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Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

X200/X201/X220 (including equivalent tablet models) and X300/X301 Series
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nitrocaster
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Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#1 Post by nitrocaster » Mon Dec 19, 2016 8:03 am

Current status
  • Batch 1 : completed
    All orders shipped.
    Update (Jan 25): If you see multiple 'processed through facility at MOSKVA PCI-21' records in your tracking info, that means Russian Post decided to use ground shipping instead of air. That's a usual situation for US and Canada destinations during the holiday season.
  • Batch 2 : completed
    All orders shipped.
  • Batch 3 : completed : [check order status]
    Aug 29: Reservation payment instructions were sent.
    Nov 7: Bare PCBs arrived. Assembly will be started in a few days.
    Dec 12: Assembly completed, now preparing for shipping.
    Dec 15: First invoices were sent.
    All orders shipped.
    Last ship date: Sep 20
  • Batch 4 : available at the store
About the kit
TL;DR: This kit allows you to install 1080p IPS display in your lovely ThinkPad X220 or X230.
See a long story in this thread.
Overview and installation guide (NEW): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EmzGuA ... oL3LRAHTqC
The old guide is available here.
Backlight operation demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b_dJzbXf7A
Installation by Louis Rossmann (part 1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBvfJ0EHtcY
Make sure you read the whole manual to avoid his mistakes!

Installation by Louis Rossmann (part 2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaWf0ndxUM0

How to buy
Online store: https://nitrocaster.me/store
The price is $58 + $6 worldwide shipping. Free local pickup is available in Moscow, Russia.
I can install the kit in your machine for a fee, but contact me first my email (you can find it in the manual). Before you do this, visit a local repair shop, show them the installation guide and ask for a quote - that might be much faster and probably cheaper.

Image Image Image Image Image

Tested displays
  • LG LP125WF4-SPB1 (since rev.6) : matte, IPS, beveled PCB corners - best option
  • LG LP125WF2-SPB3 : matte, IPS
  • LG LP125WF2-SPB4 : matte, IPS
  • Samsung LTN125HL02-301 (since rev.6) : matte, IPS
  • AUO B125HAN02.0 : matte, IPS - avoid (sometimes doesn't work with the kit when other displays work fine)
  • BOE NV125FHM-N62 : matte, IPS - some users reported issues with this model (doesn't turn on until the laptop resumes from sleep)
Recommended display sellers
IMPORTANT: Ask the seller for the exact model that you need! FAQ
  • Q: Does this mod require soldering?
    A: Yes.
  • Q: Does this mod affect left-side DisplayPort connector?
    A: No. The adapter board connects to Dock DisplayPort #2.
  • Q: Does the brightness control work?
    A: Brightness control does work in dual display mode: FHD display + fake display for brightness control (appears as "Dummy Display"). Otherwise brightness is fixed at 100%. Linux users can apply this kernel patch. BIOS (or coreboot) patch is required to overcome this limitation (I'm working on it sorry, I don't have time for that).
  • Q: Does this mod support WQHD displays?
    A: No. WQHD requires 4 DisplayPort lanes while the adapter board (and the eDP cable) provide only 2.
  • Q: How does it affect battery life?
    A: A FHD display itself consumes about as much power as a stock one, but active LVDS interface (which is used for brightness control) consumes additional 1W.
  • Q: Can I use docking station with this mod?
    A: You can use UltraBase Series 3 without any problem. However, when using Mini Dock Series 3, the internal display will go blank (and second DVI/DisplayPort on dock will be non functional). To overcome this issue, you can tape a row of DP#2 pins inside the docking connector.
  • Q: Does this mod support X220T/X230T?
    A: No. It's technically possible to design special version of the adapter board that would fit in tablet, but then you'll need to replace the screen. Which, again, is technically possible, but not really doable.
  • Q: What shipping method do you use?
    A: The kit is shipped as small registered package (you'll have a tracking number).
  • Q: I have just submitted the order form, what should I do now?
    A: Patience! I'll receive your order and will reply with payment instructions if there's a kit available for you. I ship in 2-3 days after you make the payment and send you a tracking number. Remember to check your spam folder because sometimes my messages can end up there. You'll have 7 days after receiving the payment instructions to make the payment.
  • Q: I have submitted my order around the start of 2nd batch, but have yet to receive a message or confirmation.
    A: That means your turn is yet to come. Watch this thread for news and check your mailbox regularly.
  • Q: Does any of tested displays have PWM/flickering backlight or ghosting/burn in issues?
    A: No and no. All 3 displays use flicker-free backlight and don't show any ghosting.
  • Q: Why is Pepe on the PCB?
    A: Smug Pepe depicts the feel I got when I first made FHD display work in my X230. Then it just occurred to me that it would be a nice touch to put Pepe on the board, and so I did.
Last edited by nitrocaster on Mon Jan 06, 2020 4:25 am, edited 125 times in total.
Want to buy X220/X230 FHD mod kit? Read this before sending me a PM!
T60 | X230 i7-3520M FHD Win10

carcuevas
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#2 Post by carcuevas » Mon Dec 19, 2016 8:10 am

Jihaaaaaaaaaa!!! so exciting :) I'm on the list already hehehe :) thanks Very much Nitro :) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
Running Debian on x230 (i5-3320m-12GB-250GB Samsung 850EVO-FHD mod by Nitrocaster + LP125WF2SPB4)

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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#3 Post by dr_st » Mon Dec 19, 2016 8:19 am

Another piece of genius engineering. :bow:
Thinkpad 25 (20K7), T490 (20N3), Yoga 14 (20FY), T430s (IPS FHD + Classic Keyboard), X220 4291-4BG
X61 7673-V2V, T60 2007-QPG, T42 2373-F7G, X32 (IPS Screen), A31p w/ Ultrabay Numpad

rewt
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#4 Post by rewt » Mon Dec 19, 2016 8:40 am

Woohoo, can hardly wait! Thanks again for your incredible work.

prime07
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#5 Post by prime07 » Mon Dec 19, 2016 8:41 am

carcuevas wrote:Jihaaaaaaaaaa!!!
this was exactly my first thought too :D
Thank you very much, nitrocaster!

jp776
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#6 Post by jp776 » Mon Dec 19, 2016 9:28 am

Will this be a registered shipping or ...?

nitrocaster
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#7 Post by nitrocaster » Mon Dec 19, 2016 12:11 pm

jp776 wrote:Will this be a registered shipping or ...?
Yes. I updated the FAQ.
Want to buy X220/X230 FHD mod kit? Read this before sending me a PM!
T60 | X230 i7-3520M FHD Win10

systema
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Location: NYC

Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#8 Post by systema » Mon Dec 19, 2016 1:09 pm

Great- been waiting for this one. Will definitely post about the mod in the forums after successful replacement :)
X41T [Pentium M 758 1.5 GHz] + OCZ 2GB RAM + Lenovo 60GB SSD + 8-cell BAT @ WIN7
X230 FHD [i7-3520M 2.9 GHz] + 16GB RAM + Crucial 750GB SSD + 9-cell BAT @ WIN8.1

nitrocaster
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#9 Post by nitrocaster » Mon Dec 19, 2016 3:31 pm

Attached a poll on X220T/X230T. If there would be enough interest I'll do the business.
Want to buy X220/X230 FHD mod kit? Read this before sending me a PM!
T60 | X230 i7-3520M FHD Win10

docodine
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Location: Denver, CO

Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#10 Post by docodine » Mon Dec 19, 2016 4:14 pm

i registered just to express interest in an x230t kit :-)
X230T 3435-2TU

jacobtc
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#11 Post by jacobtc » Mon Dec 19, 2016 6:04 pm

Submitted! I've been following your work since day 1! :D

corebootx220
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#12 Post by corebootx220 » Mon Dec 19, 2016 6:31 pm

Sent in the form for 2! Real excited!

nitrocaster
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#13 Post by nitrocaster » Mon Dec 19, 2016 6:34 pm

I'll gather the orders and ship a batch of parcels in ~2 days. In that case the whole post office is gonna hate me for just a one time (until the next batch, of course).
Want to buy X220/X230 FHD mod kit? Read this before sending me a PM!
T60 | X230 i7-3520M FHD Win10

Bibin
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#14 Post by Bibin » Mon Dec 19, 2016 7:25 pm

Interest submitted for two kits!

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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#15 Post by Tasurinchi » Tue Dec 20, 2016 2:03 am

Nice!! :thumbs-UP:

Thanks again for your sharing this in the community!
IBM Convertible 5140/L40SX/220/240/240X/2*340CSE/360PE/365XD/380D/380E/380XD/380Z/390/560E/560X/2*570/2*600/600E/750Cs/755C/760CD/760EL/760XD/770E
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6sicSIX
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#16 Post by 6sicSIX » Tue Dec 20, 2016 3:31 am

My X230 i7-3520m will be delivered today, and I have just registered on the order form.
I'll be installing the x220 keyboard (and windows) tonight :)

Really hope I can order the kit - 1366x768 is too low for multitasking

carcuevas
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#17 Post by carcuevas » Tue Dec 20, 2016 7:38 am

Wow the first batch already gone... That was fast :-)
Running Debian on x230 (i5-3320m-12GB-250GB Samsung 850EVO-FHD mod by Nitrocaster + LP125WF2SPB4)

nitrocaster
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#18 Post by nitrocaster » Tue Dec 20, 2016 8:03 am

carcuevas wrote:Wow the first batch already gone... That was fast :-)
In less than 24 hours! I'm preparing 43 kits for shipping ATM. Additional 13 kits will be ready in a few days. As before, I'll reserve some of them for russian buyers. And maybe put the last kit on eBay.
Want to buy X220/X230 FHD mod kit? Read this before sending me a PM!
T60 | X230 i7-3520M FHD Win10

6sicSIX
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#19 Post by 6sicSIX » Tue Dec 20, 2016 9:57 am

I expected as much - everyone is going to want these :lol:

So I filled out the form about 6 hours ago..... am I definitely on the waiting list :?:

Nevadita
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#20 Post by Nevadita » Tue Dec 20, 2016 10:50 am

Thinkpad X220T aficionado here, would paid top dollar for a FHD kit

mini question: the wacom hardware would remain active with the new high resolution? or does the FHD upgrade renders it unusable?

jacobtc
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#21 Post by jacobtc » Tue Dec 20, 2016 1:41 pm

Never got an email from you :( Was I too slow?

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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#22 Post by Botticelli » Tue Dec 20, 2016 2:48 pm

Was I too late if I did not receive an Email?

nitrocaster
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#23 Post by nitrocaster » Tue Dec 20, 2016 3:54 pm

Botticelli wrote:Was I too late if I did not receive an Email?
If you didn't receive payment instructions so far, you're either in the 'delayed kit' list (13 kits have to be assembled by the end of this week) or in the waiting list for the next batch.
Want to buy X220/X230 FHD mod kit? Read this before sending me a PM!
T60 | X230 i7-3520M FHD Win10

timsydney
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#24 Post by timsydney » Tue Dec 20, 2016 9:06 pm

nitrocaster wrote:
  • LG LP125WF2-SPB3
  • LG LP125WF2-SPB4
Have you seen these displays side by side? Panelook says the SPB3 is 6 bit color at 400 nits, and the SPB4 is 8 bit at 300 nits. Do you think these are accurate and is there a big difference in brightness between the displays? 400 nits is in the range of outdoor usable, do you think that's the case?

blueredcat123
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#25 Post by blueredcat123 » Tue Dec 20, 2016 10:11 pm

Just clicked on the link. I think I was one day too late.

systema
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#26 Post by systema » Wed Dec 21, 2016 8:50 am

It looks like the link for Intel Dithering Settings in the manual is broken (http://kawamoto.no-ip.org/henteko/myapp ... 23ditherig) is there alternative d/l link? Thanks.
X41T [Pentium M 758 1.5 GHz] + OCZ 2GB RAM + Lenovo 60GB SSD + 8-cell BAT @ WIN7
X230 FHD [i7-3520M 2.9 GHz] + 16GB RAM + Crucial 750GB SSD + 9-cell BAT @ WIN8.1

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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#27 Post by nitrocaster » Wed Dec 21, 2016 8:54 am

timsydney wrote: Have you seen these displays side by side? Panelook says the SPB3 is 6 bit color at 400 nits, and the SPB4 is 8 bit at 300 nits. Do you think these are accurate and is there a big difference in brightness between the displays? 400 nits is in the range of outdoor usable, do you think that's the case?
Panelook may be wrong since there's no datasheet for SPB3. To make a fair comparison I would have to get them side-by-side. I have SPB4 in my X230, but SPB3 was sold to local buyer. We meet sometimes, so I hope to catch him with his modded X220 and make a comparison.
Want to buy X220/X230 FHD mod kit? Read this before sending me a PM!
T60 | X230 i7-3520M FHD Win10

nitrocaster
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#28 Post by nitrocaster » Wed Dec 21, 2016 8:55 am

systema wrote:It looks like the link for Intel Dithering Settings in the manual is broken (http://kawamoto.no-ip.org/henteko/myapp ... 23ditherig) is there alternative d/l link? Thanks.
You just remove #ditherig from it and it works again. Here's the direct link: http://kawamoto.no-ip.org/henteko/myapp/ditherig15.zip
Want to buy X220/X230 FHD mod kit? Read this before sending me a PM!
T60 | X230 i7-3520M FHD Win10

6sicSIX
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#29 Post by 6sicSIX » Wed Dec 21, 2016 10:39 am

Have the X230 I received yesterday modded now -
X220 Keyboard
X220 Palmrest
X220 Lid
X220 LCD Bezel
LG IPS Screen

Now just the bios mod, bluetooth led, and 1080p lcd to go :)

carcuevas
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Re: Upgrading X220/X230 to FHD 1080p

#30 Post by carcuevas » Wed Dec 21, 2016 11:05 am

6sicSIX wrote:Have the X230 I received yesterday modded now -
X220 Keyboard
X220 Palmrest
X220 Lid
X220 LCD Bezel
LG IPS Screen

Now just the bios mod, bluetooth led, and 1080p lcd to go :)

Hi,

what method are you using for doing the Bios MOD??? I tried with the pomona + raspberry pi and I was not able to read the chip for starters so I didn't continue... :D :lol: :lol:
Running Debian on x230 (i5-3320m-12GB-250GB Samsung 850EVO-FHD mod by Nitrocaster + LP125WF2SPB4)

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