Intel Xe turns to 40Hz randomly (Lenovo Thinkbook)

[costas]

Hi,

I have a Lenovo Thinkbook laptop with a 2560x1600 screen. No external screen.

After a period of time it is quite noticeable in Windows that the monitor runs at lower Hz than the typical 60Hz. If I reset the graphics driver (Ctrl + Shift + Windows Key + B) the monitor runs normal again and you can see it, motion is much smoother when moving windows around.

I suspect it has something to do with Adaptive Sync (I think my monitor advertises to the OS it can do 40-60Hz). I have Adaptive Sync disabled in every place I could possibly find but no, monitor randomly turns to lower Hz setting after a period of time.

Any ideas?

Thank you

[costas]

Maybe by Adaptive Sync I mean Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)

[Jose_Intel]

Hello @costas

Thank you for posting on the Intel️® communities.

We understand you are experiencing issues with the refresh rate.

Please answer the following:

·      Was it working before?

·      Does it happen when the power source is plugged or only using the internal battery?

Also, in order to have more information about your system, please download, install and run Intel® System Support Utility for Windows. Make sure you check “Everything” before you scan, then save the report and attach it to your response.

Then, please generate and attach the Report for Intel® Intel Graphics Command Center

Best regards,

Jose B.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[costas]

Hello @Jose_Intel 

1) No, I don't remember it working correctly

2) 90% of the time I have it plugged in but I think the issue is present also on battery

Right now it's running again on low Hz. I've attached the SSU report you've asked but about the second one I have Intel Arc Control installed, not Intel Graphics Command Center.

[Jose_Intel]

Hello costas

Thank you for the information.

According to the report, you are using our latest generic driver. We highly recommend using the OEM drivers which are handpicked and include customized features and solutions to platform-specific needs. Please download the latest from here: Intel VGA Driver for Windows 11 (64-bit) - ThinkBook 13x G2 IAP

Then, download and run the Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to Uninstall an Intel® Graphics, and install the driver you just downloaded.

Best regards,

Jose B.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[costas]

Before installing the latest generic I have already done just that. Uninstalled everything with DDU from safe mode and installed the latest from the manufacturer. No luck.

[Jose_Intel]

Hello costas

Thank you for letting me know.

We will check the issue internally, as soon as we have any update we will let you know.

Best regards,

Jose B.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Jose_Intel]

Hello costas

Thank you for patiently waiting.

Please answer the following:

·      What tool are you using to monitor the refresh rate?

·      Have you checked if Dynamic Refresh Rate Switching is enabled?

·      Does the computer have any control panel that has an option to change refresh rate when not in use?

·      Have you checked the Power Plans?

Best regards,

Jose B.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[costas]

1) None. Are there any?

3) No, it's a clean Windows installation, no manufacturer or other 3rd party utilities

2, 4) My settings are shown below:

[costas]

In Global Gettings of Intel Arc control panel it says VRR - Not supported. Why is that? Maybe it has some connection with the following open issue?

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000095363/graphics.html

[Jose_Intel]

Hello costas

Thank you for sharing that information and the screenshots.

We will continue with the issue internally, we will post any update here.  

Best regards,

Jose B.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Jose_Intel]

Hello costas

Thank you for patiently waiting. 

After checking the reports, screenshots and troubleshooting performed so far, we highly recommend checking with the system manufacturer since the “issue” could be related to the Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/ 

Thank you for understanding. 

Best regards,

Jose B.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[costas]

Dear Jose, I have new findings.

When it turns to lower Hz, I toggle Panel Self Refresh On and Off (I have it turned Off all the time) and it goes to normal 60Hz (without the need to reset the driver as I mentioned in my first post). Maybe that's a clue for your team? It seems it behaves like the setting is On.