X60 backlight flickering, battery only - hardware problem?

[adrian.chung]

I recently received my X60 (1706-86U) and have noticed that when I'm on battery power (doesn't seem to happen when on AC power that I've noticed at any brightness level) and not at full brightness, there are times when the screen appears to shimmer or flicker. Almost as if the backlight is flickering.

I'm using the latest Intel driver 6.14.10.4648. I've even tried disabling Intel Display Power Saving in the Display Settings options in Graphics Properties which doesn't seem to make a difference.

I'm set to 50hz, this version of the graphics driver doesn't seem to have a 60hz option anymore, though the previous shipping version had it.

I'm trying to determine whether this is a software/driver issue or a potential hardware problem.

I've seen posts on other forums regarding potential power inverter/backlight problems, but I don't see the problem happening at full brightness even on battery.

Anyone else seen this, or have any insights?

[CHoPSTICK89]

Sorry I don't have an answer to your question but its good to know that i'm not the only one to realize that the 60hz option is gone with the new driver. I wonder if something is wrong with the new driver.

[adrian.chung]

Just wanted to follow-up. Took the original machine in for service, and the service center replaced the LCD panel. It was a Samsung panel. After the replacement, the flickering was still apparent, but was evident in a slightly different part of the screen (top center as opposed to bottom left).

After this, I contacted Lenovo and they sent a new machine, same model. No problems at all with the screen, so there must have been a problem with some component in the old machine.

Not sure what kind of panel is in the new machine, because I can't figure out how to tell without reading the FRU/partno off of the actual panel when the machine is opened up.

Oddly enough, with the same video driver 4648 and 4693, there is now no 40Hz or 60Hz option for refresh rates, only 50Hz.