AW17 with 120hz screen

Cant find any reviews or comments anywhere on the performance and or screen quality etc. Anyone have one or can point me in a direction?

 

There are a few pages about this screen in the Owner's Lounge. I answered quite a few questions about it there.

Bottom line: If you don't care about battery life and plan to get the 780M, you should get the 120Hz 3D bundle. The screen brings games to life and really provides you with an immersive gaming experience.

 

Yeah, i really enjoy my 14 and my18 being repaired I am looking for another higher performance machine as a "backup" so to speak. I am weighing a 17" with 120 screen or a AW 18r2 refurb. But trying to decide 7970cf as the machine i found is red and i want the red! but would prefer sli 680's at least.. Ugh... Thank Dre. I looked through a few pages in the 17 thread but didn't have time to read everything single page to find any info. I do love 120/144 screens for gaming so so smooth.

 

I still plan on adding the 120hz screeen to mine but trying to find the stupid ribbon cable is proving problematic....every time I call dell they are out of stock and ebay only ever showed one and they wanted almost as much for the cable as the screen

 

It's one of the main reasons to get the Alienware 17. It's a great add-on for gaming and movies.

 

To the best of my knowledge, the 3D display on the AW 17 is the same as the M17x R4 - the Samsung made SEC5044. This screen is very good. With a calibrated profile, the colours are abundant and accurate. The 120Hz alone is enough to make this worth while.

 

If this is the case then it makes me really wonder why trying to find the ribbon cable for the 3D screen is so hard to find.....If they are the same then you would think that the ribbon cables would be a little easier to find. Unless I am crazy and they usually come with the screens.

 

The older 120z 3D screen from the M17x-R3/M17x-R4 is not compatible with the new AW 17. I have tried installing it , and there were 8 beep/Pause/8 Beep. Maybe the bios is not programmed to take the older part number of the 120hz 3d screen.

 

I read that the latest 120hz panel is 'Truelife' ( Dell TrueLife™ LCD Screens - What is it?) and therefore a different animal again from the R4. I would think Rengsey is correct, the panel ID's are hardcoded into the bios for detect purposes ,which will stop different models working

One of those things dell could fix but won't since it's an unsupported config

 

Would I be able to install a 120hz panel onto my AW17 R4? What is the model number and ane anybody know where I could get on in EU?

 

Yes but you have to get the right one. The R3,R4, and AW17 all have different ones.

I couldn't see any EU suppliers quickly but this place is a start for figuring out what you need Dell Alienware LCD Screens and they do ship international (but you loose EU customer protections )

My Panel ID is SEC5044 if that helps?

 

I asked for the same information regarding the 120hz screen model number in a new thread, so far no info on the panel model yet.

 

Need help with screen upgrade.

 

What I meant was the 120Hz screen model for the AW 17 , not M17x-R4.

 

Oops, sorry, we need a new owner to look at the device manager hardware ID as a starting point.

 

I'll look at mine tonight when I get home.

 

Sweet. You are our only hope for some info, which will enable us to upgrade our screen.

 

Sorry for the delay. I'll have the model number up soon. Been really busy with work.

 

My AW17 as a Samsung made SEC5044 lcd screen in it.

 

I'm a noob what's the difference between a 17 and 17m r5, from what I understand I've got the r5?

 

Thanks man. That confuses things - for me anyway! That's exactly the same as my R4! I expected it to be different since they now trumpet that the display is 'Truelife' for anti-reflective qualities. I can only think this technology is implemented somewhere in the panel assembly?

Maybe this place ( Dell TrueLife™ LCD Screens - What is it?) can help one of you guys?

 

Um, there's no difference, one is just wrong. There's no such thing as an M17x R5 or M17 R5 or anything like that - it's completely new, known as the "Alienware 17." And I believe the code name is "Ranger."

 

M17x r5 doesnt exist, after the m17x r4 it just became the Alienware 17 but some people called it m17x r5. Also here is a review of the SEC5044 (tho it might be an old revisión) that I could fine Review Toshiba Qosmio X770-11C 3D Notebook - NotebookCheck.net Reviews. Only notebookcheck and anandtech do a deep review of laptop's screens wiithout the classic "looks nice/bad" .

 

Although Alienware does refer to it as the Alienware 17 you will find a lot of after market online shops and sites referring to it as the R5 so you kind of have to know what to look for. I know there are a few online dell stores that sell parts for these that are referring to it as the R5.

 

Well, this is a new lineup, so they're all wrong. R5 suggests it's the fifth release of the M17x series, when in fact, it's the first release of an entirely new series. The Alienware 17 is actually the "Alienware 17 R1."

 

Oh believe me I know but it is good that people also take into account that the R5 can also be someone referring to the Alienware 17 as well.

 

I just finished upgrading my Alienware 17 2013 model with the 120hz screen. I bought the screen from laptopscreen.com it was brand new no flaws, its the Samsung made SEC5044 . I bought the ir emitter and the cable on ebay brand new in the dell packages. Everything was plug and play and I can tell you it's a definite have. I regret not ordering mine with it in the first place. I spent 100 on the screen and 75 for the cable and 10 for the ir emitter.

 

That's great news . I'm sure you are going to get a few requests for links!

One question, is 3D working fine? The AW17 120hz panel is 'trulife' a new anti-glare feature, and the part number you used is exactly the same as my R4

 

So far no issues I love it. Its a glossy screen but the reflection is not as bad as any other I have seen but the quality of it smokes the Matte 60 hz display that my laptop came with. I know the IR emitter is the same not sure about the cable it looks the same ebay has a few and the IR emitter and all should be plug and play as mine was. I can take detailed pictures for the ones with Alienware 17 2013 models that need it just let me know.

 

Thanks again for that man +rep! It is a great panel for low-light gaming, matte never works for gaming (IMO).

My only concern was the 3D. For some reason the panel type ID is hard coded into the bios and 3D certification is used. The upshot is that (so far) anyone that I have seen that has used a panel from a different model does not get 3D Vision- the stereoscopic sub tree is missing altogether from the driver

 

Please post pictures, really want to do this upgrade. How hard is it to separate the display cover from the screen? Obviously u wore gloves from getting lint or thumb prints in between the actual screen and cover?

 

Will do give me some time I will post pics and part numbers for all. I used rubber gloves so I wouldn't leave any grease prints, It is basically clipped on I start from the bottom center put the end of my fingers on the inside and and pry gently and it will pop out and work your way all around. The areas that are thin is where you need to take your time so it doesn't break. This laptop is nothing like the previous generations where the screen bezel was a pain to remove.

 

Still waiting

 

Can you at least give the part #'s and maybe links to exactly what was purchased?

Does the IR emitter fit into the non-3d display? Where exactly does it go? Shouldn't there be a little window somewhere on the display for the IR emitter?

Edit: I think I see where the IR board goes. Right above the camera. All in all this does look like a simple procedure. Removing the display is super easy compared to what I saw with the older models. No double sided tape or glue of any sort.

 

Item ID: 653787 from laptopscreen.com for 120hz screen its a Samsung same model and part from dell new not used.

3FVH7 17.3 FHD WLED TLF 3D with eDP cable (GN36T,N392W) (This is the part number for the screen and the cable) so far none are available

IR Emitter is the same one they used in previous models and goes right into place above the camera all you need to do is buy a screw to mount the Emitter the factory bezel has a spot for the Emitter no changing of parts required its plug and play

New Genuine Dell Alienware M17x R3 NVIDIA Sub IR Sensor Board P N XX7CM | eBay on ebay its the same part they use from the previous models

Probably the most difficult part to find is the LCD cable because, the previous models are different and will not work right on the new 17.

 

So is the cable N392W?

 

That's what it shows on the dell parts list and the guy I bought it from on Ebay doesn't seem to have any right now. You would need to keep looking or buy direct from dell. I only see one listing but they are selling the whole kit screen, cable and bezel but its way to expensive they are asking over 500 and it doesn't cost that much to buy all the parts.

 

You must have gotten pretty lucky, I have been watching Ebay for a few months for that cable and only ever seen one and I wasn't willing to spend $100 on it after shipping

Good to know that someone has successfully got it upgraded though, and I didn't know about the IR sensor so that is good as well, I will have to order that and just have it sitting around ready to go.

 

I did get lucky because I can't find another one now. When I have my friends laptop in a week or so I will take pics of everything and post to show how easy it is.

The screen cost me 100 after shipping and a 3 yr warranty

The IR Emitter 15 bucks after shipping

The cable 90 bucks after shipping

Everything was plug and play no modifications required. I just had to supply a screw for the IR Emitter.


Dell charges an additional 150 on top of the 150 upgrade they charge to go from the matte 1920 x 1080 screen to the 3D screen. This was the best upgrade I did and I recommend to anyone planning to order an Alienware 17 to buy the 3D screen.

 

The emitter is needed only if your planning on using it in 3d. I've yet to use mine as a 3d screen. I just really like the 120hz in 2d so smooth and fluid. I wish they had this option in a ups panel or better yet on the 18 and or 14. Guess that's where AW has sucked me in...

 

So $300 to actually have Dell upgrade it to the 3d screen if your still under warranty? If they install it I don't think that's a bad price? Believe still out of stock according to the tech support really couldn't give me any details though out-of a South American country, don't believe he actually knows the upgrade process. Any one find the cable or link for it?

 

It's $150 for the 3D screen and 3D glasses over the regular 1080p screen - that's a hell of a deal, if you ask me. I don't count the 900p screen.

All of the parts and part numbers are in the Owner's Lounge thread.

 

I have some photos, I will leave my friends laptop apart for a few days in case someone needs more detailed pics. I am having trouble uploading the pics can someone help me.

 

Your best bet is to use Imgur.com and upload them there and then just use the forum links it gives you

 

We're you able to find the cable (were)and have you tried the original in the 120 hz port? Can't wait to see pics! I want to order ASAP

 

I haven't seen any in stock anywhere but as soon as I do I will send you a PM. The pics aren't that great and I couldn't do much for editing I am currently deployed in Germany and don't have all my stuff here.

 

Any good tutorials you went over that explains how to take the screen off the display? Think that's what worries most! What screen are you upgrading from?

 

Not a problem its very easy we both went from the 1920x1080 matte 60hz screens the silver screws are all that's holding the screen to the frame. Lift gently and disconnect the camera the connector on top (since yours wont have the IR Emitter which is above the camera you wont need to worry. Above you see the brass screw hole is where the IR emitter attaches. The factory bezels all have the spot for the IR emitter so you wont need to purchase. If you are replacing the cable to install the 120hz screen you would need to remove the right hinge held by 3 black screws. once you pull the screen you would need to remove the side attachments holding the screen 3 silver screws on each side and they fit the other screens. The best way you replace the screen is to remove the whole screen frame from the laptop 4 black screws on the bottom and 4 on top.