X1 display on a T430?

I actually have x200 I just did the mod on. The screen is noticeably glossy, I don't know how people deal with it. It's fine indoors but outside it gets very noticeable.

 

What are the HP Envy 14 Spectre, and Alienware M14x panel numbers? Need to track these down if those two laptops are going to be of any use to us.



Alienware M14x
According to the PcMag review, the Alienware M14x screen is quite impressive:

According to the LaptopMag review:

HP Envy 14 Spectre
Engadget review:

Very good, if this is true.


Notebookcheck review:

The review continues:

So these two displays seem like excellent candidates, along with the X1C.

 

Update:

Hmm all the resellers on eBay have no shortage of the LP140WD2(TL)(B1) panel, but they label it as from t420!

LP140WD2 TL B1 | eBay

Any reason why it's claimed to be from a t420? Is it just a series of mass mis-labelings?

Meawhile, a search for "x1 carbon screen" returns nothing....

 

That's because you don't want the B1 but the E2 version : LP140WD2-TLE2

 

I would like to try the LP140WD2-TLE2 swap in my T420. I'm really tired of my crappy AUO, and am willing to kill it with fire when I manage to get the X1c display to work.

I see these screens in UK and European online shops for about 100EUR, and it seems to me I would be willing to take a bite. The only concern left for me is whether the LCD is whitelisted in BIOS or not? Can somebody shed some light on this?

Cheers!

 

I don't think anyone knows at this point... My current T430s will be returned so I have a while to wait before I could do this upgrade. Your willingness to possibly take one for the team is appreciated... Do post of your exploits should you go forward... (The more pictures you post the more rep power you'll get...)

 

I can't confirm for the T430 but on the T420 I did managed to use a non approved glossy panel on my T420 and it works fine. The T420 didn't seem to care what panel you used as long it has the right LVDS connector... well under my observation anyway.

 

X1 LCD screen thickness is different, so it won't fit in the T430 or T430s.

 

@LEAD_ORG: From all I've seen, Carbon's lid appears thinner than that of T4x0? What's the source of your information?

@Hearst: Thanks! I'm moving soon, so can't deal with this right now - but I'm definitely going to give it a shot in January!

Cheers!

 

But the T420(s)/T430(s) all use Slim-LCDs. Or are there even slimer LCDs than slim-LCDs?

 

X1 Carbon uses sticky tape to mount the LCD in the lid. My friend have already tried to do this with his T430s but he failed.

I am trying to see whether the T430u can accept a higher resolution LCD, will wait for the machine to ship.

 

Thanks lead_org.

Looking here under FRU Videos -> LCD Panel -> removal does indeed show that TLE2 panel has no mounting holes, i.e. it is not screwed in like our panels.

This puts an end to a dream of having this exact panel swapped in T420/T430 series.

But the hunt continues! There's got to be a decent panel for our machines - otherwise I've got to replace my main machine. I spend too much time in front of a computer to punish my eyes with this AUO crap that we have!

I will keep an eye on this thread, in case someone runs into an idea...

Cheers!

 

Guys, before you even consider going through the trouble and expense here are some pics of the X1 Carbon screen.
IMO it's not good at all, but you can decide for yourself.

 

Very helpful screens MIB, it confirms my experience with X1C. While it has better gamut and viewing angles, it still has visible griddyness.

Good gamut (or even viewing angles) are really not THAT important to me. Meanwhile Hearst's unapproved cheapy AUO panel seems to have no griddyness at all.. Go figure...

 

I don't think one should make broad generalizations based on one screen. While some have reported seeing a griddy screen, I myself never saw it on the X1C I had.

 

While waiting for the right screen this might be helpfull for some. This is a screen calibration file for the LG screen on t430 made with the spyder3 colorimeter.

 

Since we're told that only one panel is used across all X1 Carbons, one way to account for 2 different impressions in people is, perhaps the same one that accounts for 2 different coatings on trackpads: some X1C's carry proper trackpads, and some have resin sprayed on top in a way that made it difficult to use, so perhaps there are two major factories that produce all X1Cs, and one of them sprays incorrect or excessive matte coating on the screens, producing the vertical griddyness.

 

First, Lenovo factories -- or any PC factories -- do not spray matte coating on screens. Second, the delicate coating application process by the display manufacturers does not cause the "griddiness" or "screen door effect" that certain users have reported.

 

Thanks. What accounts for it then ? People who have glossy panels generally don't report the problem to the same effect.

Note: by griddyness I am referring not to thicker-than-average space between pixels, but vertical grooves of pixels, present in almost all matte screens I've seen, and extremely visible in the screenshots excellently provided above.

 

Different design/manufacturing processes. The same "griddiness" or "screen door effect" has been observed on certain glossy screens -- for example, the one on the Dell XPS 15 L521X (2012).

I know.

Fact is, any LCD, observed closely enough (or its image intentionally magnified), will reveal some kind of grid as the pixels are arranged separately, with tiny gaps between neighboring ones. The difference is in fine vs. coarse pixel pitch.

In any event, I don't think it is productive to prolong this discussion because, actually, the situation is old news.

 

Today I replaced the T420s screen with X1C's one - LP140WD2(TL)(E2) - ordered from laptopscreen.com
You are right there is no mounting holes on X1C's LCD, but who cares, I used double sided tape and it is rock solid.

I also ordered cable extender from them, because X1C connector is in different location.
The only problem what I should solve that this extender needs more place because of the two extra connectors, that's why there is a small hole between LCD bezel and LCD itself above the Switch ON/OFF button along a 10 cm area.
I will try to extend the original cable in different way, probably soldering.

I made some pictures during the procedure. I can upload if you wish.

I decided to buy T420s, as it is the last TP with classic keyboard.

 

I must see it to believe it... This was prime for a step by step how-to

 

Please, attach the images if you can. I'm still interested in this...

 

What you described is spot on. I had the opportunity to see two X1 Carbon notebooks in person and spent some time investigating the mod. I concluded for myself that the marginal gain in "screen quality" is not worth the trouble. (I managed to exchange the part for something else, used in a different notebook.)

Best of luck to those who want to try this mod.

 

pictures and description
LINK

Comments corrected! - first and second replaced

 

I'm trying to replace my T61p IPS Frankenpad, so there is no chance at all to keep T420s crappy LCD...

 

Awesome that this worked. Does the new panel have the T430s screen door effect?

 

Hi, me too I'm terribly frustrated by the screen quality of my T430 and I really want to change it.
Virgi44, thank you for the pictures. Have you managed to solve the problem related with the thickness of the extender? Are you happy with the new screen?
Kaso, have you managed to swap your panel with one of another notebook? Could you give us more details?
Thank you very much

 

I decided to leave the panel alone.


Welcome to the forum.

 

Good news! It is possible!
I've replaced the screen of my T430 with the one of the X1 (purchased on laptopscreen.com) and it works perfectly. There were no significant problems, the cable extender fits well.
I advise not to buy the standard cable extension (the one for 15"), but the longer one.
As Virgi44 already pointed out, the X1 screen can't be screwed. Nevertheless I haven't used any tape to fix it: vertical supports are already present, and the screen can be supported horizontally too by adding shim on its left (I've just used folded cardboard). Thin shim is necessary on the back of the screen too.
While dismantling the old screen, I recommend to remove the screen bezel by pulling it from the interior edge (the edge that is in direct contact with the screen) using your nails (it is not natural, but Lenovo advised so, and doing the contrary is terribly difficult). While re-assembling the bezel, start from the lower side and pay attention to correctly fasten the three hooks present in the center part of this side (it is difficult, but if you don't do it you'll end up with a big hump).
If your T430 hasn't the HD+ screen (1600x900px) but it has the HD one (1366x768px), it is possible to replace the screen as well (it was my case), but it is necessary to replace the LCD cable. In this case you'll have to disassemble many other parts of the pc (you can find instructions on Lenovo website).
The new screen is very good, lot lot superior to the original crappy one (in my case, the original one was an LG).

 

I've just ordered T430 with HD screen and X1 LCD to try such replacement. Please, give me more info: what is difference between HD and HD+ LCD cables? do you know FRU of HD+ cable? where you've bought it? Thanks,

 

Can you make pictures/video and give us the parts u used if this worked for you? T430 screen is really bugging me, but as Im not a very crafty guy, i just want to see it in pictures if and how it can be done

This would be great!!

 

Concerning the HD and HD+ cables:
the HD and the HD+ cables look the same, but HD+ LCDs don't work with HD cables.
In some countries you can purchase the HD+ cable straight from Lenovo, otherwhise on e-bay (user twin-bears in UK should have something, try to contact him) or from a shop in China (contact him on skype, user think_2009). The HD+ calbe FRU is 04W6867 or 046868 (the first is labeled Amphenol while the second is labeled Foxconn, in my opinion there shouldn't be any difference). As I said, to replace the cable you've to disassemble a lot more than what you would have to do just for replacing the screen. You can find some instructions here: LCD panel and LCD cable removal and installation - ThinkPad T430 and T430i

Concerning the pictures I've upload something as soon I've time, give me a couple of days

 

Bad news.. After some weeks of perfect operation, I've started to experience some noise on the screen.
I've discovered that the fault lied in the cable extender: it seems to be deteriorated due to the tight bend i was forced to do near the screen connector (the sandwich which the cable is made of unglued).
Here you can find a picture of the connection just before placing the screen in its place:
Once the screen is in its place, the cable extender lie under it. On the picture I've marked the place were the cable deteriorated.
Unfortunately I can't see other ways to place this model of cable extender. And unfortunately it seems that there aren't other model of cable extender on the internet.

 

Sorry to hear that. Hope you can find a more pleasant alternative.

Personally, I'm tired of buying a brand-new notebook and "fixing" it.

 

Have you heard about the 14" FHD IPS matte panel of the newly released Alienware notebook? I hope Lenovo will offer this 14" displays in their upcoming notebooks.

 

Wow for what I know it should be the first 14" laptop with IPS screen. Now that we found out that the X1 screen is very difficult to be fitted in the T430, the screen of the new Alienware can be seen as an interesting new candidate. We just have to find out the model of the Alienware screen.

 

It might be the AUO B140HAN01, so far the only 14" full HD IPS panel AFAIK.

Also mentioned here: AnandTech | The AMD Kabini Review: A4-5000 APU Tested

 

By the way, I live a basic piece of advice that probably most of you have already considered: try to adjust settings in "Intel graphics and control setting". Obviously the poor angles of view can't be fixed, but by increasing a lot saturation (+8) and tuning a bit contrast, brightness and gamma, you can really improve the quality of the image.

 

That's what I did! I found that it worked really well and virtually eliminated the washed out look that so frustrated me upon arrival. I have to say that I'm quite happy with it these days!

 

Not sure if this might be relevant to the T430 as it is a recent model but on previous Intel Integrated Graphics there was a feature called 'Display Power Saving Technology' which caused some weird color and contrast phenomena. Might want to check if it or a similar type of feature is enabled.

 

Yes, if enabled that feature causes occasional back-light and contrast instability on T430 as well, when powered by battery. Yet, the poor image quality of the T430 screens unfortunately is not occasional but constant...

 

Finally I've got all parts to upgrade T430 HD to X1 HD+ LCD.
LP140WD2 TLE2 FOR LENOVO THINKPAD X1 CARBON 3448 HD++ LED LCD SCREEN MATTE EXACT $59.99+11.99, now available $65.99 but I reference exactly what I bought (Seller: screencountry_com)
HD+ LCD cable is rather expensive but works without problem.
NEW IBM Lenovo ThinkPad T430 T430i LCD Video Cable 0B41077 0B38965 for full HD $32 (Seller: siyouweb)

But there is a big problem with extension cable
10.1" 14.0" 15.6" LED Screen Extension Converter Cable Left to Right 40PIN $5.43 (Seller: see-ic)

When power on sometimes I see post screen but after that screen goes blank. Backlight still works and I can change brightness. It looks like something in notebook or LCD getting hot very quickly and stops. After that notebook works perfectly with new LCD without extension cable and with external monitor. I believe I plug cables correctly (I see correct picture sometimes!) So the problem is in extension cable. I've tested it with multimeter and all wires seems to be alive. No short circuits also.
Is it possible that LCD doesn't work because cable is just too long? In this case there is no sense to buy another cable.
May be there are longer HD+ LCD cables for other notebooks? Do you know type of connectors used by Lenovo cable? I'll try to search by type of connectors. I found LCD has I-PEX connector, but can't find info about motherboard connector.

Btw, we need extension cable for reverse direction. It would be shorter and without need to fold.

Thanks

 

I've solved my problem by replacing LCD extension cable.

 

@all-x

Would you have any pictures to share with the forum of your upgrade?

 

Hello all-x, have you replaced it with the same model that you've previously adopted? As I wrote in June, me too I've experienced problems with the extension cable, that unfortunately deteriorated on the bends after some weeks of perfect operation. We'll stay tuned, let us know if this cable works well on the long run! Thanks

 

Sorry for this sketch I already sticked LCD, so no photo. It's front view like second photo, in fact LCD extension cable is behind LCD.
1. Connect LCD extension cable to LCD.
2. Fold it from down to up to hide behind LCD
3. Fold it from right to left
4. Stick it to LCD to fix in place
5. Fold it last time - LCD cable connector should be in right place and position. Note (photo) it should be near bottom LCD border because LCD cable connector is rather thick and can't be behind LCD.
6. LCD cover has two (or more?) supports for bottom LCD border. One of them (left, marked as red) needs to be removed to free space for LCD extension cable. I used dremel to take care of it.
7. X1 Carbon LCD have no mount holes as original T430 LCD so I make them myself: cut from T430 LCD (fortunately it was already broken)

NOTE: I didn't try to install LCD bezel yet. May be these mounts will prevent bezel to sit in the right place. In any case I (may be) will remove them and use only two-sided sticky tape (also don't like this way).

8. Connect LCD cable (don't forget - you need HD+ version), add two-side sticky tape to your taste and put it all together for your own risk

9. Enjoy your new LCD. In fact it's only 3/4 of my good old T60 UXGA. And it is not IPS too. The only reason I need new notebook is World of Tanks, game that I addicted to this year However it's playable on my frankenpad with FX570m video and X9000 cpu in XGA except some hard locations.

 

Yes, extension cable was almost the same, only ~10mm longer, only this length was in stock. Because my notebook now is used only at my table and without LCD bezel, it is not stress testing...

 

Do you plan to install the bezel? Will it fit flush or will you have to modify it? Is there definitely an improvement over the stock T430s screen? Thanks for your experimentation!

 

Great info in this thread. Kudos to the members who bit the bullet to try and find out if this will actually work. I recently purchased a lightly used T430s but unfortunately it does NOT have the HD+ screen(its only 1366x768). Looks like the X1C screen will work with some modification(additional HD+ LCD cable and extender).What about the HD+(1600x900) screen used in the T430s itself(not X1C). Is it simply plug and play? Can I just purchase one, remove the old LCD, and replace the new HD+ screen without additional modifications? Or is the benefit of the X1C screen worth the trouble to modify it to fit?