Samsung Odyssey G7 - Flickering Issue! Let's Try to Solve This! 

Hi there. I've had my Samsung G9 for just under a week - had no issue with flickering until today (updated firmware to 1006.2 on day one). When I started to see the flickering I googled it and I found this video. Very interesting and thanks for taking the time to discuss what you had already tried. I've managed to find a 100% reproducible scenario on my own monitor, but would be curious to know if anyone else can get the same behaviour. On my panel, it seems to be connected solely to local dimming, I've tried various combinations of panel settings + Nvidia settings (eg 8bit, 10bit, different refresh rates etc). As long as I turn off local dimming in the panel settings, I don't get flickering at all. If I turn it on, regardless of other settings I was getting flickering but took some time to find a way to make it happen every time. 1 Install the Steam powered theme (or Steam powered 4K theme) for Google Chrome chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/steam-powered-4k/fjlfkkejbhjlpaknabbgfjlgmgfdoofd 2 With the theme installed, open a new TAB - you should then see a deep blue turning whiter colour gradient effect 3 Click and drag the Google window around your desktop - As you move the window arround you should see the backlight turning brighter or darker in an obvious jump across the whole panel. When you see that happen, slow down and move the mouse around very slowly - if you hit that transition point just right (where the backlight changes brightness in an obvious jump), suddenly the whole screen starts flickering like crazy. Note that it isn't Google Chrome itself causing the issue (I tried switching hardware acceleration off in Chrome settings first, but that didn't help) so to rule out Chrome I took a screengrab of the Chrome browser and then was able to re-create the issue using that screengrab in PAINT app, so it is something to do with the image itself. I've only just got to this point, might try and play around more to see if I can find other scenarios that make this happen. Apologies if the explanation isn't easy to follow. I guess a video would be better. Might think about how to do that as well if anyone is curious.

Here is the best fix.... Return the monitor... I purchased this monitor and I had very little flickering but it would crop up randomly sometimes. I decided to return it, since I heard people saying it was getting worse with there display. 1 year abysmal warranty... For 700$ + this should not be acceptable. By keeping this monitor your saying its ok with your money to manufacture monitors with terrible quality control.

1 Up Nerdcore: try to play with HDR and/or bit depth settings. Try to turn off HDR completely in Windows (just for testing purposes). I have noticed that some software acts weirdly if that setting is turned on in Windows (but is required for HDR to work). Also worth a try with all the settings again you mentioned in your video with HDR on and HDR off as well.

Hey thanks a ton for making this video! I've been experiencing some flickering lately with my Ark using the following settings: - HDR ON - 165Hz - Local Dimming HIGH - Variable Refresh Rate ON I was playing with these settings and for whatever reason, I saw that by making sure the checkmark for "Enable settings for the selected display model" in the G-SYNC tab of Nvidia's control panel was on fixed the flickering problem entirely. Whether or not this issue will return is only up to time and if I end up continuing this comment thread.

The newest firmware update 1009.3 fixed the flickering for me. You need to go to the monitor settings and select System, scroll all the way down and put VRR Control ON.

Best way to test g sync flickering is to get G-SYNC Pendulum DEMO, and pull the maximum FPS from FPS slider all the way to the lowest, it’s gonna flicker otw, a proper g sync compatible monitor wouldn’t flicker

Hey guys, I seem to have found the solution for me and it logically should apply to you. The display port cable that came with the monitor is inferior and should be changed for a displayport 1.4 cable. Until you get said cable, go to monitor settings and under system is displayport version. Default is set to 1.4 I am using a gtx 1080 which is certified to displayport 1.2 so I changed ti to 1.2 in settings and flickering has stopped. I will change it back again when I get the new cable but I don't think this will work because of graphics card limitation. I will be buying a new gtx 3080 which has more power and will be certified 1.4 Hope this helps.

With the Nvidia driver version 456.38 released today this G7 32" is no longer validated as G-Sync compatible. It still flickers btw, my 2nd copy with 1005, 1006 and 1007 firmware tested.

Just bought a G7 a few days ago (January 2023) I had the same flickering issue, especially with HDR on and hdmi. Turning off HDR, VRR and getting a high quality USB-C to Display port fixed it for me. However, my G7 had some other issues (A few software issues) so I already hit the return button and ordered a GIGABYTE M32UC

Sounds like a lot of tech issues with that monitor

Turning on the VRR option fixes the flickering problem, but causes judder and micro stuttering in every game I have tested. I think I am going to return the monitor.

if it's still not working after the most recent update you probably need to replace it.

After going through the monitor settings and Nvidia settings, I found that if the Black Equalizer is set to 12 I get flicker. If I set it to 11 the flickering stops. All other settings don't seem to change anything.

I was about to buy this monitor but the flickering issue is stopping me... fuckkk

It's a VA panel sensitivity issue just like the previous PG35VQ. Though it took ASUS half a year to fix it and the monitor got slower.

Well, I got my G7 32in a few days ago.... Right out of the box I had zero G-Sync flicker issues on any game. Unfortunately, today I decided to upgrade the monitor driver, monitor firmware, and my gpu drivers (gtx 2070 super) back to back to back.. Guess what, fired a game up, friggin flicker on Warzone menu screens with g-sync on. Sigh, time to trouble shoot. First, I rolled back the g7 firmware, 1007 back to 1006 , tthat got a no go- flicker still there. Nextl, rolled back the 2070 super gpu drivers back to 26.21.14.4318, score! flicker gone...... Did not bother to roll back monitor driver. Which tells me this is not a monitor issue but rather a Nvidia gpu driver issue. Hope this helps to point you guys in the right direction to solve your flicker issue.

Thanks a lot for bringing this up, I thought I was doing something wrong on my end! Adaptive sync on with me - flickering to a big issue of the screen turning OFF sporadically - so THATS fun when I'm doing a competitive game or streaming. ONE THING I will say - turn OFF the stupid 'smart off' because 4 hours and it turns OFF without warning? NOPE I think I have a unique issue with mine - the control joystick or 'nipple' just WILL NOT press right. So I CANNOT increase any setting or navigate right or choose any option to the right on the OSD. Turning Adaptive Sync OFF - flickering goes away for me, so it ONLY happens with AS on. A buddy had mentioned to turn ON 10 bit colour, which makes it POP but not had any issues outside of that, aside form some ghosting and some vsync issues - since I tend to run those off to increase frames (which I shouldn't REALLY have to do with a 2080super but hey, another story) Ive recently seen issues where I am not getting fluid frames and performance, with not really having made any changes to gaming or software. Ive sadly gone beyond my 14 day return window, so may have to go down the RMA route myself - brought in the UK and MANY of the distributors here are having stock issues. I AM currently running on the firmware from factory - which to mine was M-TG700CCAA-1002.0 - so gonna have to try that update which at the time of writing this - is 1005.2 So I will update the firmware and see how that goes.

I was having this issue in some games but most often when search google images, I run my browser in dark mode, and when I started trying to find answers to the flicker, I realized most instances were when there was decent amount of black or dark background. I turned down the "Black Equalizer" from 20 to 17 and it fixed my issue.

I didn't expect to be dealing with issues with this monitor paying almost $800 with tax for this 32 inch 240hz , I don't get the flickering so I go lucky in that aspect. However I do get the screen door effect where I can see horizontal pixels both normal and in games , its very annoying. The things you went through shouldn't be acceptable for as much money we paid. It's ridiculous that we have to do work arounds and even turn on key features off like g-sync.

That flicker is the same thing I see on a Freesync monitor when I use GSync on it. I have been trying out a DELL S3220DFG and I can see flicker exactly like this , and that monitor (my DELL) is not tested GSync compatible (even though it mostly works). Looks to me that the G7 is NOT Gsync compatible, either, false advertising!

Turn off the Adaptive Sync. That fixed my issue with the pixels and white things.

Coming out of winter i started having problems with mine. I have had mine for about 3 years now.I had sent mine back to samsung when i had bought it. 2 weeks in nothing but a black screen. They fixed it sent it back and its worked fine for about 3 years. Buut i reorganized my game table. Put the ps5 a little closer to the the monitor. Never even thought of the fan in the back with hot air. These monitors i know are extremly sensitive hot and cold. Idk if thats my issue or what. But im gonna try the usb stick. With the new format. Hopfully that works. But i hate the issues with these monitors. Thier mad expensive.

changing it from scaled fixed it for me, appreciate it

The problem is probably related to freesync/gsync saga. As far as I remember Gsync monitors always had a hardware module that allowed it to work properly? And now it seems that those functionalities are all mixed up and hence the problems. I think people with AMD cards are likely to have less issues with this, maybe evern turning adaptive sync off on the monitor and working only with the drivers. But that's just IMO, haven't done any research on this topic but considering buying this monitor in the next two months

Update: There is a new firmware update from Samsung ver. 1009.3 and IF FIXED the Flickering, I got anew G7 monitor and I tested it , but you have to enable new setting VRR (OSD menu - System - VRR - turn on ) That's it , now I can say its the perfect monitor

am absolutely turned off by samsung monitors the glitch was reduced by using a new highend display port cable but its still there sometimes lol

Ive tried every option available, from increasing/decreasing the G-Sync range, creating custom resolutions, disable MPO, and alot more. It finally dawned on me, i enabled VRR Control in the System menu of my Samsung Odyssey G7 monitor and BAM, flickering eliminated. The myth is that it can cause stuttering and input lag, but the flickering i got before enabling VRR Control wasn't because of the refreshrate dropping out of G-Sync range, but every time it went over or under 180hz, 124hz, or 80hz, which are all 40hz below preset refreshrates where brightness can change.

First of all, thank you Stevin for this video and the previuos one about the Odyssey G7. I enjoyed both of them. The Odyssey G7 is realy an expensive monitor with several features. I was planning to buy one for myself but, after seeing both videos, i will defently postpond my plans to buy such a devise. Flickering is not an easy thing to ignore and SAMSUNG, whic is a well known and respectfull company, shoud give us a clear interpretation for such a strange behaviour of this brand new monitor.

Yeah shame so many of us have this problem. Disabling HDR worked for me, and removed all flicker...So weird and so frustrating

Did Samsung ever fix it? Every VA-Monitor I have tried so far had the flickering issue.

I'm on latest firmware and have VVR enabled. it didn't fix it

Interesingtly, i've now got the same issue on a U32R59c connected to a mac. there's a light fringe around the edge of the monitor frame, and it flashes particularly with RU-vid, but even if youtube is a partial window, the whole backlight flashes. I've swapped cables, swapped inputs, swapped Macs, even now on a second monitor of the same model. it's all still stummed.

I’ve just got Odysssey G5 and it flickers with g-sync on. Heard that a firmware update fixes this issue, but there’s no update for G5. Only for G7. Nice product support from Samsung...

After checking lots of forums and the fact some people don't have flickering, Samsung has sent out units with defective scalers resulting in VRR issues.

My friend who is a manager at Harvey Norman confirmed that the new batch of Samsung G7 and G9 Odyssey monitors are now fixed with g-sync and free-sync working as intended. So no more flickering issues.

The problem is fixed with the last firmware 1009.3

Hey man, just saw this video as I'm recently shopping for a 32" G-sync compatible monitor. I can understand how this must be frustrating, it such a promising and beautiful monitor but it just don't work! I was considering the Dell S3220DGF which isn't even on nVidia's compatible list and had lots of reviews about its flickering. I guess i'm just going to go for the LG 27GL850. There really isn't a great G-sync compatible 32" 1440p curve monitor in the market at the moment ;(

Solution? Turned the adaptive sync off...

1009.3 firmware fixed it, enable VRR on display menu.

I have that issue too and it only flicker when I’m loading into online video games well some

Bought this monitor today, was playing World of Warcraft fine for an hour, started Red dead redemption 2 and got a huge black bar in the middle of the screen to right. All way the way up and down. Doesn't disappear. I guess monitor broke that fast.

there are multiple variables vs hardware possibilities that do not meet at this time, it will work but with correct firmware, current firmware does not accomodate for all possible hardware that people have. to bad because this monitor is not cheap

I think I've found a way, it doesn't flicker when playing Shadow of the tomb raider in hdr. 1. Turn on adaptive sync 2. Local dimming auto 4. Turn on g sync in Nvidia control panel 3. Change the refresh rate to 60hz in the Nvidia control panel.

can't they only handle 60-75 frames while gsync is enabled? try capping your frames to those for a try *shrug*

No curve (or less curve) and no flicker and this would have been one of the best monitors out there. Hoping Samsung can at least fix the flicker.

brought a g7 one week ago.. first one lasted 4 hours stopped working... did a test on the psu (im an electrician psu had gone no voltage on the output) i got a replacement, updated to the latest firmware not a single flicker on g sync what so ever _trying hard ass games like quake rtx to lower the frame rate.. so i don't know if it was firmware or drivers.. but its working like a best monitor ive ever seen..... gonna try control soon so ill update you.... I7 9700k 32g 2080ti

mine flickers on startup when the screen is completely black, but other then that its fine

Just bought this for £500 on flash sale on Amazon so I will let you all know if the newer models have the issue.

If Nvidia and Samsung think it works well enough to put a damn G-sync sticker on it than any flickering at all in unacceptable.. I'm having my G7 replaced because of the g-sync brightness flicker garbage so we'll see how the new one does.

I had to return the thing I just could not take it anymore

Korean FW 1006 (installs in English) does nothing. Latest HotFix driver does nothing. HDR+G-sync (that is for G-Sync Ultimate and a newer hardware Module) does not work on non 2000 series and even then some 2000 owners cannot get both to run at same time including Linus (I cannot do so on a Titan Xp 2017 1000 series) so you need to choose one or the other. 1000 series will not run 240hz@10bit it will drop to 240@8bit (you can run 144hz@10bit) this is due to the DP 1.4 lacking a feature called DSC that the 2000 series have to compress bandwidth as without it you would need DP 2.0

I have 27" CFG70 Samsung VA curve monitor that is like the granpa of this one. Even though is not officially compatible with nvidia G-Sync, I make it work. From My experience even for AMD cards that suppose to this monitor be tune for, I had a lot of weird buggy issues. What happens is, Samsung puts a lot of imaging processing on this VA panels that mess with the bandwith of the graphics card, giving this flickering issues. My recommendation if you want to keep the monitor or can't return it. Make sure you update the firmware, get a better quality Display Port cable that the one that comes with the Monitor follow by reset everything to factory settings. Next, Turn OFF EVERY SINGLE PROCESSING IMAGING feature, HDR, Dynamic Brightness, Turn off the speakers (these keeps draining power from the monitors motherboard, even if they are not being use) HDMi black color, and Adaptive Sync Off. Now, go to Response Time and make sure you set it to Standard then Turn Adaptive Sync ON. On your NVIDIA Panel make sure you turn on G-Sync and on 3D Settings your GPU on energy options is set to maximum power, -not optimized-. Try it, this should be eliminate flickering, if you still have it, lower your monitor frequency to 120Hz. My 27" CFG70 (3 years with it) is working 144Hz with G-sync enabled, even though is not official supported, I have no flickering issues, but all my image processing was set to the OFF or lowest setting Response time to Default, Freesync to Standard Engine (Ultmate Engine makes it flickering). I hope this works for you. I'm looking forward to update my monitor, and it won't be an Samsung I can tell you that.

solved and enable ( VRR ON + GSYNC ON ) with the new firmware. www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/product/odyssey-gaming-monitor-g7-series

VA panels have flickering issues.. IPS is better

Well it's been a while and still no fix, all I can say is that 1) in Nvidia gsync compatibility list, g7 and g9 are listed as they have to wait for an upcoming driver update. Maybe that's will fix it. For now guys all I recommend is to turn off adaptive refresh rate, turn on vsync and turn on ultra low latency mode in Nvidia control panel. Really that's works for me until they will find a solution.

Got the same problem I brought 3 x 32s all flickering, tried everything no joy I’m gutted.

Same with gigabyte 32qc. It flickers when freesync is on.

I am having this issue with acer nitro 😭

Got this on pre-order and it has bad flickering as well as the screwn that goes black once in a while when opening games etc..the jog button also goes bad..the backlight bleed is so bad too..worst buy ever..

I have an EVGA RTX 3070 XC3. Apparently, disconnecting the 1440p monitor I was using in extended display from the GPU fixed my flickering and blanking issues. Guess GPU couldn't handle both G7 32 4K and my LG 27GL850 monitors

Hello. I own a G7 32" version with the same issue. I tried million of "fixes" and nothing helped except one little tweak that I want to share with you. The potential fix for you guys to try, or at least it will pretty significant reduce the in-game flicker: 1) Set your HDR setting to Enabled in Windows Settings 2) Go to Windows HD Color setting -> set SDR Brightness to at least 40 I have a GeForce Hotfix Driver 451.85 and 1007.x monitor firmware, Adaptive Sync is Enabled, G-Sync is enabled for the monitor, Nvidia setting is at 144Hz 10bit color. For me it is NOT flickering in-game at all with: Destiny 2 Diablo 3 World of Warcraft Low flickering in the menu and no in-game flicker for: Overwatch TBH I was going to return this beast, but with those issues significantly reduced - this is a monster I finally decided to live with. I hope the shitty software will have more improvements in the future and the issue will be completely resolved.

when you look at the hz in games they jump way beyond the fps to max and back down, i think its definitely a firmware issue. farcry primal 98% of the time it doesnt flicker, the outerworlds doesnt as long as you put vsync 240 on, destiny 2 is bad flicker unless you drop down to 120 it goes away, also no mans sky doesnt flicker but limits you to 160fps max. nvidia pendulum demo bad as awell.. it shouldnt make a difference w/ compatible gsync, i used an ips lg 850b and that had no flickering even under the vrr range

I bought a g5 and the flicker is crazy on everything, will be returning it. Not worth the hassle. Tried fixing it but nithing works. If you offer freesync, but have to turn it off because if flickers, then you are ripping people off. Unacceptable for Samsung.

Don't know if this matters but my G7 doesn't flicker in HDR titles: Battlefield 5 looks awesome with RTX+DLSS, no flickers. Then Divinity OG Sin 2, no flicker with HDR on. Then... Escape from Tarkov and Civ6 flicker like no tomorrow.

Standard Engine on free sync works best. Ultimate engine even says that you may see flickering on certain games

Noticed a few different issues on mine Brightness flicker in some games, mostly en menu's but some have it during gameplay nvidia pendulum demo shows its somewhere around 70fps -+, some games that seems to run well above has it also tho. when launching COD: MW it now deactivates G-sync(screen goes blank and comes back), even if i try to force it on? it also resets to fullscreen only g-sync after i exit the game, sometimes i notice a shift in colors when launcing this game... maybe after messing with HDR? problems with the monitor rebooting and doing so in a loop this started after enabling HDR and watching something on netflix, turn HDR off open netflix and the boot looping starts... turn HDR on again, it works fine again. happens with the supplied cable and a 1.4(certified), if i switch out the cable to a DP 1.2(certified) this stops. also tried connecting an xbox one x set it to 2560x1440 - 120hz and using VRR(games will still run at max 60fps i think), showed no flicker here.

SO weird, i have no problems with flickering other than just in game menus

i bought it after all.... i tried everything the monitor flickers, most notably in some games than others but the problem is there, samsung needs to address this issue

Did you try unchecking for this monitor in the nvidia control panel ? I had two replacements cj79 with color banding and contrast shifts when darker picture overlaps brighter with smearing on top of that, I just gave up on all VA's

trololol... thats a 600euro monitor! HAHAHAHA SORRY I WONT BE BUYING THAT CRAP

Have we figured out why it’s flickering when HDR is on ? I heard all these monitors have been recalled. I have the G7

ye ive tried every fix possible and u cant use half the settings you should be able to use because of this issue. just wave bye bye to your money get something better.

I have this monitor and it won't go into sleep/standby had to send it out for repair I wish I requested my money back.

4 units, all flickered, 3 different batches.. its all the 32 inch, its just just by chance..

Changing the display port version from 1.4 to 1.2 seems to have fixed this issue for me.

It happens to me aoc C27G2AE/BK when on loading screen or sometimes in action

When I use the audio scroll wheel on my keyboard while gaming the screen flickers quickly but when using it when just web searching none of that happens

I switched dynamic brightness and local dimming off and its working buttery smooth. I was kind of pissed at first cause it was flickering hard, but seems to be working.

My g5 was doing the same thing. The only fix was that if you turn on free sync manually with the monitor menu, you cant turn it on again on the amd radeon software. There is an option that says free sync premium on the progtam, please dont turn it on, it will start doing flickering as soon ad you turn it on. I guess this g5 does not support premium free sync, and probabably if you turn on gsync in nvidia program will be the same problem. Just turn on free sync on monitor itself, its own menu with the middle nipple button.

Nvidia released an gpu update, added it as "THE driver" for g7 and g9 on compatibility list - still haven't fixed the issue.

I just bought a new one with the latest firmware already installed and yet it's flickering. Any updates on this? Were you able to fix the issue? I've only got ten days left to return mine.

different display port , does that help? Are you using the 2.0 port? What did Samsung customer support say?

Borderlands 3 have this issue. Seen it on my XG27UQ to.

Hello i have the same problem whit asus rog 43inch 144 htz, its freacking inssue

I have issues with this monitor.....its going black screen!!! Any fix about this+?

For some reason this only happens to me with local dimming and dynamic brightness (linked options) on with a low brightness setting (for instance when I'm working). If you set brightness to full, for instance, it won't happen here. It seems like it's having a hard time using the dynamic brightness setting while for instance typing, or in certain games, as it's trying to adjust too quickly. Now, thankfully, I only need LD and dynamic contrast in certain scenarios.

similar issue on my 43 neo G7 brightness flicker sometimes but only when watching movies (I'm not gaming to know but I think it will), the only solution was to switch the monitor mode to gaming and use 144 refresh rate when the HDR enabled, else if the HDR is disabled the issue non-exist.

Everybody, what rezy_FN wrote actually fixed the issue. The newest firmware update 1009.3 fixed the flickering for me. You need to go to the monitor settings and select System, scroll all the way down and put VRR Control ON!

Lot I noticed it the first time playing red dead as well😂

Just got my 32 inch G7 and it has a pretty bad flicker......am upset at this fact. Edit: As of today (less than 24 hours later) my flicker has gone away in games like Dota 2, Dead by Daylight, RDR 2, and Forza Horizon 4. I turned Adaptive sync off and ordered a 1.4 DP cable to make sure I have the correct cables. I have not updated the firmware yet, hopefully all this can help ensure that it doesnt happen in the future.

I have the flickering issue. I also have an issue where my monitor is acting as if I'm swapping through inputs whenever a different type of video plays on the screen. For example, starting Netflix or HBO videos will cause the screen to go black and say Displayport1 in the top left corner. Then, most of the time, it doesn't even turn back on. I have to unplug and replug the monitor's power cable until my picture returns. So, I went and returned my 32" today and replaced it with another. Still flickering hard with G-Sync on in situations that force the fps below about 80 like menus in many games. As annoying as disassembling and repacking these monitors is, I'm fortunate enough to have a store with 10+ in stock not too far away so I might try to replace this one more time... Has anyone who has had this issue actually resolved it by replacing the unit?

I have issue w my 27’ where when I launch games and ran out of games while I play the screen turns black and comes back seconds after. When I try to tab back to the game, it gives me a black screen and it goes back to windows. This is very annoying, I run my monitor w hdr on and w gsync idk what to do

same stuff here...when i turn gsync on it's flickering in games but not on desktop, but with gsync off everythings ok...lol

i bouht this monitor 1 week ago. I dont have flickering like on this wideo, but in game when i look at sky, i see little bit pulsing screen. IT is versy small flickering and i have to looks closer to see it, but i know there it is und that pissed me off to :) After 2 Yers is any solution? I use DP delivered with monitor, Gsync-on, Gforce rtx 3070ti, firmware 1014

You have to make sure ultra low motion blue is disabled because if you have that on with g sync it can cause issues. Also heard turning off HDR off will give you less problems with g sync.

I have absolutely same problem. In CRU I setuped range limits 100 - 144hz and this remove flikering almost fully. But my freesync now working only in that fps(100 - 144fps). Also, I caped max fps to monitor frequency (144 in my case). Somewheare I heard monitors oddysey have setting in monitor menu wich solve this problem too.

I swapped the the DP cable with the one i got with my old 240hz BENQ and the flickering has stopped

Maybe you should not update it? Ok i know i sound stupid but it does not hurt to try you know?

I have 2 G7 side by side, not curved, the 4k 28" version, 1 of them is flickering randomly, other is fine. I connected to laptop, and still flickering randomly. So the issue is with the monitor, not the PC. I have no idea its just bad hardware I guess? Gsync on off doesnt matter. I guess I need to wait until it dies, as you cant bring it to Samsung warranty with "wait half a day and see the flickering" ? :P General advise, DONT BUY SAMSUNG G MONITORS