Thinkpads Forum

RealBlackStuff wrote:My LCD from China arrived, took only 11 days!

In your instruction manual it says:

3. Apply insulation tape to the back side of the adapter board. Make sure to make holes for docking
connector pins and the nearby components.
4. Install and solder the adapter board to the motherboard.

Can you perhaps mark which docking pins on Figure 3?
Are there only those 7 brass holes to be soldered, as seen on Figure 7 and the 7 soldered points above X230_U on Figure 10?
What are the dimensions of your PCB?

When it says "make holes" is it to poke holes through the black protective film? I have little experience with soldering..the 7 brass hole connections- do I need to remove the solder on each connector before re-soldering them on again?

systema wrote:When it says "make holes" is it to poke holes through the black protective film?

No, you poke holes through the polyamide tape that you stick on the adapter board.

systema wrote:the 7 brass hole connections- do I need to remove the solder on each connector before re-soldering them on again?

No. Just place the adapter board over it and solder 7 plated though holes.

I'd love to make a video on how to do that, but that would require unmodded motherboard and some assistance with the camera. I'll be installing this mod for some local buyers. We'll see.

nitrocaster wrote: I'd love to make a video on how to do that, but that would require unmodded motherboard and some assistance with the camera. I'll be installing this mod for some local buyers. We'll see.

That would be awesome. I'd love to install the kit by myself, but i'm a bit scared on how small the pads on the mainboard are A video would help a lot.

nitrocaster wrote:

systema wrote:When it says "make holes" is it to poke holes through the black protective film?

No, you poke holes through the polyamide tape that you stick on the adapter board.

systema wrote:the 7 brass hole connections- do I need to remove the solder on each connector before re-soldering them on again?

No. Just place the adapter board over it and solder 7 plated though holes.

I'd love to make a video on how to do that, but that would require unmodded motherboard and some assistance with the camera. I'll be installing this mod for some local buyers. We'll see.

Video would be fantastic, too bad you are not in NYC, I would be able to help with the camera.

Thank you for that information. Is this the photo for the 7 pins (better for me to confirm)? So I will apply Kapton to the back, poke 7 holes, solder the 7 connections + sense wire + auxilary wire and that will be all the soldering necessary?

systema wrote:Video would be fantastic, too bad you are not in NYC, I would be able to help with the camera.

Well, if you pay my flight, we could do that On a serious note, I guess I'm gonna grab my friend for assistance.

systema wrote:Is this the photo for the 7 pins (better for me to confirm)? So I will apply Kapton to the back, poke 7 holes, solder the 7 connections + sense wire + auxilary wire and that will be all the soldering necessary?

Almost correct. You poke every single hole in the adapter board. Otherwise you won't be able to install it.

nitrocaster wrote:

systema wrote:Video would be fantastic, too bad you are not in NYC, I would be able to help with the camera.

Well, if you pay my flight, we could do that On a serious note, I guess I'm gonna grab my friend for assistance.

systema wrote:Is this the photo for the 7 pins (better for me to confirm)? So I will apply Kapton to the back, poke 7 holes, solder the 7 connections + sense wire + auxilary wire and that will be all the soldering necessary?

Almost correct. You poke every single hole in the adapter board. Otherwise you won't be able to install it.

Haha well, I can offer to buy you a drink next time you're here!

The above picture is from the X220.
For the X230 that soldering point is on the left of the LCD-connector you see at the top on that picture (see also Instructions-PDF, Figure 6 (right hand picture).

RealBlackStuff wrote:The above picture is from the X220.
For the X230 that soldering point is on the left of the LCD-connector you see at the top on that picture (see also Instructions-PDF, Figure 6 (right hand picture).

That part I understood; it was the 'obvious' part I wasn't clear on - the 7 brass connections that the adapter board is connected to, as I now understand are on the same place on both the x220/x230

The removal of the resistor (for the USB3 LED) on the i7 x220 series - this doesn't apply to x230 i7 series correct?

systema wrote:The removal of the resistor (for the USB3 LED) on the i7 x220 series - this doesn't apply to x230 i7 series correct?

The manual literally says that it applies to i7 X220 only, so yes.

nitrocaster wrote:

systema wrote:The removal of the resistor (for the USB3 LED) on the i7 x220 series - this doesn't apply to x230 i7 series correct?

The manual literally says that it applies to i7 X220 only, so yes.

Roger that, just ordered the LP125WF2 SPB4 from win0win!

Another Q for the pedantic; is the generic intel HD4000 driver working OK for this panel? Or is the Ivydrive one recommended?

systema wrote:is the generic intel HD4000 driver working OK for this panel? Or is the Ivydrive one recommended?

Generic driver works fine.

Any chance this would work in a T420/T430?

Cheers and biog thanks for your work and dedication!

cpt.ramius wrote:Any chance this would work in a T420/T430?

Cheers and biog thanks for your work and dedication!

No (Not yet), but see: https://www.reddit.com/r/thinkpad/comme ... available/

nitrocaster wrote:

acooc wrote:Will this mod work with the sharp 12.5" WDHQ 2560 x 1440 IPS monitor?

https://world.taobao.com/item/436005468 ... mSite=main

WQHD is not supported.

nitrocaster, do you have plans to support higher resolution?

I'm taking interest in the dell xps 13's impressive display.

acooc wrote:nitrocaster, do you have plans to support higher resolution? I'm taking interest in the dell xps 13's impressive display.

I do, but I'd recommend you to abstain from 13" thing. There's no way one can properly mount 13" panel into X220/X230 lid.

nitrocaster wrote:There's no way one can properly mount 13" panel into X220/X230 lid.

Isn't the 13'' panel in the X330 from the XPS 13?

x3o2 wrote:Isn't the 13'' panel in the X330 from the XPS 13?

It is: https://imgur.com/a/mdexA

boutch55555 wrote:So, nitro, what would be your thoughts on open sourcing your designs ?

This project has been done more than 6 times in the past, but was never widely distributed. Publishing the designs could allow people to mod it for 40 pins connectors (yes, the HD3000 supports my 3440x1440 monitor @60hz), write custom drivers / bios mod for backlight for windows...

I'd give good money for that to happen.

Releasing the project would take a significant effort (collect and put in order component libraries, cleanup the sources, write lots of readmes and so on) that I don't feel like I want to do just to make it public. Given the feedback I got I'm gonna make WQHD version anyway (and probably tablet one too). As for custom drivers/BIOS mods - you can do that right now, the FHD mod does not interfere with it.

nitrocaster wrote:

x3o2 wrote:Isn't the 13'' panel in the X330 from the XPS 13?

It is: https://imgur.com/a/mdexA

So I don't get your hint: 'There's no way one can properly mount 13" panel into X220/X230 lid.'

It is possible. But it means a lot of work and adjustments to be done, right?

@x3o2:
Which part of properly do you not understand?

RealBlackStuff wrote:@x3o2:
Which part of properly do you not understand?

The first syllable caused some confusion...

Thanks, now I got it.

Ok, this only becomes interesting when nitrocaster creates a 4-lane eDP version of the board (for resolution > FHD).

I have been trying to check the LCDs that would be suitable. I am looking get a panel which has a ratio of 16:10 or 3:2... so 2560x1440 (16:9) is not really a favourable option.

Going through panellook.com, there isn't really much of a choice. I identified a couple of candidates:
LTL123YL01-001, LQ123P1JX31, LSL122DL01-001
The first two have glare surface (the third is not specified), so that's alone a let down (Matte would be really preferred)
Then, there's the question of mounting and the dimensions (too narrow/too high?) So, not sure if this will be a viable option?
Also, do one need to worry about panel type? - Must it be 'LCM' or Cell/Assembly also acceptable? (not sure if these have different usage purposes)

In all honesty, I would be happy with a 1920x1200 display but those look extinct. If so, I'll just have to go with 1080p (which is admittedly still MILES better than "HD").

seasonshu wrote:Ok, this only becomes interesting when nitrocaster creates a 4-lane eDP version of the board (for resolution > FHD).

I have been trying to check the LCDs that would be suitable. I am looking get a panel which has a ratio of 16:10 or 3:2... so 2560x1440 (16:9) is not really a favourable option.

Going through panellook.com, there isn't really much of a choice. I identified a couple of candidates:
LTL123YL01-001, LQ123P1JX31, LSL122DL01-001
The first two have glare surface (the third is not specified), so that's alone a let down (Matte would be really preferred)
Then, there's the question of mounting and the dimensions (too narrow/too high?) So, not sure if this will be a viable option?
Also, do one need to worry about panel type? - Must it be 'LCM' or Cell/Assembly also acceptable? (not sure if these have different usage purposes)

In all honesty, I would be happy with a 1920x1200 display but those look extinct. If so, I'll just have to go with 1080p (which is admittedly still MILES better than "HD").

You can not fit 16:10 or 3:2 panel in X220/X230 without designing a custom bezel which is not really possible.
The valid options (16:9 screens which you can buy) include these models:
LQ125D1JW31 (4K) http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-5-LCD-screen ... 1778930708
LQ125D1JW33 (4K) http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-5inch-Sharp- ... 1237736299
LQ125T1JW02/A01 (2K) http://www.ebay.com/itm/LCD-Display-Scr ... 1102880739

Given these prices, a complete kit with shipping would cost about $180-200.

nitrocaster wrote:not really possible.

I'm assuming you'd have to lose the webcam and wifi antennas at least.

BTW don't even think about that sweet sweet LP129QE1-SPA1 (12.9 3:2)
http://imgur.com/EdIKY7w

Even this one falls short of filling horizontally, missing 1-1.5mm

boutch55555 wrote:BTW don't even think about that sweet sweet LP129QE1-SPA1 (12.9 3:2)
http://imgur.com/EdIKY7w

Even this one falls short of filling horizontally, missing 1-1.5mm

Where does the LCD PCB even fit?!

timsydney wrote:

boutch55555 wrote:BTW don't even think about that sweet sweet LP129QE1-SPA1 (12.9 3:2)
http://imgur.com/EdIKY7w

Even this one falls short of filling horizontally, missing 1-1.5mm

Where does the LCD PCB even fit?!

Is the LCD... taped on top of the existing bezel..? Probably making it impossible to close the lid? Oucho.
Anyways, how have you plugged in a 40 pin eDP and drive the LCD?

seasonshu wrote: Is the LCD... taped on top of the existing bezel..?

No, just placed the unplugged screen on the laptop for a size compare.

timsydney wrote: Where does the LCD PCB even fit?!

It's very narrow at the bottom http://imgur.com/pAHqVAh

I could put it on the back to save the last 5mm over the leds. But it would still require custom hinges. I'll probably go the 13.3" way instead.

I don't have a 40 pin yet, waiting for nitro

I'd like to upgrade my X230 with a 13'' non-touch FHD panel from the XPS 13.

There is many versions of panels over the years and as some sites say, the non-touch FHD panel in the XPS 13 2016 (9350) is close to perfect.

But there is no info on the producer or the model.

The X330 comes with the Sharp LQ133M1JW03, working in the XPS 13 as well. Is this the model I am looking for?


Or would you prefer another XPS 13 panel?

The LQ125D1JW33 UHD 3840X2160 sounds amazing.

Please inform me when kit is available. I'd be interested.