My Experience on GX660 (non R) Screen Upgrade to 1080p (B156HW01 v.4)

Hi guys,

Just wanna share the info that me and forum member: g.f.y. gathered over the past two months just trying to upgrade our screen to AUO B156HW01 v.4 screen. Its the FullHD resolution LED Matte screen with high color gamut that everyone talk about.

Before you order any screen, you might wanna check the part number of your LVDS cable. Its the 40pin cable attached to your screen and cmos webcam from your motherboard. If you bought the laptop with 768p resolution, the chances are, the cable wont support upgrade to 1080p (FullHD) resolution, or simply any LED screen. I haven't confirm the latter since I haven't found anybody upgraded to 1080p LCD, most of em are LED.

These are the part numbers of the cables (that I found) that are confirmed not working with FullHD:
K19-3023015-H39: listed for MS16F1 and MS16F2 model (my original ones)
K19-3023015-V03: listed in the GX680 dissasembly manual (what g.f.y. has)
K19-3023012-V03: listed in the GX660 dissasembly manual (confirmed by TalonUIUC and RobM from RKcomputer).

And here is the part number that I got from MSI forum and it worked with FullHD LED screen:
K19-3031001-V03
K19-3023015-V03 (submitted by RobM from RKcomputer, thanks)

The reason why I posted this thread is because it is very difficult to get any useful information from the MSI itself. Their representative is definitely helpful, but not that knowledgeable. I got the FullHD cable part number from a guy in MSI forum (thanks RevBillyG) that is not affiliated with MSI. I got nothing at all from MSI, they simply said that the FullHD cable is not listed for this model or they never tested one with this model. So far, the only thing that worked for me is to get info from forums, and then give the part number to MSI to check stock availability. But to check whether your info is accurate or not, you gotta try it yourself, or rely on the forum.

And thats the second reason; it is really difficult to find MSI office or service center that actually sells parts. I contacted a few MSI office in different countries, and so far only USA (don't have the K19-3031001-V03 in stock), and Australia (where I got mine from) that sell parts. UK's and Indonesia's do not. The MSI online help told me to contact Singapore and Malaysia service center, so they might sell parts, but the online help replied my e-mail almost a month after my inquiry and I already got my cable by then, so I didn't contact any of them. The cable that g.f.y. ordered and waiting for confirmation is from Malaysia tho, so they most proly sell parts, and I dont think any of em ship internationally. I haven't asked tho.

I upgraded my screen to AUO B156HW01 v.4 (1080p) from the regular one; Chunghwa CLAA156WB11A (768p). As you all might know, the AUO screen is pretty hard to find, and I got mine from kuzotronic.com (forum member: barlow00). After all my paranoid question about whether the screen is authentic or not, and countless email just trying to find the cable for the screen, and then the special shipping request, I gotta recommend the guy for his patience and excellent service.

The screen itself compared to the regular one is really bright and colorful. It definitely looks better, but the tone is so strong its actually straining the eye, calibration is indeed needed. I calibrate mine with Calibrize since windows calibration doesn't support wide gamma screen. After calibration, it somehow doesn't look so much different (a bit better proly) in terms of color, to what the original (Chunghwa) screen looks like (if you view the Chunghwa dead on from the front), but what excel is, the clarity and viewing angle of the AUO is so much better. I don't have to see the screen dead on from the front anymore to see the picture clarity. Since thats what bother me the most with the Chunghwa screen, I'm really happy with the new AUO screen.

Do note that 5870m is not strong enough to play demanding games in 1080p resolution, and the B156HW01 v.4 screen somehow doesn't support 1366x768 resolution, so I put mine at 1280x720. I'm looking to upgrade my gpu to 6970m or 6990m in the future.

Finally, this is my first thread, so I'm sorry if I violate any rule or mention names that don't want or not supposed to be mentioned. Please let me know and I will edit the post ASAP. I just wanna share my experience and help people who wants to upgrade their screen. Any other info that needs to be corrected or added, please let me know as well.

Thanks.

Heres some screenshots. From left to right, the Chunghwa original, AUO default, and AUO calibrated:

 

This should help a lot of non R gx660 owners out there such as myself, the screen is rare, but the lvds cable itself is rarer.

Based on my exchanged emails with rkcomputers, they can place a special order for you IF you are a resident of the US. They turned down my plea to ship internationally. Though I understand their reasoning with regards to breaching their contract with msi if they sell me one.

My cable will arrive come monday, been more than a month since ordering. (Customs delay) but the screen itself i've tested on my hp envy 15, and the screen holds it's reputation for overall quality.

I cannot exaggerate how much better this is compared to our cruddy 60% (? correct me) stock screen with terrible viewing angles.

Can't wait to actually mount this on my MSI as well.

 

Well called RK turned down my request to order me a LVDS cable. I called and the guy said that they simply don't special order then anymore because they kept getting the wrong part # or cable sent that it is just not worth it to them to order them. Anyone think I should try email or call back again tomorrow? I really don't want to bug them, but I don't know where else I could get this cable.

 

Well I emailed frosty computers and they are putting in a special request from the warehouse for me! Looks like they should be able to get me a cable! Next have to find a screen. I think Ryzeki said he got his from GenTech, so I think I'll be calling them next.

 

Yup, and I couldn't be happier for such a good price! Definitely contact them. Much better colors and better viewing angles. Most importantly, blacks! They at least exist now! haha.

 

@ryzeki

do you need to calibrate your screen? or it just looks perfect from the get go?

 

Oh I had my settings from my previous panel, with 125 color saturation, brightness at -8 and thats it I think. It looks perfect!

Not sure how to calibrate, but I did see that using the EID or whatever is spelled, the self identification of the screen made colors look a bit weird. I kept my own settings and it looks good.

It looked great from the get go! Specially blacks. I have blacks *cries*

 

lol, i feel you with the black, i hated the old screen with the glossy black as well

well the b156hw01 v4 that i have needs to be calibrated, thats the only downside of it, coz when it start windows it will look really bright and strong and kinda red, til the calibration program kicks in and fix it

i want something that looks good from the get go ^^

 

Anyone know if this cable will work..

I've located K19-3023012-V03, LVDS CABLE,23,76/253/209mm,MB-40pin/LCD-40pin/CMOS-6P

But qloony said it hasn't been confirmed yet. Any changes to this? Is it a Full HD cable? I don't want to drop $60.00 for nothing. Thanks!

 

Last time I was waiting for g.f.y. cable to arrive, to see if what he is getting is the K19-3023012-V03, and if it will work or not. But he said that he ordered gt680 cable, which on the disassembly guide listed the same as what he had. So at this point im just waiting for his cable to come and see what he is getting.

if you order it from frosty, just ask them if they are sure the cable will support fullhd, and what is their return policy just in case it doesnt. i bought mine for 60usd as well btw, and nobody can confirm it as well, even from msi.

 

I ordered the cable on Friday, and another user on here thinks it might work. I'll keep you guys updated on it. I still have to order a screen. I've been watching youtube videos and the disassembly guide so that I don't mess this up. I've never changed a laptop screen before, so don't know fully what I'm getting myself into. I don't want to mess this up. Is it a fairly simple process? From what I can tell, I only have to remove the front screen cover and the control panel since I need access to change the LVDS cable. Any tips of suggestions from your own experience, or have any guides or posts you can point me to? I plan on making a guide for my screen change and for my 6990 installation.

 

The front screen cover is actually pretty easy, just pry it open with your nails, start from the side, the top, the bottom.

Now the control panel is more difficult. it still uses snap on, but way stronger than the front cover. The youtube dissasembly guide make it look so easy tho. Start from the side and work your way to the other end. The mid section is the hardest since they seem to latch pretty strongly, so you have to use quite a force to open it, be carfeul not to break it tho. Try to wiggle it as well. Remember that theres a cable that connect the control panel to the mobo. its around the mid area, so dont pull the control panel too far away from the machine, or you might rip it apart.

The next hardest one is removing the old lvds cable, since it is taped twice to the screen for extra hold. You wanna peel it slowly and keep the tape, since youre gonna use it for your new cable. Pay attention to the old cable if you wanna keep it, since its really easy to tear it. After all that, just gently push in the new cable, make sure its latched, then tape it again so it wont fall off in the future.

I think i covered everything as far as i can remember. Do ask away if you have any question. Good luck with your cable, and please update me when you have the chance so i can update this thread too.

Thanks

 

Thank you for this! I will let you know how it goes. My LVDS cable was delivered today, and my screen is coming on Monday from GenTech.

 

Welp that was fun.. haha. Cable was too short, and so I can't connect the new screen. Trying to locate the cable you guys have. I emailed MSI AUS RMA from the posting you did on MSI forums. Hopefully I can get a cable as well, if not I'm kinda out of luck I guess, and wasted some $$.

 

really? your cable is the K19-3023012-V03 right? it supposed to fit just fine, which part is too short? and does it work tho? if it works, just google for 40pin lvds entension cable, i think i found some sellers when i was looking around for my cable

 

I didn't even bother to try the cable to see if it works or not. I looked for LVDS cable extensions, and there is a youtube video of how to do it from laptopscreen.com I guess I'll call them tomorrow and see if they can get me an extender.

And yes I got K19-3023012-V03. The part that goes to the back of the new screen is about 1/3 the length it needs to be. Overall the cable seems like it was made for a laptop that has the LVDS hookup on the left side of the screen vs the right side of the screen when viewing the screen straight on. Maybe that is the way the GT660s are laid out?

I guess I'll have to break the laptop down again to see if the cable actually works.

 

K19-3023012-V03 is the HD cable (1366 x 768 screen). and will not function with the FHD screen (display will be corrupted). The correct part number for the FHD screen is K19-3023015-V03 (which I am pretty sure superceeds to a newer part number) and is longer and connects in a different location than the HD screen cable.

 

If only this useful info could come any sooner >.< but thanks anyway, ill update my post with your info so it can help others.

@talonuic
any chance you could refund or exchange the cable?

 

Today Windows and the rest (HWiNFO etc.) started to recognize my new V.4 correctly



and Windows Update downloaded "Lenovo ThinkPad Display 1920x1080" driver, which also installed (?) this .ICM for the 95% sRGB gamut of this wonderful display:



...it's OK IMHO this sRGB preset config (type in "color" in Start menu). If you think colors are still over-saturated you can use Catalyst panel to reduce Saturation to 80%....

 

Called MSI again today, and spoke with someone who was more helpful. She gave me parts phone # and ext. and the guy told me to email my S/N over and the part I am looking for and he will check the warehouse for it. Hopefully he doesn't refuse based on my laptop not using that cable#. I explained in the email I am looking for the cable to put in my new Full HD screen that mine wasn't compatible, maybe he will be nice and sell it to me.

 

HI guys!
i know this is kind of late but could you please tell me where you are getting your cables form ? the K19-3031001-V03 (this is the fullHD right?)kable is like a damn ghost to me. I live in norway so ill need someone who is possitive to ship internationally, im really becoming desperate now, so any input will help alot!
ill even buy it of a forum member if thats what is takes!
kind regards!

 

Try to contact with Rob [email protected] or Donald from PowerNotebooks.com they should help with your issue.

 

Hi, I have a GX660R with the 1080 screen and would like to upgrade to the, B156HW01 V.4 (LED) screen.

Could someone please confirm for me that I don't need to change the display cable?

I live in the UK and by the sounds of things getting this cable would be a nightmare, so if I needed the cable as well, I just probably wouldn't bother doing the screen :-(

Thanks
Mick

 

You don't need it.:yes:

 

@hybelkaninen
If you are interested in lvds cable - for FHD screen please let me know. PM me.

 

So will the FHD cable work on a HD screen (1366 x 768 screen)

 

100% sure - It won`t work.

 

I am considering swapping to a 1366 x 768 screen (swap with my XPS laptop)

so guess I will have to buy a cable for my 16F2 and the XPS to swap screens

 

Long way to send . Better search on your market.

 

Hi,

Is the cable K193022008V0300B15 capable to serve with FHD screen?
Currently I'm using HD and I want to replace to FHD.
Do I have to replace LDVD cable?

best regards

M.

 

You need a different cable for the FHD screen if you have the HD screen and want to upgrade to the FHD

 

Right then, after some thinking about what upgrade to go for on my GX660R Ive decided the screen is the best way to go....Lets face it I spend enough time staring at it

So any special tools to do this? Torx size etc? Or just get your fingernail round the edges, pop the screen bezel off, and unplug unscrew stuff till jobs a goodun??

Ta
Mick

 

You just need some time, patience, fingernails and a small phillips screwdriver.

 

Cable should work as the chip is likely auto sensing. If you really want a lower res screen you could always go for a 120hz 1366x768 panel.

 

i never seen your part number, but just like dave-p said, if your original screen is regular hd, most proly that the lvds cable is not compatible with fullhd, and you need to change it

 

unlike what majster msi said, unless your hd screen is 120hz, shouldnt it be backward compatible? i mean, if you are just swapping screen with what you already have, i recommend you test it first before buying an expensive cable that you might not need

do note that both screen should have the same connector and on the same side.

 

Yes basically the second LVDS channel meets nothing and is effectively disconnected, the wiring scheme is identical.

A 120Hz HD (not FHD) will use the same 40 pin connector so will also work.

 

may give it a try once I get the new FHD cable for my XPS and do the swap.

but I also ordered the Matte 95% Gamut screen to play with.

not a fan of the glossy screens

 

Woohoo, parcel tracking and great service from Lee means my panel will be delivered tomorrow! :-D

So to remove the screen bezel, do I prise it with my nails from the inside of the frame or from thr outer edges?

I really don't want to snap anything or make anything 'creaky '

Cheers
Mick

 

I violently prised with my fingers from the inside to the inside, and took me 10 mins to replace the screen. I do not advise my behavior of replacing it xD but the point is, nothing broke, everything fits and its easy.

Just take your time with the LVDS cable and you are good to go. Remember there are 2 tapes on it, and you need to remove those to be able to pull it off from the connector.

 

video-2012-01-09-21-20-11.mp4 - YouTube
That`s the way it should be done .

 

HaHa nice video, and wow that really is easy! Cheers m8

The cable isnt anything I'm having to worry about, as the screen I'm swapping out is the 1080p glossy, bit too reflective for my taste, and the viewing angles are not the best

Mick

 

Finally got my LVDS cable for my GX660 to run my LG 1080p Screen.. Never will go back to a non-1080 laptop screen.

This screen is a xMillion upgrade for this laptop

Very easy to install also..just plug and play and place original tape back in same areas on the new cable and your set..

 

well I can confirm the FHD cable did work on the HD screen no problem

 

Missed the delivery guy :-( got to wait 48hrs now before collecting from their depot!

Booo!

 

Also used cable from majster msi and upgraded my laptop to FHD. Great guy, outstanding communication and quick shipping. Thanks again. The LG screen I got from Ken at GenTech is very nice, and great service as usual.

 

Can you tell me please what is the part number of that LG screen THANKS!