Y470 Screen Upgrade

Has anyone found a compatible 1600x900 screen to swap into the Y470? I've seen the y470 recommended in some threads with a screen swap, but nowhere have I been able to find any info on doing such. I apologize if I have asked this in too many places, but I haven't been able to get an answer elsewhere. I did do some googling, and found a couple possibilities (listed below), but I have no idea if they are compatible. Any input is greatly appreciated.

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14.0-inch LG LP140WD1-TLA1 Laptop LCD Screen 1600x900 LED Glossy - US$87.00 | HooToo.com

http://www.screencountry.com/index.php?section=products&part_number=LP140WD1(TL)(A1)

 

No doubt there are 14.0" 1600x900 screens out there, but as the Y4x0 IdeaPad series was never offered with a high-resolution panel, compatibility will be hard to judge. The biggest problem will probably be the screen connector placement and compatibility--your best bet there would be to take a close look at pictures of both and compare. Visually, if they are identical and are located at the same edge location of the display, there's a good chance the high-resolution panel would work.

This would be very interesting, as the Y470 and Y570 IdeaPads (and the previous generations) were great values, but just had horrid screen resolutions.

 

Would someone that does have the Y470 be willing to open theirs up and look at and take pictures of the lcd connector(s)? I would likely do it, but I'm still a week or two from getting mine due to various delays.

 

You need to make sure the LCD connector has all 40 pins, and if possible make sure the ribbon cable has all 40 copper traces.

 

And if that does happen to be the case, would that mean any 40 pin lcd would be compatible? Or are there different arrangements of pins that I should look for?

 

Having all 40 pins means it's dual-channel. Dual-channel cables work with screen resolutions higher than 1366x768. Then after that all you mainly need to be worried about is the placement of the connector on the display (and I think this is usually standard). I don't know if you'll have to worry about motherboard incompatibility.

 

Alright, I will be looking for that when I get mine (eventually). However, after looking at the service manual, it looks like I'll have to take the computer completely apart to get to the lcd stuff. Is there an easier way, if only to check the connectors, like in the 14 inch XPS? I'm not averse to taking computers apart (I built my own desktop), but I'd rather have less chance of messing up along the way.

 

The HP DV-Series was the same. They are a good value, but at first they didn't offer anything above 1280x800 and 1366x768. Now they finally started offering a 1920x1080 option. I wonder if Lenovo will ever follow suit.

 

And considering they advertise the Y series as being for gaming and entertainment, you'd think they'd at least leave themselves the option of offering a higher resolution screen in the future. I can't believe they don't already offer any higher resolutions yet.

 

So is there any update on this topic? I am on the fence about getting y470 and this would help solve the problem.

 

I will be getting mine on Monday, so I will open it up either then or Tuesday, whenever I have time.

 

Any news on this, I can get a really good deal on a y470 but I have to order this week!

 

@ sirlamesauce

If you can post of some pictures and possibly a step by step guide on how to open up the laptop after your venture that would be helpful for others looking to replace their display, thermal paste, keyboard or do some next level mods.

 

I'm not sirlamesauce, but the Y470 / Y570 Hardware Maintenance Manual contains detailed instructions and diagrams that describe the process of removing each component, along with the specific model numbers for parts.

I've already replaced the screen on my Y470 already with an LG-branded model of the same resolution. The Chimei Innolux LCD from Lenovo would distort if I lightly touched behind the screen. I've mentioned this in the owners thread, but while the LCD themselves have 40 pin connectors, the end of the cable that connects to the motherboard is only a 30 pin connector and some of the pins are used for the webcam, so not all 40 traces are connected.

 

Has anyone tried a screen upgrade? Or are we stuck with the 1366x768 res on the sweet Y470 (except for the screen)?

 

It's odd....

The lcd screen that came with my y470 is a LG (lp140wh2) which requires a 40 pin connector.

This would mean that any 14inch 40pin monitor would work, correct?

30 pin = single channel (lower resolutions only)
40 pin = dual channel (higher resolutions)

 

Well, I guess we'll see. I took off the back of the lid and sure enough, the current 1366x768 screen has 40 pins and the cable populates them all. Also, the connector is on the lower left corner where the power button is as you're looking at it from the front.

We'll see as I just took the plunge and ordered a 1600x900 LP140WD1(TL)(A1) monitor online. It's got a matte screen too so if it works, i'll be in heaven.

Slowly fixing all the things that bother me about the notebook to make it perfect! Now all I have to do is get the 62wh bettery and i'll be set. This is an AMAZING notebook thus far, especially with 8gb of memory and a Intel Advanced N 6205 wifi card. (MUCH better than the original intel one)

I'll post pictures and video possibly when I finally get the screen and install it.

 

I'm subscribing to this thread

 

Where did you manage to get the Intel Advanced N 6295 wifi card? I've seen them all over ebay, but it's better to know which sellers sells the one that works

 

I purchased it locally from a retailer. I would never buy any tech stuff from fleabay.

 

Where did you get the screen? I really want to upgrade mine too!!! Please let me know when you install it! Thanks!

 

did it work? so I know if I should order me one. Ive been trying to deside to either get the Y570 or the y470 all day!

 

If you're getting a 15.6" laptop, don't get a Y570, there are much better 15.6" midrange-gaming laptops available.

If you want a 14" laptop, the Y470 is a decent option.

 

I got me the 14in I like the somewhat portablity Cause im home every 2 or 3 days for 2 or 3 days and when im home I have it hooked up to mouse mointer and such

 

Is there an update to this upgrade...I am anxious to hear the outcome?

 

I am still looking forward to seeing any updates too!!

 

Yeah, i'm waiting for my new Ideapad to come from China right now. I have the screen from Vancouver, but still waiting on my notebook.

The last notebook died 5 days after I received it and instead of having to ship it to Lenovo, have them repair it and then ship it back, I just got them to give me a new one (with higher spec) and I paid the difference.

I'll be sure to update when it gets here and I have a chance to install it!

 

I will wait for it

 

I'm personally looking into upgrading the screen on my Y570 as of late, I'm looking to get a 15.6" 1600x900 screen (1080P text is too small for me).

The screen is not the only upgrade I'm looking to do, I'm also looking to upgrade my CPU to a i5 from my current i3 because Lenovo did not have a i5 model available in Canada at the time of purchase (i7 is overkill for my tasks).

Plus I'm looking to add an extra mini pcie slot onto the motherboard where the TV tuner slot is suppose to be (solder joints are intact) which would make the laptop have 3x available mini pcie slot, one taken up by WiFi card, adding SSD to mSATA slot and the extra slot for whatever in the future.

Lastly, I'm looking to do a cooling mod all around the laptop. Specially the main heatsink exhaust air gaps and adding copper shim to the north bridge chip (which has a thin piece of medal on it from factory) with addon heatsink.

With all this in mind, I think it maybe worth while for me to dissect the laptop. I'd really like to put of some pics during the process but I'm not a very good photographer and have a pretty bad camera for the task too.

Still pending...my future on mind upgrade is to swap out my multilingual Canadian keyboard for a US English keyboard cause I've not found a Y570 keyboard replacement for sale online as of yet.

Edit:

I was also looking into upgrading the Realtek sound chip on the motherboard to see if it eliminates the static noise with earbuds/headphones and provide better sound but de-soldering IC/BGA chips off motherboards (then re-soldering) is not my thing so I'm just going to be doing some serious EMI shielding in places I think need proper shielding.

 

There are two common 15.6" 1600x900 displays I've found in various laptops.

There's the LG LP156WD1 and the AUO B156RW01. Both seem to only come in matte flavors, though I'm not sure.

The LG screen, to me, seems to be of higher quality. It's the one used in the E6520 model on display in NCSU's bookstore.

I believe Thinkpads have used both screens. There are some rather good quality 1600x900 T5(1/2)0/W5(1/2)0's I've seen around campus, and there are others that are good quality (contrast) but the color representation seems dull.

For example, a friend's W510 has the 1600x900 screen, it cannot reproduce the color red well. But the T520/W520/E6520 in the bookstore seem to be fine with red reproduction. I'll have to take another look at them.

 

I believe there are Sammy panels too, I was just looking at one earlier today but it's only in matte. If I had to buy one I think I'd go with the LG since most Samsung vs LG comparison I've seen online makes me favor the LG for it's contrast and viewing angle. I cannot speak on the sharpness and color reproduction between the two brands with side by side pictures shown online but I do think the Samsung maybe slightly better built (more reliable). The Samsung panel is also more expensive compared to the LG in matte, however the LG in glossy is the same price as the Samsung in matte and I'd really like to go with a glossy screen but that can change.

Edit:

Very weird but the LG panel I'm interested in is more expensive in Glossy and cheaper in Matte like stated above. I was in the impression that Matte costs more than Glossy and under the impression the more expensive version in better and in this case Glossy. In any case I don't mind either but would prefer Glossy to Matte on smaller displays as I think it looks more color vibrant, sharper with better blacks; however Matte displays are brighter, more easy on the eyes and more economical (less brightness needed thus more battery life).

Update:

So these are the panels I'm considering:

LP156WD1(TL)(B3) 400:1 - 220 cd/m2 - 8ms - 65/65/55/55 (Glossy or Matte) - Very rare, haven't seen this particular revision on any forum. Users of the B2 revision suggest the panel has blueish tint, I'm thinking the trends follows onto the B3 revision ever so slightly. However, the contrast, brightness, response time and viewing angles are all excellent on this revision. This is my first choice but the possibility of slight blueish tint and keeping me on the ropes.

LTN156KT01 400:1 - 250 cd/m2 - 16ms - 55/55/45/45 (Only Matte) - Also very rare, maybe still new. Has white bezel, I have feeling colors are very accurate on this one. Contrast and brightness is better than the LP156WD1(TL)(B3) above but response time is 16ms and the viewing angle is not as good and it only comes in Matte. This is my second choice but the 16ms response time and slightly lower viewing angles is kinda of a let down.

LP156WD1(TL)(D3) 300:1 - 200 cd/m2 - 8ms - 60/60/50/50 (Glossy or Matte) - This is pretty common panel and found on many reviews with Dell, HP and Lenovo laptops and is the newer revision of the above LP156WD1(TL)(B3). Reviews suggest the panel display colors very accurately but brightness, contrast and viewing angles are not as good as the older LP156WD1(TL)(B3) revision. This is my last choice, I know the color representation on the panel is very accurate but having the lowest contrast and brightness keeps this panel in last place.

 

So is there anybody that replaced the low-res screen with a higher-res screen?

Because from what I'm understanding, this

means that it is definately not possible to install any screen with a higher res than 1366x768 - because that would require a dual channel LVDS connection which a 30pin LVDS connection does not allow.

Also: I got one negative report already that the B156HW01 (full hd) screen did not work on a Y570.
It also explains why lenovo does not support higher resolutions as an option.

Some more evidence:
The stock screen in the Y570 has the following specification: http://www.yslcd.com.tw/docs/product/B156XW02 V.2.pdf
When you scroll to the LVDS connection you will notice that exactly 10 pins from pin20 to pin30 of the 40pin connector are not used. I dont think this is coincidence.

It really sucks that Lenovo didnt put in the extra dollar to just have a seperate cable for the webcam/mic. Shame on them

 

Thanks for the post.

You've saved me so much time on research and compatibility problem if I were to go ahead with the upgrade which is not possible anymore with your explanation and it totally makes sense reason being Lenovo done this so that users cannot upgrade to a 3D screen before and if Lenovo decides to release the 3D version Y470P/Y570P.

In this turn of events Y470/Y570 users are crippled and cannot upgrade to a higher resolution panel even if they wanted to and know thus why Lenovo does not offer higher resolution options like you've stated above with the Y470/Y570 series.

Good post!

Edit:

I've found something really interesting, apparently the LTN156KT01 also comes in 30 pins and says it's for Dell laptops. If my assumption is correct then a 40 pin LTN156KT01 will work perfect fine on the Y570 considering it does not need the full 40 pins to operate but then again I stand to be corrected.

Here's a link to the 30 pin panels:

http://www.aliexpress.com/product-g...n-30-pin-for-DELL-LTN156KT01-wholesalers.html (link corrected for 1600 x 900 resolution)

Update:

Turns out UnsightlyGuy is right and both the Y470 and Y570 suffer from a 40 pin LCD back panel connector that is Y onto a 30 pin connection on the laptop's motherboard so no panel upgrade over 1366 x 768 resolution is possible on the laptop.

This thread is a good as dead unless one is looking to replace a user related damaged panel (not cover in warranty) or has a C (Chi Mei) or CPT (CHUNGHWA) panel and looking to upgrade to a better L (LG) or (S) Samsung panel. AUO panels are not that bad, they a bit worst than L and S panels but better than the C panels.

PS. OP or moderator please change the thread title to " Y470/Y570 Screen Replacement/Upgrade" which now makes more sense.

 

Well, I can confirm that Auo Optronics B156HW01 didn't work. Well, it kinda did - I was able to see what's on the screen and set the resolution to 1920x1080, but there were tiny white lines covering the whole screen about 1mm apart.
No amount of fiddling with drivers and connector helped. Probably exactly due to this problem - guess it was only getting about half of the signal, and just filled what it didn't get with white lines.

I got my laptop about a month ago with GTX555M, so it may be a bit different from regular Y570s (for example, my panel was LG, not AUO as in many 570s). So I'll take it apart and look at the LVDS cable - I'm expecting to see 10 pins cut off from the LVDS cable and go to webcam, or somewhere else. I'll post here with my findings.

Someone please try sticking a 30pin 1600x900 screen into this thing and report to us =)


Edit:
By the way, the screen my Y570 came with was LG LP156WH4(TL)(A1).
The LVDS cable that came with it was:
PIQY1_LVDS
DC020017910 Rev 1 0
11/05/06

 

Well going 30 pin to 30 pin makes sense and you can buy the cable off eBay for $30, only thing is you'll be loosing the webcam and microphones in the process without using the Y cable (which I do not want loose). And I'm just afraid the motherboard might not make use of all 30 pins even if you get a 30 pin to 30 pin cable and connect the LCD panel directly to the motherboard without the webcam Y splitter. However, the possibility of this method has a higher chance of working than any other method and panel with over 1366 x 768 resolution (1600 x 900 being highest with 30 pin).

@ DarkDvr

I don't think having a GTX555M makes any difference in on the LCD panel connection, my Y570 came with a Samsung panel which I'm pretty happy with but I might be looking into upgrading to a newer 2011 revision since I maybe dissecting the laptop very soon. Correct if I'm wrong but the GTX555M model means it's with 144 SP Cores like the ones found on Dell's XPS but with GDDR5 correct? How much memory does the GTX555M have?

 

Well, hope dies last as they say. So far I'm still researching for any possible way to upgrade this screen.
Lenovo's 555M is different from other 555M, having only 96 cores (lowest) @ 753MHz (highest), along with 128Bit (lowest) GDDR5 (best). Dell XPS 17 has the most powerful version of 144 cores, but with GDDR3.
Coupled with my i7 and 8GB RAM this thing is actually more powerful than I expected. It runs SC2 on max settings for god's sake, hehe.
If only I could upgrade that damn panel....

 

I'm certain the 30 pin to 30 pin method will work but like I said I don't want to loose my camera and microphone even though I do not use them very often. If you're willing to loose the webcam, microphone and some battery life then I can bet on my NBR reputation the 30 pin method will work with the Samsung LTN156KT01 1600 x 900 (30 pin) from AliExpress (link above) along with a 30 pin to 30 pin cable from eBay: Gateway JM30 UC7308U H13VV LVDS Cable (30pin!!!) | eBay which is $30 (corrected above)

 

Bump...

I'm hoping someone has tried a 900p screen on this puppy - if so please report.
I'm returning the 1080p screen that didn't work and wondering if I should ask them to exchange it for 1600x900 one.

 

If they allow you an exchange, the second part would be if they have a 30 pin 900p 15.6" screen in stock.

 

Whether they have it in stock or not, is not as important as finding out whether it actually works on this laptop.

 

@ DarkDvr

Question:

After installation of the 1080p panel, does the white lines only appear in Windows or does it also appear at post and in BIOS?

 

BIOS, immediately after boot. So its definitely not the driver =(

 

I just wanted to make sure because to my understand a 30 pin to 30 pin connection should work but I've just remember on small detail. The 10 pins used for the webcam/mic can be turned off via keyboard function hotkey, which I think disables the 10 pins but good news is every-time you restart the laptop at post the 10 pins are re-enabled (enabled be default). So let's say you get a 30 pin panel with cable and connect directly to motherboard (not the Lenovo Y cable) and everything works as should but then by chance press function + esc in Windows (turns off webcam/mic or 10 pins) you'll end up with white lines across the screen this can be easily fixed by press the same combination to re-enable 10 pins or restart the laptop which re-enables the 10 pins at post.

To sums things up, there are a few things to be aware of with this LCD panel mod:

You need a 30 pin panel (1600 x 900 is highest and pretty hard to find)
You need a 30 pin to 30 pin LVDS cable (make sure it's good length)
You won't be using the Lenovo 40 pin to 30 pin Y cable thus loosing webcam and mic functionality.
You must avoid pressing function + esc which disables 10 pins (Pressing same combination or restart re-enables the pins)

That's about it, if you do find one in stock let us know how it turns out with pics; good luck!

 

That's interesting, didnt know there are screens with 30 pins and LED and 1600x900. That resolution would fit the screen perfectly.

Now, I dont understand why you are talking about disabling 10 pins. From what I understand, the 40 pin cable is simply converted to a 30 pin cable that gets into a proper 30 pin lcd connection slot. I have not opened my Y570 so I'm just speculating based on the hardware manual and some reports.

So if it is true that the 40 pin cable is actually seperate from the micro/camera cables, there would be no reason why you shouldnt be able to replace the 40-30 pin cable with a 30 pin - 30 pin cable.
In any way, did anybody actually try to change the cable yet? How hard is it considering the cable goes through the screen holding hinge.

 

Here is the LVDS connector on the system board:

lvds y570 on system board

So yeah, 40 pins mapped to 30 pins apparently.

Though, all the supposedly 30 pin screens with more than 1366x768 pixels that I've seen look rather shady and there are no specifications for them, so no chance to verify the LVDS signaling.
Also, I'm really not sure the LVDS controller on the Y570 would actually support more than 1366x768 in single channel LVDS mode.

So I guess the only way to upgrade this screen would be to somehow access all 40 pins on the system board and then use a 40 pin cable..

 

This isn't really a fix, but I found this rather interesting:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/windows-os-software/588144-how-hack-dpi-settings-windows-7-likely-works-vista-too.html

I haven't tried it out yet since my Y470 hasn't shipped yet.

 

any y470 screen replacement news?

 

Has someone got it working?

Or tried the 30 pin method?

Would this work with the Y470?

A 1600x900 Matte Screen with a 30-pin connector

And check out the two displays for the Y570

Which two my surprise have the option for a 1920x1080 screen with a 30-pin connector

1st Option

2nd Option

They both have a 30 pin connector, BTW they are the last options

Would this work?

 

Any update on this front? Im consider purchasing a Y570 later today and the screen res is really the only drawback for me.

 

I gotta be honest, I'm disappointed with Y470 screen especially in comparison with my other laptop. I don't mind the resolution as much as the lack of contrast and washed out feeling from it. It's not terrible, but I'm used to something better. Looking at the same picture with some black and gray colors side by side leaves a lot to be desired. My question is how can I find out the type of my current display panel without taking it out? I want to make sure I got AUO panel, then it will make sense to upgrade.

Edit: Called technical support and gave them my serial number. I have 14.0 HD LED Panel, LGD LP140WH2-TLQ1 HD GLED1 NB. I don't think that Samsung is much better, so I guess upgrading is not viable for me.