

Until then, all the best, and have a great day! 😊

[Yaari]

Oh I so hope you are right, I am very skeptical though... hopefully more people can test it.

Since it has been going on for so long and we have no word from anyone that it was even being worked on. But yeah, I pray you are right.

Were you also at the point that your black screens happened at the set time of 10 minutes after start-up like Neal spoke of?

[LG_Bullet]

Sorry, I forgot to answer one of your questions here!

I experienced random full-screen black flickering and horizontal green-striped flickers at the bottom of the screen. On the Nvidia forum, I’ve read that many people are still dealing with long black screens, system freezes that require a forced restart, and even cases where the screen goes black for a few seconds before the PC automatically reboots.

The situation is still frustrating and disappointing. 😞

[NealMcDeal]

G-Sync is only supported (possible) over HDMI 2.1, of which, the Samsung G8 does support HDMI 2.1. So in theory you should be able to activate VRR over HDMI, then this will allow G-Sync compatibility. I don't use my HDMI connection with my Nvidia card, only my work PC.

I installed the 572.83 driver and now have experienced the issue three times (the first was very quick, as per the video I uploaded, then second and now third times are longer with 1 plus seconds of blackness.

@YaariI would be interested to know if you experience any black screen issues yet. You just purchased the G8 monitor. So assuming if Samsung have made any minor h/w modifications to their Motherboard then you may have a later/newer version and may not experience this. If so, then that would be good news and people could then request a M/Board replacement and Samsung have not been so truthful to us... who knows.

But if you do experience it, then, it may not be a h/w issue at all and again back to the drawing board with the drivers and/or firmware.

The one side-note about the new Nvidia drivers, it appears my Doom Eternal split screen difference in brightness seems to be resolved! But now I am hooked on HDR gaming. 

[Yaari]

Will keep you updated. It's due to delivery today, so I will let everyone know about my experience.

Do you still hear from Samsung or NVIDIA at all on this btw? Curious if they let you know anything. I'd like to also start sending in my logs when I get started.

I will post my manufacturing date later today.

Shame that the problem isn't fixed, but I guess it would have been too good to be true.

[LG_Bullet]

Apologies if this has already been mentioned, but did you use DDU to remove the Nvidia driver and then perform a clean installation? That’s what I did.

[NealMcDeal]

No I didn't. However, now that you have mentioned this I have just done it. I will report back if it makes any difference for me with the new drivers.