Upgrade screen on M17x?

Hi can anyone help me?

I bought the Alienware M17x last year with the 1600 x 900 screen. I'm not happy with the screen quality (low contrast poor view viewing angles)

I've heard the 1080P screen is a lot better and I've seen them going on ebay for around £50. What do I need to lookout for so I don't get this wrong?

many thanks

 

I presume you mean you have an Alienware 17? Or is it an R4?

The screen in both models is upgradable, albeit easier in the Alienware 17. There are 2 options you can go with, mainly the 1080p or the 1080p 120hz 3D screen however the 3D screen is dependant on the GPU as well. If you just want the 1080 screen then I believe that you can use the existing LCD cable that you already have and just swap the screen out. If you have a new 17 the process takes about 10-15 minutes and it super simple. If you went with a 3d option is means a new LCD cable which can be a real pain to find, requires a hour or better and requires half the machine to come apart.

There appears to be two dell part numbers for the Alienawre 17 for the 1080 display without 3D, I presume they are simply different manufacturers as they are both matte 1080 from what I can tell.

HDKPV ann K6PJ1

If you do have an R4 then we will need to track down the part numbers for those as I don't see a part list in the owners thread.

 

I have the alienware 17. Happy just to go for the 1080P screen. Not sure the 120hz would work with the GTX 765m.

Is this what I should be looking for?
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=251353638293&alt=web

Thanks mate

 

Check this one out re using a 120hz panel. A marathon read but it's all in there....

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-17-m17x/744470-aw17-120hz-screen.html

 

I would really suggest getting your screen from Laptopscreens.com

Screen for Dell ALIENWARE 17. Replacement Laptop LCD Screens

They were awesome when I dealt with them for mine. I had a few stuck pixels when I got the first one and they worked with me to get a replacement ASAP on my terms so that I didn't have to pull my laptop apart again. They also give the screens a 3 year warranty which is far better then the ebay screen which comes with 3 months.

If your running the 765m then 3D probably isn't a great option as it will be harder on your games with a lower power GPU. If you don't care about the 3D the 120Hz screen does make a tremendous difference again over just the regular 1080 screen but then you need the cable which can add anywhere from $9.99 through Dell to $150 through Ebay. The cheapest easiest option available is the route your looking at with just the 1080p screen upgrade. I had the 1600x900 screen in an R4 that Dell had replaced for me and they had to change the screen out when the new computer arrived back to the 1080 option and from that model there was a massive difference in screens so I can't see there being any less of an improvement in this model.

When the new screen comes in it is fairly easy to change out. You will want to turn the system off and remove the battery and drain the system to avoid any static shocks but once that is done you are going to remove the bezel around the screen. Open the screen up as far as it will go, tilt it all the way back and then get your fingers between the bezel and the LCD and gently pull it up and out. The bezel is held on by plastic clips all the way around, and once they start coming undone the rest usually follow suite pretty quickly. Once that is done I would remove the cable that attaches the webcam, either by grabbing it with your fingernail if you can get at it, or a small screwdriver. The cable pulls straight down and out of the webcam, just be gentle as the connector is plastic and to much force could break it. Next you will see the screws on the top and bottom corners holding the screen in place, those need to come out. The screen sits on two small bumps that hold it in place semi well even without the screws so you shouldn't need 3 hands to do it . Once all the screws are out you will need to support the bottom of the screen and tilt the top towards you until you can reach behind and unplug the lcd cable from the LCD, it pulls straight down and out, careful not to flex the cable to hard or it could damage the cable and or LCD. The LCD cable will be taped onto the LCD so you will need to peel the tape off and the the LCD will come clear of the computer. You need to remove the metal brackets running down either side of the LCD of your original LCD ( 3 per side I think ) and then install this onto the new LCD. Now the tricky part is getting the LCD in place, while supporting it so it does not fall, and plugging in the cable. Remember you have to line up the webcam cable as well so that it lines up with the webcam as it has tape on it and does not flex very well. once you have the cable plugged in securely just tilt the LCD back into position and re-install all screws to hold it firmly in place. I would test it before putting the bezel back on as it is an extra step to avoid if the cable comes unplugged during install. It can be tricky to reach behind the LCD and install the cable without pulling it out again when you flip the screen back into place so take your time, don't want to damage the connector

GL, let us know how it goes.

 

Thanks guys will go for the 1080p and not the 120Hz as I have the 765m

This is the screen I have at the moment

 

That's a great option. You will not regret going for a better resolution. It does really make a difference.