Looking for an expert in laptop LCD screens here !

Hello guys
I need somebody who is expert in laptop LCD panels who knows what all parameters types of connectors ..
I want to make one experiment and if that will work I will buy that laptop and will do it
What I want to do is to swap laptop screens ...
I was looking on lcd screen sites and I have found one screen that it could be changed in one laptop
Current laptop has poor TN screen and want to know If I will be able to replace it with IPS

 

What laptop are you asking about? That would be a start so others know where to look. Unless your laptop has a option for IPS panel or a part number that corresponds to IPS panel that will not work. Most times your Laptop Service Manual will state what panels will fit in it. You need to find that to make sure what panel it can use and then make sure you get the right connector to make it all connect.

 

I already done research and collected all info and links ..
I you are 100% good in screens let me know if should I proceed further..
I haven't purchased that particular laptop until I know that screen can be changed with IPS screen...

 

Two parts of the equation that must be known:

a) Which laptop are we discussing, so we know what type of LCD connection is used

b) Are you in possession of the pinout from the panel that should be replaced by an IPS one?

 

Alright guys .. so I am glad more ppl are interested
Sooo
Here is the thing .. ;

I am fan of one Laptop MSi GS70 2QE (not purchased yet)

This laptop is well equipped BUT it has the worst screen in the world !
I just been searching on laptop panels sites, various 17.3 screens and i found that identical screen
is this : LP173WF4-SPF1
And when I searched it on google it leaded me here :

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ideapad-essential/753446-lenovo-y70-thread-3.html#post9759483

So lenovo Y70 uses that IPS screen - LP173WF4-SPF1
I found review of lenovo Y70 here

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Lenovo-Y70-Notebook-Review.128841.0.html

The screen in MSi GS70 is Chi Mei N173HGE-E11 which is crap,viewings are horrible when u open screen fully.
And as you can see in that lenovo link beautiful IPS screen angle views
Here are comparisons of screen they have same connector types 30pin both are eDP ..

http://www.panelook.com/modelcompare.php?ids=20840,21056

Here is the link for panel purchase but have no idea if that site is not fake .. :

The connectors has different position but some extended cable might solve it ...


Chi Mei N173HGE-E11/L11 - TN Planel




LG LP173WF4-SPF1 - IPS Panel

 

You've done your homework .

It'll do fine, as long as you manage to find an actual eDP extender cable. Haven't seen these yet though ... should be akin to this LVDS 40-pin type.

You can get away with using a 30-pin 2-channel LVDS extender, since all 30 pins will be wired on the 2-channel type (unlike a 1-channel). Of course, different pins correspond to different data/clocks/voltages in LVDS vis-à-vis eDP, but that doesn't matter; a copper wire's a copper wire, whatever the carried signal. Slim eDP and LVDS connectors on LCD-side are both 0.5mm pin-to-pin, so no problems there either.

Spoiler: LVDS 30-pin 2-channel pinout

 

@t456
Thnx so much..
As far as I know pinouts are never different ,depends of panel connector type..
I think it is standard like any other connectors such hdmi etc..

Yeah here is same thing, somebody did simmilar mod .. don't know the date .. main thing is that, it IS possible.
http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Replacing_T430_screen_with_a_better_one


EDIT : Will I be able to connect 30pin cable from laptop to 40pin extender ? and then from other end of 40pin extender to the screen ?

 

I'm no expert, and you look like you've done a lot of research, however I've got to ask. The active area of the panel is exactly the same, sure, but the bezel area is not mentioned and the outline area differs greatly. Are you 100% certain it would fit?

The connectors appear to be the same; though the IPS panel seems to draw a lot less power amazingly.

 

Bezel area is there in comparsion .. : Panel Specification Compare - Panelook.com

MSI GS70 screen replacement https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnobCJi1wLs

 

No, it's not mentioned for your replacement screen. It is why I brought up the point in the first place.

 

Yes, the connectors are identical, but that does not mean the cables are. Although the connector proper is full-fledged it is up to the lcd manufacturer to choose which pins their design needs (many are optional). Also, the main types eDP and LVDS differ. And both have sub-specifications like 30 vs. 40 pins (both), 1 channel vs. 2 channel (LVDS) and 2 vs. 4 lane (eDP). Strictly speaking, there's also 6 vs. 8 bit (even 10 bit exists), although 6 bit is by far the most common. Main reason for the distinction is that it allows cutting costs on the lcd cable; less wires. Here's an example of a cable intended for low resolution screens (<900p), can't get much cheaper than this:

Spoiler: LVDS cable, 30pin, single channel

Yes, provided you can find matching mb-cable-30pin>40pin-extender and extender-40pin>30pin-lcd adapters.

"Matching" in the sense that 30>40 means there are 10 wires in the 40pin extender cable that will be unconnected. The 30 that are left have to match up to the ones that pass the 40>30 adapter at the receiving/lcd end.

Good find, though the exact dimension wouldn't have mattered, provided they're both the same mounting type (this is standardised). Unfortunately, they're not:



So a small bump in the road here; one advantage of IPS-ish over TN is that it allows a thinner panel (~1.5mm here ... hurray ). Unfortunately that leaves no room for the regular screw holes on the sides of the panel. The TN is fixed to the brackets with four screws or so. But the IPS-type has either those little flaps so the screws are aside from the panel (like this one) or no fixing points at all; the IPS is my W230SS is 'fixed' to the bezel/lid by double-sided tape ... using that or perhaps bending the flaps sideways is the way to make this work. Would've been easier if this GS70 series also had IPS screen options; the bezel and lid would've been designed to accommodate both panel types.

 

Well IPS is thinner so better rather be thicker... will fit
am not bothered bout bezel if would be necessary I would strip it.. both are 17.3 so they must be equal +- some mm shouldn't matter
and screws , i wont use them would use double tape as you said..
tell me if am wrong..
well it isn't easy i know..
the thing is that website says on the bottom that those parameters aren't 100% true tho

 

True, it's a supplier/reseller maintained database. Sometimes not all information is accurate, this is rare, however, and usually an obvious typo. Wouldn't worry about the fit, the extender cable will be the trickiest bit.

 

Like I said .. just contacted one supplier on ebay who sells screens and he said he has screen for Msi GS70 with 40 pins .. jeezz
And he said 4 different panels are compatible with this laptop but non of them is IPS .. crap ...
Cant rely on these screens sites.. they are inaccurate ..

EDIT : Just find out .. I think they are accurate . heh
Just find out that 40pin is for old model of GS70 they are in 2PC and PE .. but new what I want is GS70 2QE where is all changed.. screen IS 30pin..

http://www.panelook.com/modelcompare.php?ids=20840,12344,12343

EDIT 2 : guys how come i cant find IPS screens in type section ? pic below



I got pdf for both screens you can guys have a look

Download multiple files from Sendspace.com - send big files the easy way

 

PDFs show same specifications as on Panelook; will do fine.

That's because they switched from LVDS to eDP, which requires fewer pins for (roughly) the same data output. One more benefit is that eDP (internal) is identical to DisplayPort (external), whereas this is not true for LVDS & HMDI (+DP), demanding two different signal conversions.

You need to use "Advanced Search" for that (under "Optical Features").

The 17.3"+eDP is a bit of a drawback here; only 1 compatible IPS (and only 1 compatible TN, for that matter). It will be difficult to source such a panel (be aware of " model xyz or compatible"). Best bet would be to find a seller of replacement parts for the Acer Aspire V17 Nitro or that Lenovo Y70. For the Lenovo; take care to order without touchscreen, it's a separate device and will add ~$200. Y70 also comes with older LVDS 40pin type, similar situation as with the GS70.

 

Did advanced search...
Can't believe the result is ONLY this one LG screen ?!?! wooow

There are sellers on alibaba.. just communicating with two sellers from china but have bad feeling these are not for end users
One of them asked me how many I want hah, and I said .. only ooone heheheh no reply yet and i know why
they confirmed it will work and fit

 

That isn't the only LG screen for sure. My screen is from LG, but it wouldn't fit in a MSI XD

 

If the 2 panel are both eDP， it should just snap right back on?

Not sure how you gonna source the screen though.

Edit: google image even come up with 2 different pic for the IPS~~, looking at the pdf the spf1 seem to have connector in the bottom left.

 

Yes google images are always wrong..musleading
Acoording official pdf both screens has connector on the left that is +

 

How do you know it wont fit ? what laptop do you have ?

 

@t456
yes u right acer nitro 17 uses same screen .

here is another asus uses better lg screen
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-G751JY-T7009H-Notebook-Review.133178.0.html

 

Guys
I made more research and hat picture of LG screen is not tha tone that is some old 15''
Cant believe how these amateurish sellers just put any picture ..!!!
There is completely different and connector is on the left side ...
And there is another IPS screen and acoording asus G751JY users they has LP173WF4-SPD1 one guy said it has 100Hz
guy said LP173WF4-SPF1 is lower version ...

 

" Lower" how? Part numbering always goes upwards, so " F1" succeeds " D1". The last digits often designate a major production run, where, usually, newer=better (ironing out deficiencies). This does not always hold, but it does apply here:



Note that the differences aren't earth-shattering, yet it is clearly an improvement. The D1 didn't turn up in the advanced search because it hasn't been listed in the database yet. Whether it's compatible ... probably is, but without the datasheet that's not a definitive " yes".

And there's no such thing as a 100Hz laptop lcd; a 3D panel would be 120Hz, everything else is 60Hz. Though it is possible to OC a panel above its rated frequency (useful with fast-paced games). To boot, a TN would fare much better in this field. Hence some discerning fps gamers prefer older TN's over otherwise superior IPS panels.

 

Source as in buying the actual panel, usually new released parts are hard to come by.

 

no nothing bout part numbering ..

read this thread .. guy says he has 100Hz screen on laptop so don't know what he saying .. name Edweird
Buying new screen for my G751JY-T7067H

i did same vs as you did ..

 

yeah realized what u meant ... yeah it is and prob impossible as they want me buy 10-20 pieces ! .. but there is one seller offering one piece but is not responding ? weird..
this one : http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/17-3-inch-lcd-screen-with_60148617616.html

 

Same panel as the D1:

Manufacturer............. LG Display
Plug and Play ID......... LGD046C
Data string.............. LP173WF4-SPD1

... which is also a 60Hz. What he meant was OC'ed to run at 100Hz, which is a very good result for an IPS.

 

what is OCed ? overclocked.. but that is not recon to do for screens the lifetime is then much shorter..
there must be some differences ..
so now u believe it there is 100Hz ? you said : there's no such thing as a 100Hz laptop lcd;

it was talking with some chinese woman Lisa Chen was but communicating with chinese ppl is like i don't know taking hours days to get answer and that was live chat.. I asked whats the difference btw
LP173WF4-SPD1 vs LP173WF4-SPF1 she said just moment and after 5 min se splashed smile emoji on me like this i said sorry i need to go to work i have no time.. i gave her my email but she didnt do anything daft .. they just cant be arsed .. think it was like she was polishing her nails and I disturbed her ..

 

That is correct; there is no 100Hz laptop lcd, it's oc'ed from 60Hz to 100Hz. Lifetime may be shorter but the image is better and before the display gives out the laptop's long outdated.

And myes ... " Lisa" ... and the other was called " Cynthia" ... uhuh.

Try these guys and ask for " 30pin eDP panel LP173WF4-SPF1 for the Acer Aspire V17 Nitro, exact model". Bit of an iffy-looking site, but ordered exotic parts there before. Shipping took ages though, so probably an indirect seller (no stock).

 

yes two different sellers... so two clerks ..





Cynthia looks like gave up replying ..
Will see what Lisa say tomorrow ..

Anyway check that asus forum again Edweird posted some pics of his screen ..

there is nothing ot that site .. only smartphones ..

 

My thinking is that unless it show up in taobao, there is little chance to get a hand on one that ship oversea. Not to discourage you xD

Let me try post about it on tieba later today.

 

if you can compare here is PDFs of both ..

If anybody knows the difference .. but I think SPF1 is newer. it is 4mm thisck and SPD1 is 6mm thick ..

LP173WF4-SPD1.pdf : https://www.sendspace.com/file/e3lh9r
LP173WF4-SPF1.pdf : https://www.sendspace.com/file/wiqj1x


EDIT :

Just found out the SPD1 is closer to N173HGE-E11 as it has outline dimensions :


LP173WF4-SPD1 -
Horizontal : 399.50
Vertical : 230.45

N173HGE-E11 -
Horizontal : 398.10
Vertical : 232.80

LP173WF4-SPF1 -
Horizontal : 399.50
Vertical : 241.50


Clearly LP173WF4-SPF1 will NEVER fit into MSi GS70 2QE !

 

Hey guys
Here are real pictures of LP173WF4-SPF1
I think it MIGHT fit as that black foil underneath screen is thin

 

I ordered the spd1 and received spf1. Chasing up the seller to replace asap. These 2 screens are not interchangeable, thickness and mounting points are totally different.
Spf1 has mounting points on tabs along top n bottom of screen. Spd1 has mounting holes drilled into the left and right of the bezel.

 

Yes, that was ascertained earlier in thread. Though you might want to consider double-sided tape or similar diy mod; the F1 is a (slightly) superior screen vis-à-vis the D1.

 

As far as I could work out the SPF1 is specwise same as the SPD1 but inferior in the contrast which was quoted as 600:1 in the tech manual, SPD1 is quoted as 700:1.
As far as mounting and DIY is concerned there is not way to securely mount the SPF1 in the existing notebook lid, the thickness of the SPF1 is 4mm vs 6mm for the SPD1. There are no holes on the left and right bezel to attach to the existing hinges. Sticky tape may work but continual torque from opening/closing the lid may damage the panel. Plus the 2mm difference in thickness will cause big gap between the lid bezels and the panel. The connector for EDP is also physically in a slightly different location between the panels so about 3cm lower than on the existing connector.
If anyone is desperate to make it work then a DIY mount job will fit it I assume but long term usage with opening/closing lid will make it a huge gamble.

 

Wouldn't something like thermal pads work to make up the small 2mm difference placed strategically around the screen?

 

Sure, but so would the sticky tape itself. Mentioned this option as my W230SS uses this exact assembly method, and not as a diy mod; only tape and zero screws are holding it in place. The 2mm difference is also present in the various panel options for this model, the tape takes care of that.

Mind also that tech. manual specifications are rounded to 100's, so an (objective) measurement is desirable. The difference between both panels (NBR reviews) was posted here. Since the difference isn't that large you may want to take those values with a grain of salt and, of course, simple screws are a lot easier ...

Hmm ... you could run the panel without assembling it inside the lid; just connect the lcd cable and power on (place upon towel or something). That allows checking quality first before returning it; extent of backlight-bleed and possible stuck pixels and the like. And if it turns out that it's an otherwise perfect screen; try the tape-assembly (carefully) and check the results. If not satisfied with its sturdiness you can always return it, regardless.

 

I did some testing with the screen freely leaning against my existing screen. It works fine, powered up and booted into windows. First thing I noticed was the gsync monitor found from the Nvidia experience trayicon. I rushed into the Nvidia control panel and Gsync was indeed selectable. Quick testing and it works!
However I am not sure how this tape mounting would work exactly, got any pictures where a tape mount is in place? My concerns right now are the existing setup uses the 2 mounting bars that extend from the hinges these provide the stiff reinforcement for the fragile LCD screen. However the new screen has no screw holes to attach them to these mounting bars. Amy twisting or pressure to the notebook lid would then directly affect the LCD screen.
Also can't think of anyway to attach the screen, only thing I could think of would be to somehow tape a thin flat surface to the 2 mounting bars then stick the LCD to this flat surface. Concerns of torque/pressure from the lid would still be in effect.
Regardless the LP173WF4-SPF1 screen does work if your existing LCD is 17.3" 30 pin EDP connector like the NP9377sm-a. Just need a reliable way to somehow mount this screen.

 

Also the difference between the spd1 and spf1 panels are unclear depending on which laptops they measured eg here Left is Acer Nitro with SPF1, right is Asus G751 with SPD1 panel, these were taken from reviews on notebook check for the Acer Aspire v17 Nitro and the Asus G751.


If we take the technical manuals of both panels then SPF1 has 600:1 contrast and the SPD1 has 700:1 contrast as the differences.

I still want a SPD1 panel for ease of mounting but may keep the SPF1 panel in case I get inspired on how to mount it.

 

You also need to take into account the different physical location of the EDP port at the back of the display, SPF1 has it parked right on the lower edge of the bottom, the SPD1 had it about 3 cm above the bottom edge.

 

Just tried DIY modding the SPF1 screen to fit into the NP9377sm-a lid. Not going to happen as the SPF1 has a horizontal tab underneath the bottom edge of the screen that blocks some tabs from the lid bezel from closing properly. This horizontal foil has circuit boards underneath and ribbons, not possible to bend or otherwise reposition.
To get around this you would need to remove 2 tabs from the lid front bezel.

So to summarize the SPF1 screen will function but will not physically fit the NP9377sm-a lid without extensive reworking of tabs/filling etc. However once installed the SPF1 screen allows overclocking of the refresh mode to 100hz as well as giving access to gsync via the leaked Asus Nvidia drivers.

 

G-Sync would be neat, and would guess the SPD1 will support that as well ...

Yes; disassembled 13.3" igzo panel.

Think that igzo is the reason for the non-screw design; it permits thinner screens, which doesn't leave room for screw holes. Thinner screen = thinner laptop = more sales ...

 

Yes the spd1 is used in G751 and GT72 where ppl have already seen gsync in action. The spf1 is used in Acer Nitro and Lenovo Y70 but no one has confirmed if gsync is enabled on those notebooks so probably lack of gtx980m/970m.
Igzo would be nice at higher resolutions with gsync in case fps drops below 60. However I'd be happy with the spd1 overclocked to 100hz with gsync enabled, smooth all the way!
Here's hoping my new seller ships me the correct panel.

 

Can someone with a G751 take some pics of their screen assembly. How the LCD panel attaches to the LCD underneath the lid, some shots of the side including the mounting holes if possible.

 

Ok, collecting all my thoughts and results thus far.

LP173Wf4-SPD1 used in Asus G751
LP173WF4-SPF1 used in some MSI GT72, Lenovo Y70, Acer VN7-791G

Both panels work for the leaked Nvidia gsync enabled driver.
Both panels are 30 pin EDP with connectors on the left when viewed from the back.

The 2 panels are different in size and thickness mostly due to the driver circuits/inverter locations. The SPF1 is taller because the circuits are contained on a separate board that hangs underneath the main panel and has foil wrapped around it this keeps the thickness down, the EDP port is located on this circuit board. The SPD1 is thicker as it has the circuits attached to the bottom back of the display and is thus less tall, the EDP port is located about 2 cm from the bottom of the panel.

The dimensions of the 2 are:

SPD1


SPF1


Figures of these 2 panels from the back:

SPD1


SPF1


Hopefully this information helps those who are looking to upgrade to one of these panels.

For myself on a NP9377sm-a inside the screen back cover there is what appears to be a steel bar that runs directly under where the screen would be located. This screen is mounted on the left and right sides by the notebook hinges and fastened by 4 screws on each left/right side.
The position of this bar prevents fitting the SPF1 screen as the circuit board that is underneath the main panel will push against this steel bar. There is not enough flexibility in this circuit board to allow the front bezel of the screen lid to attach.

That only leaves the SPD1 as being suitable with some minor adjustments. It should be able to be mounted via tape or glue. The smaller height of the screen will mean it can stay clear of the steel bar.

 

Any luck getting the SPD1?

 

It's like trying to order a special super limited edition collectable. Sellers claim they can get it but can make no commitments. With the Chinese new year they cannot get confirmation from the warehouses/factories and it'll likely be March until I can get any news on this unless a seller manages to source me the panel from outside Asia.
I even considered buying a notebook that has this panel and cannibalizing it but realized that there's only 2 confirmed models that are both v expensive! G751 and GL771. I saw 2 reviews from Russia that claim their Acer VN7-791G Nitro notebooks came with the SPD1 panel but when I went to look in the shops I saw they were LGD0469 or the SPF1 panels.
How I wish I could fit the SPF1 panel as is without modifying the back cover, there's so many notebooks that use this panel, Lenovo Y70, Acer VN7-791G, MSI GT72 etc

 

Well you'll just have to patient... Nothing can be done about it.. Well keep us updated if you get any news..

 

Haha this my thread still going ?

I knew that black foil will block properly fit panel in.. so that's why I passed it..
Hey @ kantana Why u want SPD when is thicker 4mm thick vs 6mm ? and it is even bigger vertically about 1cm and that is a LOT...
I suggest you to keep SPF
Which laptop you using actually ? can u post some pictures of the screen and laptop lid ?