DELL S2421HGF COLOR BANDING - GRAINY - DRIZZLE - INTERFERENCE - PROBLEM

[Xerequinha123]

Hello, good afternoon, I hope everyone is well. I’m looking for help with a problem I’ve been experiencing. I recently bought a Dell monitor (S2421HGF) and have noticed a “color banding” phenomenon. However, what really concerns me is the presence of a graininess or drizzle in the image, reminiscent of the effect of an old movie or even an Instagram filter. This effect is very noticeable, especially in some wallpaper settings in Windows and in games, when dark, predominantly gray and black screens appear.

When adjusting the contrast to 60% via the monitor’s OSD, the problem becomes even more pronounced. Interestingly, when I increase the contrast to over 65%, the effect seems to diminish, but still remains. Initially, I returned the monitor thinking it was a manufacturing defect, but I’ve already tested at least three units of the same model on different devices - both my gaming computer and a notebook - and the problem persists.

The monitor in question has a TN panel, which I prefer as I can’t stand the IPS glow present on many current IPS monitors. It has an 8-bit panel (6-bit + FRC) and a contrast of around 1260:1, offering superior performance to many IPS monitors available on the market (as mentioned in the link: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/dell-24-s2421hgf).

Has anyone experienced this grainy or blurry image? Is there a solution or a technical name for it? I’ve contacted Dell a few times, but they don’t seem to have enough technical knowledge about the product they sell.

Thanks in advance for any help!

I’ll try to attach some images and videos to illustrate the problem.

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(This video demonstrates exactly what appears on my screen, the grainy effect).

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cz3e9RXMLVk

(Please try to watch the video on your cell phone, because on a computer you can’t see the problem, the compression of the youtube video doesn’t allow you to see the problem).

 

[Ferather]

Have you installed the driver for it? Support for Dell Gaming S2421HGF | Drivers & Downloads (files here). I looked inside it has the correct .inf file and colour profile for the monitor.
You might need to adjust the monitor its self once you install the driver, as it will probably change parameters. Sometimes there is also EDID updates.

I am guessing you have tried different refresh rates and cables? Else I cant think of much other than pixel clock, at the moment.

 

[Xerequinha123]

Have you installed the driver for it? Support for Dell Gaming S2421HGF | Drivers & Downloads (files here). I looked inside it has the correct .inf file and colour profile for the monitor.
You might need to adjust the monitor its self once you install the driver, as it will probably change parameters. Sometimes there is also EDID updates.

I am guessing you have tried different refresh rates and cables? Else I cant think of much other than pixel clock, at the moment.

Yes, I tested some things. I tried different HDMI cables, the one that comes in the box and the one I have at home. I tested different power cords and different refresh rates. In all cases, the problem continued. I never tested it with a display port cable, as I don't have one. I don't know if it could be something with Windows 11 or something. I've already tested two units at home and a third in a store with a notebook and the problem was there too. I'll try to look into this driver and see if it resolves it.

 

[Ferather]

Other than driver and pixel clock I have no direct solutions as hand, sorry