Just picked up a Hanns-G 22" wide screen LCD from Staples (model HG216D). I have a Radeon X800Pro & I'm using a DVI to HDMI cable. I have the latest ATI Catalyst driver (v7.11) & I'm running at the native resolution (1680 x 1050 @ 60Hz). The monitor is recognized as "plug & play monitor" in Device Manager. The CD that came with it has a driver for Vista but there's no driver for XP. Checked website - no XP driver. The problem is there's a very slight but noticeable (& annoying) flicker in the display. This problem was NOT present with the Samsung 17" LCD (SyncMaster 731B) that it replaced. Have I overlooked something or should I return the monitor? Thanks for any comments or suggestions.

jam, have you tried the older displays while running the 7.11 catalyst drivers? I think there may be some issues with that version. That said, I think the lack of XP drivers is just a matter of the manufacturer being cheap. If that is a correct analysis then what else has been comprimised by being cheap. If it were mine I would return it. There have been others here that have run into the same issue concerning LCD drivers for XP. Can't really recall what brand/s but IMO that happens simply because they are cheap.

I intially had Catalyst v7.1 installed but updated to v7.11 hoping that it would fix the flicker. It didn't. But no, I didn't reconnect my old LCD to see if v7.11 was the problem, but since the problem was present with v7.1, I'm thinking the monitor is to blame. Here's a line from the manual: "Due to the nature of the fluorescent light, the screen may flicker during initial use. Turn off the Power Switch and then turn it on again to make sure the flicker disappears" I tried that a few times but it didn't help.

When it comes to LCD displays I treat them like I do RAM. No name RAM may be cheaper initially but it is more trouble than it is worth. I won't buy a no name brand LCD and I won't buy ANY LCD online. I buy almost all computer components online but LCD displays are the exception. IMO the return policies of online vendors, including Newegg are unacceptable to me. If I buy locally I can retun for ANY reason. That is enough incentive to pay slightly more at times for that right. Dead pixels are a major issue. I am wondering if the no name LCDs are assembled using second quality components. No name RAM is assembled from chips that may or may not have met the standards of the brand name manufacturers.

I realize Hanns-G a value brand but they've been around for a while & the reviews I've read on this particular model are excellent. I did buy it becuase of the price though. Newegg sells them for about $225 shipped: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ... Staples had it on sale for $200, plus a $50 rebate. It looks like I may have to return it :(

jam - I guess that's the only thing to do. I wonder if there were labels on the box that indicated the LCD is designed for use only with Vista (no XP drivers)? i_Xp/VistaUser

Maybe you got a bad one. If they are willing to exchange it why not try. I think the major reason to have drivers is to avoid using settings beyond the capabilities of the display. As mentioned above there have been others here that have bought LCD displays that came with no drivers at all. Upon questioning the displays showed as PnPlay. I don't recall anyone mentioning flickering as an issue. $150 net cost is pretty good. As I stated dealing with the big box stores has its advantages. One last thing worth mentioning. If the power from Edison is dirty that could account for that behavior. You would think your other displays would also act up.