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My external monitor turning off every 10-13 seconds Ubuntu 16.04 (did that in 14.04 too). Very annoying. Server is a little old, a DELL PE2850, Intel chipset.

I ran: lspci | grep VGA to get the below:

VGA compatible controller Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [AMD/ATI] RV100 [Radeon 7000/Radeon VE] VGA controller

I also tried the intel-microcode (proprietary) for the controller option, but same result:

Settings > Software & Updates > Additional Drivers >

Using Processor microcode firmware for Intel CPUs from intel-microcode (proprietary)

Tried this post command remedy, with a reboot, but no workie: "Ubuntu 16.04 LTS 64bit - screen goes black every 15 seconds" ubuntu 16.04 LTS 64bit - screen goes black every 15 seconds

xset -dpms

I've checked cabling also. Any help appreciated.

Thanks,

WinEunuuchs2Unix
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comicrebel
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  • Have you tried a different monitor? What brand is it? Does it have an auto sleep mode? Just want to make sure it's the software and not the hardware first. – WinEunuuchs2Unix Oct 11 '16 at 23:34
  • Yes, I am using a ViewSonic now 23", but had the same problem with an older Dell 19". We can't rule that necessarily, but I think it's unlikely having used two monitors. I don't have another one to try at the moment. – comicrebel Oct 11 '16 at 23:49
  • New observation: The 10-13 second blink (screen goes completely black for one second) does not occur at the login shell, only after I log into my account. – comicrebel Oct 11 '16 at 23:57
  • Does it turn off in 12 seconds whilst continuing typing / mouse movement? After it goes dark does moving mouse or pressing a key turn it back on? – WinEunuuchs2Unix Oct 12 '16 at 00:15
  • I can still type and move mouse with normal I/O function, ie: drag/resize window, enter text and {Enter} and OS responds. Just the monitor signal turns off for 2 seconds, then back on for 10 seconds, I have now times both on and off sequences. – comicrebel Oct 12 '16 at 01:14
  • Did you read the AMD improvements for Kernel 4.8.1? They mean nothing to me because I use Intel but they might mean something to you. – WinEunuuchs2Unix Oct 12 '16 at 01:56
  • I have not, but I guess I am about to. I am not sure that I will get anything out of that, It's probably above my IQ grade, but I'll read it. The CPU is Intel, but the on-board VGA controller is AMD... Whoa, wait a minute, well, I am embarrassed (but also very glad) to say it, the blinking has stopped! in between starting this comment, I was messing around with the video cable and the server bezel, and the blinking stopped! Picture Perfect! Check CABLING first! Which I did, but apparently not enough! Thanks for your assistance! – comicrebel Oct 12 '16 at 02:13
  • Don't be silly about Intellectual Quotients (IQ grade) we are all equals here and we are all ignorant about 99.99998% about what witch doctors say or Hillary Clinton promising to reveal information about Aliens today. In all seriousness I googled your problem and didn't find much but I hope yuor comments will bring others out of the woodwork and suggest a specific answer. – WinEunuuchs2Unix Oct 12 '16 at 02:29

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