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    LCD Screen Replacement

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by fitzpatr, Sep 22, 2009.

  1. fitzpatr

    fitzpatr Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hello,

    I have a Gateway mx6961 with a glossy 1280x800 screen that is abysmal. I am swapping motherboards to one which has the ATi x1400 discrete graphics card. I am also looking to replace the screen with a higher res Matte one. I don't know how specific the connectors are, but there were multiple screen options for that motherboard including a WSXGA Matte screen. Is there a reasonable chance that this display will connect eith the motherboard? Can I possibly transplant a WUXGA from a Dell into it?

    Basically I'm wondering if anyone knows how specialized the display connector is amongst models, intra-brand and across brands. Any help is appreciated.
     
    fitzpatr, Sep 22, 2009
    #1
  2. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    Between similar models of the same brand, screen compatibility should be fairly good (emphasis on similar). Between models of different brands, the compatibility is probably much worse. If you can find a WSXGA screen that was originally made for an mx6961 or something similar, it will probably work. The Dell WUXGA will probably not work without some modding.
     
    Commander Wolf, Sep 22, 2009
    #2
  3. fitzpatr

    fitzpatr Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ok. I think I'll buy the WUXGA and see if I get lucky...if it isn't compatible, I'll return it and get the WSXGA. Is there any chance of damaging either the screen or graphics card if the connection is physically correct?

    Thank you for the information.
     
    fitzpatr, Sep 22, 2009
    #3
  4. newsposter

    newsposter Notebook Virtuoso

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    Unless you have access to extremely cheap/free parts, it will be cheaper (easier?) to go with a new laptop.
     
    newsposter, Sep 22, 2009
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  5. fitzpatr

    fitzpatr Notebook Enthusiast

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    Well, I've found all of the parts I need on eBay...

    Motherboard with x1400 graphics: $100 (upgrade from GMA950)
    New heatsink to accomodate the discrete graphics: $30
    Dell 15.4" Matte WUXGA: $80
    Gateway 15.4" Matte WSXGA: $80
    PATA Blu-Ray Drive: $80
    Intel 5300AGN with extra antenna - $18

    It is a 20% restocking fee for the screen if it doesn't fit and I need to return it, and then I'll pick up the other one.

    I'm not getting anything close to this for $328, especially since it's already got 4GB RAM and a new Intel x-25m G2 SSD.
     
    fitzpatr, Sep 23, 2009
    #5
  6. pcfreak101

    pcfreak101 Notebook Enthusiast

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    You sir are a brave man. I applaud you.
     
    pcfreak101, Sep 24, 2009
    #6