M17x (R1) issue with the screen? video card? motherboard?

Hi forum:

My almost 3 years old M17x R1 has a weird issue... everytime I boot (after the computer has been shut down several hours), the screen looks like this:





To solve this I have to:

a) restart the computer several times untill the screen looks normal
or
b) send the computer to stand by, 2, 3 times untill the screen looks normal.

I have tried diferent video drivers with no success, besides the problem is present even on the system bios screen (when no video drivers has been loaded). Also I have tried to boot with the IGP only, with no success, and with the discrete cards only and the problem is still there...

What would the problem be??? A motherboard issue? a screen issue???.. I think the video cards works well. Once the screen gets fine, the system works with no problem.

Let me know what you think the problem could be.

 

Hello, Tyranus, sorry to hear about your issue.
That looks like your inverter is going bad. I believe if you try an external monitor you don't get this issue on it.

 

I haven't tried an external monitor while I'm having the issue. I'll try next time.

About the inverter... I thought the inverter was only responsible for the back-light, could you confirm that a bad inverter can cause this kind of colored lines on the screen?... (the back light works fine, even during the issue)... The weird thing to me is the problem goes away after sending the computer to stand by...

 

Well I had the issue today again (as every day) plugged in an external monitor through HDMI, and the external monitor works fine. So what that means?

 

It likely means you have a fubar Inverter like Katalin suggested, an external monitor not showing any problem does confirm this suggestion.
At least it has to do, WITH the inverter. You could try checking if all wires are decently connected from/to the inverter and the screen.

 

Anyone knows the part number of the M17x R1 inverter?

 

You should check the part numbers on yours (under the kapton tape on a small sticker) to avoid buying the wrong one but i believe this is the correct one for the Dual CCFL 1920x1200 (see attached):

 

Never mind

 

Unphoto, the ones you linked are for the M17-R1 (a pre Dell AW model). Tyranus has a M17x.

 

Thanks for your help Katalin... A quick search on ebay and the inverter goes for $40-50, that's a bit expensive for me at this moment. I'll get a new inverter in the future and let you guys know if the problem got solved with an inverter replacement.

 

So I bought the inverter, it wasn't the problem though ... I think I have to buy the whole screen, I can't findob eBay a WUXGA dual CCFL, or a RGB WUXGA ... any ideas where to buy from?

 

Since you will be replacing your display, go with the RGB LED display from an r2, if I remember correctly some members did it.

Cheapest I found on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-Dell-Al...Laptop_Screens_LCD_Panels&hash=item565d9e4c52


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Nice find, thanks... I think this one does not come with the inverter.. does the RGB screen use an inverter as a regular LCD?

 

Looking at the pics its the complete assembly, ive also looked at other rgb led screens and looks the same. I suggest sending the seller a msg and ask if its 100% complete and plug and play just to be sure.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

That's what I did... I googled about this subject and it seems that LED's displays most of them don't use inverteres as the regular LCD from M17x R1.... I'm waiting for the seller's answer though

 

damn! some else bought the screen

 

Don't let it get away, last 2 RGB LED I've seen so far in the US.

Here are 2 from the same seller other other is used and other is open box like new:

M17x RGB LED $150

M17x RGB LED $229

 

Thank you!!!! I bought the new one, I'll let you guys know when I had the new screen installed. I'm happy I bought this screen, I remember back in the days people said the RGB LED scren was day and night compared to the Dual CCFL LCD screen.

 

Well, yesterday installed the RGB LED screen. Beautiful screen by the way, it works perfect on R1, though it didn't solve the issue... so as for now I'm thinking this is a motherboard related issue...

 

Tyrannus7,
Check out this thread (Last Post) Alienware M17x R4 display problems - Alienware Forum - Alienware Club - Dell Community. Long story short, based on troubleshooting tips I followed I also am the proud owner of 2 fully working LCD's (original, and replacement)...(My Bad) Given time to retrace my steps, I realized my problems started AFTER I Upgraded my Ram (2 x 8 GB to 4 x 8 GB) (I have an M17X-R4 with an I-7) So, I pulled out the 2 new chips, and it's been going on a month now that my problem is solved. Not saying that this is your problem, simply "Food for Thought," after what you've spent, this is worth investigating. BTW, early on, I ran the EPSA diagnostic, and my memory tested fine, which skewed my original troubleshooting. Hope this helps...

 

Thanks for posting. I think my problem is not memory related, since when I had 2x2GB the problem was there, and since I got 2x4GB my problem is still there. I'm surprised to see some other people with the exact same problem on newer M17x revision. I wonder what's the root of the issue...

So far I know:

* It's not the screen/LCD inverter
* It's not RAM related
* It's not cable/connector related (since I replaced all of them)

Still to check:

* Motherboard
* Video cards.