https://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=479144
Bug ID: 479144
Summary: Refresh rate becomes unstable in Wayland using
freesync at 4k 120hz only after using fullscreen
windows
Classification: Plasma
Product: kwin
Version: 5.27.9
Platform: Debian testing
OS: Linux
Status: REPORTED
Severity: normal
Priority: NOR
Component: general
Assignee: kwin-bugs-n...@kde.org
Reporter: s...@mailfence.com
Target Milestone: ---
SUMMARY
I have tried to get freesync to work at 3840x2160 resolution, 120hz refresh
rate, with adaptive sync set to 'Automatic' for gaming on a 65" LG OLED C3 but
encounter the following issue: When booting and in the desktop environment the
framerate indicates it is at 119fps with VRR/freesync ON via the LG 'game
menu'. If I load a game via steam/proton at fullscreen (eg. Doom Eternal,
Skyrim(either at capped 60fps or modded 120fps), Cyberpunk, Metro Exodus) it
will function fine during game play, hovering around 119fps (or otherwise
expected framerates depending on load or game).
The problem is, when I leave the game and return to desktop the framerate drops
to 40-50fps and the screen exhibits a rather disorienting flicker. Reloading a
fullscreen game does not return the frame rate to 119fps, the only way to stop
the flicker/low frame rate is to change the refresh rate to something else,
like 60Hz, and then back to 120Hz. At which point the framerate/vrr functions
correctly.
This occurs using an 8k certified quality 2meter HDMI 2.1 cable, though the
colors do not display correctly (this is an unrelated issue involving HDMI
licenses and AMD).
Similar but slightly different things happen when using a Displayport to HDMI
converter such as a CableMatters 102101-blk adapter or a ULT-WIIQ 2m dp to hdmi
cable. With either of these, I can run in 4k 120hz resolution, with 4:4:4
color, and VRR ON(confirmed vrr function by running vrrtest). However, I can
only play a game using borderless window mode. Full screen mode will work for a
game, but once I leave the game the frame rate drops to 30-40fps and shows only
a blank/black screen, unless I move the mouse around, then the framerate jumps
back to 119fps and the issue can be reset by toggling the refresh rate out of
120hz and back again.
This scenario is particularly painful if I try and watch a movie with VLC media
player in full screen. In a full screen movie the frame rate drops to 30-40hz
and will go blank if I move the mouse at all. VLC does not appear to have a
borederless window mode but the problem will not occur when maximized, so long
as the normal menu trim is visible.
This does not occur at any refresh rate below 120hz such as 100, or 60hz at
3840x2160, nor does this occur at any refresh rate at 2560x1440(at this
resolution, using an HDMI or DP adapter makes no difference). There are rather
poor options with fixed refresh rates between 1440 and 2160 resolutions so it
isn't worth testing. I did not bother with less than 1440p.
I have tried different cables and lengths to try and remove any
signaling/bandwidth issue but the fact that I can boot into 4k120hz and have no
issues using these frame rate, resolution, and VRR settings unless I enter then
leave a full screen environment suggests it could be something in KDE that is
not getting reset by this state change. I am aware of the issues around Linux
and AMD's HDMI abilities but the fact this only seems to happen in this
particular sequence has me thinking it isn't related.
STEPS TO REPRODUCE
1. Have AMD gpu and large format screen that sadly only has HDMI 2.1 ports, use
suitable HDMI cable (install in gpu's eARC HDMI 2.1 port and tv eARC HDMI 2.1
port, or gpu's DP 1.4 port, to tv eARC HDMI 2.1 port with a converter).
2. Set freesync on in tv settings. In PC set resolution to 3840x2160, refresh
rate to 120hz, adaptive sync set to automatic
3. Load game on full screen, observe actual framerate/VRR behavior
4. Quit game, return to desktop and observe framerate/VRR behavior
5. In display settings change refresh rate to 60hz and apply, observe refresh
rate locks to 59-60hz correctly, reset to 120hz refresh rate, observe refresh
rate lock on to 119-120 correctly.
6. Repeat with either displayport to hdmi converters I mentioned and see
similar results
OBSERVED RESULT
Refresh rate and freesync function correctly until leaving a fullscreen
program, at which point the refresh rate drops to 30-40fps and a noticeable
flickering occurs. When using a display port to hdmi adapter there is also a
blank screen/black screen effect.
EXPECTED RESULT
it would be ideal to leave a full screen game and return to desktop with a
stable refresh rate at the desired frequency while also enjoying freesync.
SOFTWARE/OS VERSIONS
Linux/KDE Plasma: Debian Testing kernel 6.5.0.5-amd64
(available in About System)
KDE Plasma Version: 5.27.9
KDE Frameworks Version: 5.107.0
Qt Version: 5.15.10
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CPU: AMD 5800x3d
GPU: AMD 6900XT
TV: LG C3 65"
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