CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)Hardware and Network TroubleshootingMedium
A user reports that their laptop's screen flickers intermittently, especially when the lid is opened or closed, or when the laptop is moved. The flickering is random and sometimes the screen goes completely black for a moment before returning. What is the MOST likely cause?
- ABacklight inverter failure.
- BLoose or damaged video cable (e.g., LVDS cable).
- CCorrupted display drivers.
- DA failing graphics card (GPU).
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Loose or damaged video cable (e.g., LVDS cable).
Intermittent screen flickering or blackout that is sensitive to physical movement (like opening/closing the lid) is a strong indicator of a loose or damaged internal video cable, such as the LVDS (Low-Voltage Differential Signaling) cable, which connects the display to the motherboard.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A backlight inverter failure causes a dim screen where images are barely visible, not intermittent flickering or blackouts tied to movement.
- C. Corrupted display drivers would cause software-related display issues, not ones triggered by physical movement.
- D. A failing GPU typically causes artifacts, freezing, or no display at all, not flickering tied to physical movement.
Laptop LVDS Cable Damage
Damage or loose connection of the internal video cable (LVDS) that connects a laptop's display panel to its motherboard.
- Often causes intermittent flickering, color distortion, or black screens.
- Symptoms are usually triggered or worsened by opening/closing the lid or moving the laptop.
- Requires disassembling the laptop to inspect and potentially replace the cable.
Memory trick: When the screen's wiggly, the cable's jiggly.