My interesting path in panel upgrading, finding the The BOE NV156FHM-N4B

I think I will continue using with it with the ICC profile. It is effectively 100% stable with the -25 RGB using the Windows color calibration tool, and picture quality isn't affected so it looks exactly the same color wise and everything when brightness matched to default. Having the min brightness lower is helpful because I like really low brightness at night and was already planning to use a dimmer program so the end result is the same. And to be clear, I can turn brightness up to max just fine and have no issues as long as I'm running the ICC profile, so it's not like I'm limited to minimum brightness.

I looked at everything on panelook.com with the specs I wanted, and while there are some other decent options, this screen is basically perfect in every way. Some IPSs have worse response times, TNs worse contrast, and many panels have higher minimum voltages. It's a miracle how well the N4B matches the voltage tables of my stock screen compared to many others I looked at. Who knows if a random display will fry my motherboard due to varying voltage levels like that guy said earlier? Do I want to by another screen, install it, have the same exact flickering problem, uninstall and return it and wait for a refund, or do I want to just assume it's my system?

I see this more as a win that shouldn't have happened. I more than half expected to not even get a signal when I first installed it and was super hyped when I realized it actually worked. I got off lucky that the stock eDP cable even had two data lanes, because if it didn't it would have been a long time before I found a cable that not only had the same motherboard-side wiring, but also actually fit into the port which is somewhat proprietary to HP. Hard to find datasheets for the cables or for the board-side pinout from different laptops. HP's manual might be thorough but they aren't giving out detailed board schematics.

Using my laptop in its current state reminds me of my Sager NP9150. I love the premium experience of having a high end 1080p screen with the backlight on and reflecting off of the screen. The Sager's spirit lives on after a year of it being in dream state, the sweet prince.

Thanks for trying to help me out by the way as not many have on other forums. It was a fun and surprising experience today and the research leading up to it.

 

Do any NV156FHM-N4B owners notice teal not being produced quite correctly? I think it's because I'm used to the 80% NTSC on my desktop monitor now that I think of it. I wish I could compare it to my Sager's LG 60% NTSC, I remember that one looking really good but have no working laptop for the screen.

Currently I am not running the ICC profile because I figured out that it does indeed reduce the RGB luminance range outputting to the screen. I think the color problem has something to do with the eDP cable actually. There are usually four pins for LED power on the screen side connector, but the way the stock HP cable works is it uses two wires with two pins soldered to each instead of four individual power wires. I guess that a combination of highly saturated colors on screen requires certain voltages over individual pins that cannot be achieved when only two wires are being used in the eDP cable. It's also possible the screen is defective but I doubt it and will not go through the efforts of buying other displays and the wait time and refund processes involved.

I've tried a replacement eDP cable, my older RAM stick, re-inserting the cable, still same problem. I do intend to try booting to a different OS and testing to see if Windows 10 is the problem.

 

Hello need some help here o/.
I'm planning to upgrade my laptop screen, which is a Lenovo Legion Y720 launched in 2017 model with a Full HD (60Hz) display (N156HCE-EAA Rev.C1, 30 pins, eDP 1.2).
I have searched a lot but for some reason i don't find the responses for my questions any where.

1) Is there any way to discover or find the eDP (embedded displayport) version supported for my laptop? Nobody seems to talk about it

2) I read that versions of eDP are not compatible so propably a display eDP 1.3 or 1.4 wouldn't be compatible with a laptop with a eDP 1.2 port/connection/display, some one has ever did this? Replaced a 1.2 display with a eDP 1.3 or 1.4 display? My concerns about it are with energy supply and max transferer rates to allow 120 Hz or 144 Hz

3) And my last question is: Anybody has replaced the screen of this laptop with another supporting 120 Hz or 144 Hz? If yes which model did you choose?

P.S: If you are planning to upgrade the screen of this laptop you propably will need the internal plastic frame and the front glass (Lenovo has glued with silicone this 3 pieces), most likely is possible to remove with a heat gun and a razor blade but will it be too hard, you can find the plasic frame and the front glass on Aliexpress and sometimes eBay.

 

The CPU/GPUs found in that laptop support eDP 1.4 so that shouldn't be an issue, however you can use Nvidia's firmware update tool just in case, and updated graphics drivers shouldn't hurt either. CPU: 7700HQ eDP 1.4 and GPU: GTX 1060 DP 1.2 certified,1.3/1.4 ready.

The Innolux's physical dimensions look compatible so the BOE NV156FHM-N4B should fit the existing area. The datasheet that I could find for your Innolux N156HCE-EAA display shows compatible pin-out with the BOE NV156FHM-N4B display (with PWM at pin 23). My HP's original AUO display didn't have H-sync at pin 24, same as your Innolux, and the BOE upgrade still worked. H-sync is used for G-Sync support but the BOE display, which supports G-sync, doesn't seem to need a connection there. I have read of problems with some G-Sync laptops and the BOE upgrade, but I'm not sure if it's due to an H-Sync problem, or voltages or cable were not compatible.

My original AUO display was also 60Hz and eDP 1.2, and no problem with 144Hz on the BOE upgrade other than one instance I had to restart the laptop due to signal de-sync, and that hasn't happened again for months.

I wasn't able to find a datasheet specific to the C1 revision so most of the following is based on what I saw in the datasheet PDF of the version with no revision, however the panelook page for the C1 revision confirms they are pretty much identical other than different current draw. The BOE does use 3W more power than the Innolux, but I don't think that itself should be an issue as voltage matters more in this case. What is good is the LED power voltages match exactly with the BOE (5v/12v/21v), and the LED enable and PWM voltages are also very close. The Innolux is 2.2v-5v/2.2v-5v, the BOE 2.5v-5v/2.0v-5v and my original AUO 2.2v-5.5v/2.2v-5.5v. The PWM range is also different, from 190Hz-2Khz on the Innolux and 200Hz-10Khz for the BOE, but that shouldn't matter in terms of compatibility as again it's really about voltages.

I will say that due to either the possibility of eDP's cable's wiring, or the slightly different LED_EN/PWM voltages, you may end up seeing a similar occasional black/white screen issue as I and others have had with the BOE upgrade. Even less likely to see no picture or other major issues, but your original FHD screen guarantees the cable is wired for both data pair lanes. There are multiple solutions to the black/white screen issue that I and others have detailed in multiple threads that I will link below (with this thread also having lots of good info). The issue does not detract from the benefit of this display in my opinion, as it happens very rarely, especially once you implement solutions that fit your use (block solid color web elements with an adblocker, use an altered RGB icc profile, try CRU, re-seat eDP cable).

Innolux N156HCE-EAA datasheet: https://www.twscreen.com/en/lcdpane...a/n156hce-eaa/15.6/1920x1080-Laptop-LCD-Panel
Separate post on black screen issue with data sheet links for the BOE NV156FHM-N4B and AUO B156XTN07.0 HW0A: http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...black-screen-mystery-rgb-color-values.831879/

Threads on white screen issue:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/clevo-p650ra-screen-upgrade.829569/
http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/laptop-screen-issue.832441/

 

WOW! Thank you so much for the in-depth spec comparison between the displays, for the links with more info and for the concerns about the upgrade. I will go definitely with the BOE NV156FHM-N4B now and when the display arrives (1 or 2 months maybe more) i'll come back to report what hapenned and if this upgrade is possible.

 

After all these months I finally managed to install the BOE NV156FHM-N4B and it works smoothly at 144 hz with the brightness control buttons working perfectly. The contrast, colors, brightness level (cd/m²) and the frequency are magnificent near the monitor that came with this laptop. I highly recommend it! If you are going to do it on your Y720 you will need the LCD screen, the front glass and the plastic frame (AP12M000300) in addition to neutral silicone to stick the screen to the frame.

@edit: I just din't figure out how to enable g-sync in Nvidia Control Panel yet maybe is not possible because the original LCD was 60 Hz no g-sync. To 144 Hz work into desktop properly was needed to reinstall the Intel graphics driver again.

 

I upgraded my lenovo y700 15isk screen which gave me crushing headaches and migraines probably due to PWM with this screen (NV156FHM-N4B) mentioned in this thread.
I have to say this is a very high quality screen, its even better than the NV156FHM-NY4 of my legion 5 which is 144hz and 300nits aswell.
I bought mine from aliexpress for 95 Euros with shipping.
If you have the option to use this screen go for it, its an excellent choice.
A real pleasure to look at.
Thanks to all people in this thread.

 

@arcticjoe, I've upgraded my notebook's display to the -N4B as well, but HWiNFO tells me it's a -NY1. There is a very noticeable yellow tint to the screen, though. I'd like to increase the white point; does anyone have a calibrated profile?

 

Mine reports correctly: https://imgur.com/a/GdxrJiE
And yes there is a slightly yellow tint that I personally like but I feel that this monitor has a good potencial with color accuracy if someone could make and share an icc profile. In the first week that a made my upgrade i have seached a lot and cound't find any color profile for this model.

 

Mine says "BOE [Unknown Model: BOE0726]". What did the sticker on the back of the panel say?

For the tint, make sure the eDP cable is plugged properly on both sides and also check that Night Light is turned off in notification area. I'm not aware of any laptops notebookcheck.com reviewed that had the N4B but maybe a laptop with a similar BOE model and download that file from the review.

 

I have just installed a BOE NV156FHM-N4B in my Dell G5 5587.

No issues sofar and brightness control works as well.

I have a Spyder Elite 3 in good condition and I will try and do a calibration and uploade a profile this week.

Mine shows the following in HWInfo, but looking at Panelook it also shows the model as BOE0726
https://www.panelook.com/NV156FHM-N4B_BOE_15.6_LCM_overview_34862.html

 

So I small update.
Have been using it since wednesday, and it really seem to annoy my eyes.
Everything else is great about the screen, but I seem to be sensitive to the PWM backlight control.
I have reverted back to the old screen just to see that is not me going crazy.

 

I didn't like having 144Hz on personally so maybe that is it.

 

Yeah but I'm use to working on a 24" 144hz msi screen when I'm on my desktop PC. So not sure if that is the issue.

 

Does your original screen have PWM? I also think there's something about it that bugs me but I think that probably has more to do with the black levels as I'm used to LCD black levels while on IPS it's like deeper so everything looks a little more like surreal or something. It could be the PWM but certainly I don't get headaches looking at it at 60Hz.

 

Old screen was rated PWM free on Notebookcheck and it is not visible using my camera.

I was considering trying out the AU Optronics b156han07.0 since it is rated PWM free on notebook check. Matches up perfect on all dimensions etc.

It is 40 pin but after checking my laptop the connector on the main board is 40 pin. And the Dell G5 5587 also comes with a 40 pin UHD screen. So pretty sure it is a straight swop if I buy the Dell UHD edp cable.

 

Given the UHD configuration option + cable you should be good to go.

 

So anyone could confirm if NV156FHM-N4B has PWM? If yes, at which Brightness (below 100%, below 50%...)?

I'm using right now the Innolux N156HCE-GA2 (120Hz) with does not have it, but i would like a better display, so i'm between NV156FHM-NY4 and NV156FHM-N4B. PWM is the most important thing.

Anyone have this information?

 

its PWM for sure, at 100% and below. Still a nice panel though.

 

Strange, shouldn't have PWM at least at 100% Brightness.

NY4 seems to have PWM too.
NY1 seems to be a improved version of N4B, but i'm not sure about pwm (controversies):
( http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/laptop-screen-upgrades.816139/page-42).
( https://tieba.baidu.com/p/6322846573?pn=1) - Google Translator.

 

Mine did not have PWM at 100% but was visible when going below 100%.

 

The datasheet for N4B says max duty ratio is 100%

 

Thank you! I have no problem keeping it always at 100% Brightness, happy to know i will be able to use it this way.

 

what does max duty ratio is 100% exactly mean?
at 100% brightness no PWM but below yes?

 

Duty ratio is the percentage of time turned on during a cycle, so at 100% brightness the backlight is always on and thus no PWM, while below 100% brightness the duty ratio will lower.

 

Ok, got my BOE NV156FHB-N4B on Aliexpress (contacting seller first to confirm, many of them does not have it in stock).

I was using the N156HCE-GA2 (120Hz, IPS 700:1, 100% SRGB - Good Display Overall). Although the difference between them is not huge, I can see some improvement.

Unlike GA2, my Brightness control works (won't use it though), and NO PWM at 100% (Confirmed with Galaxy S9 Super Slow Motion).

I reduced Red and Green a bit in Windows 10 Calibration Tool (-5, -10), and now it looks better to my taste.

The only thing I'm not sure, is why Windows 10 shows it as 8 bit.

 

https://www.panelook.com/NV156FHM-N4B_BOE_15.6_LCM_parameter_34862.html

This shows it at 8-bit which isn't horrible but isn't the highest either. It depends on what you're using it for and the depth of colors you need for say manipulating video by the pixel from a high res source.

https://www.panelook.com/modelcompare.php?ids=30978,34862,40776 - shows the side by side of your original/new and my 4K option
your original / new panel are virtually the same when it comes to the color representation outside of the number of colors supported. It shouldn't seem as grayed out or dull with the additional colors being supported now.

Monitor Specifications you can find the supported Color Depth.

• 6 bit - 262 Thousand colors
• 8 bit - 16.7 Million colors
• 10 bit - 1.07 Billion colors

 

8 bit = 24 bit RGB depending on if someone is describing the bits per channel or the whole RGB signal.

 

So should I go for nv156fhm-n4b? Is it the best panel I can get for 30 pins? I'm afraid of response time and ghosting at 144 hz and thank for this fantastic topic.

 

Depends on what you want to use it for and whether there's a 30<>40 pin cable option for your machine. The cable swap isn't hard to do and it opens up other options for panels.

 

I really really would prefer a 2k 120 hz hz ips 8 bits if there is one in 15'6 inches or 144 hz with good response

 

OK. So, to get you there we're going to need a little more info like what kind of machine you have, CPU / GPU (whether they support those requirements). Have you looked to see if the machine ever came with a 144 or 4K panel? If it did then there's a good chance there's another cable with 40 pins on the panel side to plug into a higher res panel you're looking for.

For instance my machine has 2 cable options 30/40 to the panel. However my machine never had a 4K option which I figured if I'm pulling it apart and making the swap I would rather a 4K than a fast FHD. I spec'd out all the components to make sure they all supported a 4K panel and then went for it with success.

 

My laptop is gf62 8re (msi) with 1060 6gb with I think edp 30 pin and also my cpu is i7-8750h

 

Going off this you shouldn't have a problem going 2K/4K based on the HW.

If you dig up the service manual it should list available panel cables for the machine and there might be a 40 pin version available depending on the panel options that shipped with it as an option.

 

I ordered this screen from Aliexpress ( https://aliexpress.com/item/1005003102294546.html) but i received a fake one. Sticker says it's N4B but it's actually completely different model and i can't find it anywhere. Seller sent me a 6-bit 60 Hz screen and it was scratched

 

I'd try and get your money back as soon as possible if I were you. $145 is quite a bit to me. I don't 100% trust AliExpress for finding LCD panels as a result of this. I think they flashed a completely non-existent panel number as Panelook yields nothing, even though it's using a GV which also belongs to BOE...

Before I upgraded my Dell to a better eDP panel, I was looking for this panel in particular but had to find an alternative in the end. Ended up with an N156HHE-GA1.

 

I opened a dispute, hope Aliexpress agrees with me. I already lost 30$ i paid for taxes, now if I return the screen i might have to pay a bit for shipping. I had N156HHE-GA1 before but i broke it and was hoping to upgrade to IPS, didn't go too well.

 

@TheM4D