Official "swapping the XPS 17 L701x screen" thread

Those are older incarnations of the XPS line. They are all 17" models (instead of our 17.3"), with a 16:10 aspect ratio (1920x1200). Therefore those screens will not fit.

The M170 (same chassis as the Inspiron 9300)



The M1710 (same chassis as the Inspiron 9400 of which I still own one and a half)



The M1730

 

why thank you !

Just to be clear, when we are searching for the replacement screen for our laptops, just go by XPS 17 with 17.3 screen L701x? do you know of any additional "monikers" that our laptop might go by that you've seen during your search?
Thanks

Rooster
ps really hated cutting the pics out but thought I would conserve space to perserve thread length.

 

No problems. If you want I can remove the pictures.

When looking for a replacement screen you need to look for a 17.3" screen, with the connector in the bottom left. When you look for a specific model, the websites usually only list screens that the model came with, so for the L701x you would only find 1600x900 screens. Some Studio 17's came with 1080p screens and were 17.3", so you might have some luck there.

As the L701x is quite new I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere for parts, except for batteries. The backlit keyboard I'm looking for is also nowhere to be found (yet).

 

Hmmm... any clue as to what panel is used by HP for their dreamcolor 2 panels? Apparently they do them for some of their laptops and a 17" screen that can show 1 bil colors would be real sweet.

 

LG panels, i have no idea which, tho.

a friend over the forums has 1300 leaked datasheets and there isnt a single 15" of 17" ips panel in between.

if you really want to know the panel no, find somebody whit an elitebook and open the panel to take a look at the numbers.

the dreamcolor 2 17" is also 16:10, not 16:9

 

Yeah, just like the RGB panels Dell uses in the M17x and the M6500.

 

No need, was just trying to set a precedent for other users to keep length of thread manageable (trying to learn from my mistakes I made on your thread)

Thanks for the info!

Rooster

 

As far as I know there is a limited number of compatible panels. I will try and compile a list. We can then work from there and append or rectify the list.

 

So far I found four (which are on my first post). Let me know if I missed any and I'll amend as needed.

 

Sorry, you're right. That is the list, and to the best of my knowledge it is complete.

 

I just ordered the AUO B173HW01 V.4 panel straight from Taiwan. I have not got a clue as to how long it will take for my payment to end up over there, but FedEx should probably have the screen here pretty quick afterwards.

I will keep you guys posted and once it gets here, I will post pictures and other relevant info.

 

Are you going for the Glossy or Matte screen?

 

The actual AUO B173HW01 V.4 panel only comes in glossy, so I'm going for the glossy, even though I would have liked a matte screen. I don't believe there is a 17.3" matte screen with a high (>60%) colour gamut. Not that I can find anyway.

Any seller that tries to sell you the AUO B173HW01 V.4 panel in matte, will send you a different, compatible panel.

 

Thanks that is good to know

 

Great!
I am looking forward to your install, the little poll that posted on your thread(Mitchell2.24v) helped me decide that the screen will be the first upgrade that I perform. and thanks again for the suggestion about the AUO B173HW01 V.4 panel

Rooster

 

I'm also quite excited about this upgrade. The payment has been processed by my bank, so hopefully they will ship te screen soon. I'm hoping to have it here by the end of this week, or early next week.

This AUO screen is a bit hard to find, but it should be very good. If you don't need the extra gamut, or even if you cannot properly calibrate it, you might be better of getting one of the other 1080p screens.

Like I said earlier, I would have loved to get a matte screen as that has some advantages, but for me the colour gamut is more important. Also the viewing angles of this AUO screen are (at least on paper) among the best.

In the end everyone will need to make a list of want-have, must-have and don't-care features to determine which screen to get.

If you do decide to go for one of the compatible panels, you will probably get it much quicker, and cheaper too.

I just rep'd you for replacing the screen! We need pioneers like you to keep things going!

If you have some time, could you do some pictures of the viewing angles on this panel? I will do the same on my current 900p LG and on the new 1080P AUO once that is replaced. The more visual material we have to compare screens, the better informed everyone will be. Making decisions should be easier for future modders!

 

You brought up an interesting question(s)....
is there an easy way to adjust the gamut? is there a popular program available for beginners? How does the gamut really effect the performance of the screen?

Just trying to broaden our "horizons".....
Rooster

p.s. I agree, Way to go "pioneer"!

 

The performance of the screen depends on a few factors and is not an exact science per se.

Much depends on how your eyes and your brain interpret the image. A panel with a higher gamut usually dispalys reds and greens mucht more deeply and more saturated. If you're not used to this these colours seem to be overly saturated. The opposite in fact is true. Any panel with a low (or normal, as opposed to high) gamut displays colours undersaturated. And because most panels around us are like that we tend to get used to the duller colours.

The first thing to do with a hig(er) gamut panel, is to do a hardware calibration. I use a colorimeter and bundled software to measure the actual displayed colours. This software creates a new profile that is loaded into the videocard. The profile adjusts the RGB values so the videocard can output the proper colours.

Even a calibrated high gamut panel will seem overly saturated to most users. This is something you need to get used to.

When I get my new panel I will take some pictures with the old panel, the new panel and my desktop monitor for reference. I can put my colorchecker (see here for details) in the shot so you have a fixed point of reference.

 

Thanks!
that brings back memories of my art classes in college...
and for new users who are reading, this is a colorchecker.

Rooster

 

how much did you manage to get it for?

 

The panel itself is not even that expensive, I got it for $80. But... Shipping a single screen from Tawian to The Netherlands is a bit expensive (volumetric weight anyone?).

Also wiring the money there is a bit pricey. In the end I had the panel for a little under $200. When I convert that to Dell prices, the screen is still super cheap! The RGB upgrade for my XPS 1645 was about €200 I believe.

And this is so much cooler than getting it factory installed. It's like with Jeeps. Real Jeeps are Built, not Bought. The XPS starts to feel a bit like that to me

 

Here's my guide to replacing the LCD panel on the XPS 17

This is easy, just be patient and carefull.

Preparation

What you will need is a small Philips screwdriver, a small flat screwdriver, a set of tweezers, something soft to put between your panel and the keyboard, and you need to not be afraid of fingerprints on your screen

Warning user soup4you2 has figured out that you need the modded nVidia drivers as the panel will not work with the Dell nVidia drivers. So install them using Clean Mode before you install the new panel! You can download the drivers from this post (thanks to DaneGRClose)

You should also remove the battery and power cable before disassembling anything.



I did the display-only method where you leave the rest of the machine intact. Works great.

For those that would like to know, my original panel is indeed an LG one:



The new one is an AUO B173HW01 V.4



Disassembly

When removing the bezel you need to be carefull. It might help to know how the thing is actually attached. There are five points on each side of the screen, and eight on top. These points are spaced out evenly. At each of these points there is a set of tiny 'teeth'. These you need to get out of corresponding holes on the back part of the lid.





I found it easiest to pry underneeth the bezel on the side of the screen with your fingernails (so with the palm of your hand facing towards yourself and away from the screen. The back of your hand rests on the lcd panel. Gently lift the bezel and when you can, try and get a fingernail between the bezel on the side of the display assembly. I did this with my left hand and got a good grip.



It might also help to know where the teeth are:



Once you have the bezel off, there are 6 screws you need to undo to get the panel brackets loose from the lid, two on each bottom side of the panel, and on on top. You do not need to undo the hinges.

Here, on the lower left corner you only need to do the two screens on the far left.


On the right top you only need to do the on on the far right.


The other corners are similar.

Next remove the webcam. This thing is taped to the back, and you need to remove it because the cable and connector are taped over the board onto its back. Use a pair of tweezers to remove the tape (carefull, you need to put it back). Then use the small flat screwdriver to take the connector out.



Now put something soft like a towel on your keyboard and slowly tilt the panel forwards untill it sits flat on the towel. Next you need to remove the two brackets on the side of the panel. This is done using some small screws on the side of the panel.



The last stap is to remove the LVDS connector from the panel. Do this by carefully peeling the sticky tape from the white part of the panel and then gently pulling the connector towards the bottom of the panel.



Now you can remove the crappy LG panel and put the new one in place.



Reassembly

The steps to put it back in a quick list:

* LVDS connector + sticky tape
* Side brackets + screws
* Webcam connector
* Webcam Sticky tape

Now you should just put the two screws at the top back, so everything is stable. Then turn your machine on and test both the screen and the webcam! It should all work, but if it doesn't now would be the time to check connections.



If it all works, you can continue:

* Remaining lid screws
* Bezel

I broke two of the teeth while getting the bezel off, but there are 36 teeth to keep the bezel on, so there is some room for error.

Some testresults

I just compared the icc profiles from the LG panel and the AUO panels, and this confirms what my eyes tell me. This AUO panel looks very similar to the RGB panel in my XPS 1645. The AUO panel has a much wider gamut than the LG one. The RGB panel in the M17xR2 is even better, but not by very much:

LG vs AUO vs AdobeRGB:


LG vs. AUO vs M17xR2 (Samsung)


Also, here is a zipfile with my latest profiles for the LG and the AUO panels. Those of you that tried the other profile might try this one.

And finally to activate a profile you might try this little program. It is included with my profiling software, and as they have it available for download on the website, I assume its legal to use it just like that.

Profile Chooser

 

Sweet stuff Mitchell2.24v!!

Updated the first post to include this very useful guide.

 

Thanks! Unfortunately my guide is not totally complete. You need to undo a couple of screws on the side of the panel. I will take pictures and update the post once I do the new panel. But when the panel is out, it should be fairly obvious.

 

Ditto!
This will indeed be a very helpful thread in the future...
My "burstday" is coming up and the screen is what I will get myself
So in about month and a half....***fingers crossed*****
Rooster

 

Hi Rooster, I think I can see the pixel grid on your new screen.

 

lost me...
haven't replaced the screen yet ...
is the pic that bad?
man, I really need to replace the screen then..lol
Rooster

 

Lol, no. He was referring to the pic itself where it could be thought that what the guy is holding is a screen. would be a reeeeal bad one if it was, lol!

 

LMAO!
duh.....
It pays to get out house some huh?
Thanks RedLanceEQ!
Rooster

 

Well, it does have great viewing angles, and it has a perfect color gamut! The resolution is just a tad low.

 

sweet stuff!
yeah dell upgrades are insane lol, for example for 4gb extra of ram, the price in the uk is something like £330! when you can get the same somewhere else for around £60 lol, and i am considering this upgrade

also will consider a 1080p screen upgrade in the future too, but i dont think the 900p one will be a problem for me. im used to much worse >.<

 

Hello and greetings from Germany
Following, got a xps 17 with the i5 and 435GT.
I have the LG panel in it and would like to trade for the AU Optronics B173HW01 V.4, is this possible?

What's better to wait or exchange?
What does Full HD after Ubdate xps17?
Actually, I do not need a 3D panel, I only want a Full HD panel .. with rich color reproduction

Thanks in advance ... ....

 

Isn't there any option to buy the screen at a dutch reseller?
(the link I provided AU Optronics 17.3 full-hd LCD notebook = 5 Resultaten: LCDtec.nl )

 

I'm not sure what you mean by trade. You can change the screen yourself. I don't think Dell will ever put a regular 1080p screen in this version of the XPS 17.

No. I have contacted every reseller, and except for the one in Taiwan, every single reseller will send you a compatible screen. You will get 1080p, but not the wider colour gamut.

I could consider ordering a bigger quantity from Taiwan if mine is good. It would reduce the price of shipping and banking per screen. The screen could end up being around $ 125 or $ 150 I guess. It would bring me some risk though as I would have to deal with peoples payments.

If there is enough interest in NL, or even the EU, I could ask around and see what I (or actually my company) could get as lowest price for this screen. I would not need to make a profit on this, so it could be interesting to organise a forum panel group-buy.

 

Well I'm interested. And indeed when more people join the order, the costs get lower.

Have you seen this website?
SamenKopen.net - Home

There you can create a joint order where people can register for it.
(And I believe this is a free service).
This could bring this to more peoples attention.

 

I will check it out.

 

Hello again

Can I replace the AU Optronics B173HW01 V.4 no problems with my LG with 1600x900
because of the different resolution?

 

it wont be a problem because the xps 17 supports 1080p!

 

Yes you should be able to do so. Another user has replaced the 1600x900 LG panel with a 1920x1080 LG panel. I expect the AUO panel to work (otherwise I would not have ordered it).

When I receive my panel, you will know for sure if it works.

 

My new 16gb ram and 256gb ssd arrived yesterday by FedEx and my XPS17 will arrive today. I was able to get the ram & ssd from an electronics store in Chicago. my display (the AUO B173HW01 V.4) is scheduled to arrive Thursday. I decided it would be easier to just swap it out myself instead of sending the xps17 back to Dell and then wait for an Alienware.

 

Great! Where did you order the panel from? Will you be getting an actual B173HW01 V.4? If you do, could you take some pics of the back (model ID) and post that, so I can compare my own when it arrives?

 

From your link to ebay UK, I find the panels to be FHD.
But I find FHD+ panels were cheaper(20 euros)

items - Get great deals on 15.4 FL WXGA 1xCCFL, 17 FL WXGA 1xCCFL items on eBay.co.uk Shops!

It seems to indicate there are only 2 types of 17.3" panels.
The connector being on the lower left or lower right.

If that is the case, I think there is no reason to limit our resolution to FHD when one can get higher resolution for cheaper price.

What do you think? Is my assumption correct on the differences on the 17.3" panels?

 

I think you're confusing HD+ and FHD. The Dell panel is HD+ (1600x900). The AUO panel (for example) we're discussing in the last few posts is FHD (1920x1080).

As far as I know there is only one resolution that is higher (1920x1200), but that doesn't come in 17.3", only in 17" panels.

 

I ordered from an electronics store here in Chicago, if you have the cash they can get anything. I am taking a gamble though. Anyway, what I did is write down exactly what I wanted (got the info from you on here) and inquired when I picked up my ram and ssd. I was told it was coming from Taiwan and that it would indeed be exactly what I ordered. I paid $275. i will take a picture or two with my iphone when it comes in, no promises on quality though.. I am a horrid photographer

 

Yeah This is what I have in my m1730, it's a very nice screen and I know I'm going to miss it. i am just hoping everything goes well with my screen order, the ram and ssd look good, I bought crucial brand for both.

 

If they're getting it from Taiwan, chances are they got it from the same supplier as I did, as that is the only one I could find that sells the exact panel instead of a compatible one.

Considering there are probably some taxes involved (I will have to pay those when my screen arrives), and they have some searching and handling to do you probably still got a good price.

 

Well to emphasize why we would swap the default screen, here I created a YouTube clip to show the default screen viewing angles.

YouTube - D e l l XPS 17 screen quality horror

 

Wow, well that's good news! I have been a bit troubled over it, I'm no lcd expert. If I do get a different panel than I (and you) have ordered I will see about trying again. I don't really know anyway other than to have a friend in Japan send one. Swapping it out looks easy enough, it's getting the correct panel that troubles me the most. Hopefully we both get what we ordered and the install goes smooth! I might do a video for youtube of changing it out, it might help out others.

 

LOL I clicked the "dell" part of the link accidentally and stared confused for a few seconds.. "this is not a video and not youtube" I said..

Cool video, and yeah that display does not look so good..

Edit : I just watched it again.. and yeah that is terrible. I will definitely not be satisfied with that nonsense, good thing I have a replacement lcd on the way.. just hope it ends up being the correct screen, installs without troubles and looks much better.. I couldn't believe what I was seeing when you tilted that screen back.. I could barely make out what was on the screen, with most of it just black/grey noise.. wow..

 

Haha, that video shows the problem very well. When you're using an image with more colour in it, it is even worse!

Thanks for making this video!