Thinkpads Forum

Hey, just thought I'd say that swapping out the WSXGA+ (1680x1050) LCD in my T500 (the ATI switchable model one) with a Samsung LTN154U1-L02 (though the U1 and L02 can have different numbers; they are all compatible) was a complete success. The laptop didn't reject it, all resolutions work, colors are proper, etc.

Has anyone else done a similar mod and had similar results? Different?

I did a similar mod on my T400: I swapped the company-purchased craptacular 1280x800 14" panel for a very nice Samsung 1440x960 panel. Both are CCFL because I didn't want the hassle of changing the connector types and all that. The swap was relatively easy *IF* you're comfortable mucking about with smallish computer parts and have a little patience. I wouldn't recommend it for someone who's never rebuilt a regular desktop or something like that, but it's not as hard as other things I've done.

I posted in this forum a while back on exactly what I did and some thoughts on how it went... should be searchable via my username?

I've replaced my T500's WXGA with a brand new WUXGA (LP154WU1(TL)(B1) FRU 42T0361) from a T61P and it works a treat.

All those extra pixels

SWEEET! I've been hoping for about the last year to see someone do an LCD upgrade to their T500. You've just swapped the LCD and not the Inverter or ribbon cable, right?

I recently upgraded a T500( with switchable graphics video) that originally came with a WXGA (1200 x 800) LCD to a WUXGA (1920 x 1200) LCD. No issues at all, I used the same inverter and cable, only the panel was swapped. It works perfectly.

It's good to see that you can go all the way from WXGA to WUXGA without any issues or complications.

I used a Lenovo branded SAMSUNG LTN154U2-L05.

Sigh. Makes me wish I had ordered a T500 instead of my T400. WUXGA FTW. An HD3650 would've been nice too. The HD3470, even when overclocked, is weaksauce.

Ordered a WUXGA panel 2 days ago. Can't wait for it to show up!

I just received my 42t0361. Unfortunately the plug for the inverter is very different. The new panel has the pink and white wire 2-wire plug I'm used to seeing. However, my old wxga panel has a flat cable with a 12 wire plug which I've never seen before. Is this maybe something specific to my T500 since I have Intel graphics and not switchable? Do I just need to replace the inverter? I can post pics once I get my T500 back together.

Was your WXGA panel an LED panel?

Colonel O'Neill wrote:Was your WXGA panel an LED panel?

Upon some investigation, this is exactly the case. I bought my T500 from the Lenovo outlet and at no point anywhere did it (or Lenovo's site when entering in the xxx-xxxx number) say "LED", just 1280x800, so I just assumed it was a CCFL.

I know now I'll need the inverter. Will I need a different ribbon cable?
Thanks for the help!

AFAIK the inverter is attached to the subcard with the indicator LEDs. I've only done straight LED-LED and CCFL-CCFL swaps.

t140568 wrote:I know now I'll need the inverter. Will I need a different ribbon cable?

the LCD cable (44C5385) in your system will work.   you just need to get an inverter (41W1338 or 13R1015 - doesn't matter which).

Do any of you guys have advice on where to order a FHD panel for my T510? (currently 1366x768). I'm interested in the 95% color gamut and 270 nit/brightness listed from the w510 and t510 upgrade options as well. As a result i have looked/called/emails many dealers/websites and they all seem to use "compatible replacements" or substitutes. I have looked around quite a bit and it seems these panel specifications are quite rare, so it's highly unlikely a cheap substitute panel will match the specs i'm looking for. Where do you guys get upgrades like this? Thanks

ljwobker wrote:I did a similar mod on my T400: I swapped the company-purchased craptacular 1280x800 14" panel for a very nice Samsung 1440x960 panel. Both are CCFL because I didn't want the hassle of changing the connector types and all that. The swap was relatively easy *IF* you're comfortable mucking about with smallish computer parts and have a little patience. I wouldn't recommend it for someone who's never rebuilt a regular desktop or something like that, but it's not as hard as other things I've done.

I posted in this forum a while back on exactly what I did and some thoughts on how it went... should be searchable via my username?

I also have an r400 i'd be interested in upgrading, i searched your post http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=78857 but i didnt see a model you used? (i'm assuming the t400 and r400 would be compatible?

I just installed a WUXGA screen on my T510. Unfortunately I cannot get the LED to light up. I can see the display very faintly if I shine a light on it. The screen is recognized when looking the the display settings in both Debian and Windows 7.

Laptop model: T510
Graphics card: Intel HD
FRU: 42T0765

Lenovo will not honor the warranty since I purchased the computer at a police auction and the original display (WXGA) already had dead pixels (three pink lines.)

You mean FHD, right? Check the connector cables, check the panel itself. Put the old WXGA screen back to rule out the panel.

Yes. FHD. I plugged the original display in and I get the same thing. The LED doesn't come on. Cable is snug.

Here's a screen shot of the display setting in Openbox. The laptop is seeing the LCD.
http://i53.tinypic.com/2uhl2lg.png

Might be a motherboard issue. I managed to do something similar when I tried dismantling my T400 lid assembly to fix the latch. Ended up taking it to get the motherboard repaired.

There's LOTS of things you should tell a repair place specifically before you agree to let them fix your laptop.
1. Use the same screws that went in that came out. Mine came back with an assortment of wrong and different screws.
2. Don't scratch the paint on the lid. Mine came back with a bunch of deep gouges.
3. Make sure they route your antennae cables properly. Mine were improperly routed. In general, make sure they put everything back the way it was supposed to. Take pictures in advance of the innards just to be safe.
4. Make sure they let you inspect the interior. They managed to melt part of the motherboard when resoldering the LCD connector seat.
5. Let them work with the WXGA panel in place first. That way if they screw up, they won't trash your FHD screen.

After waiting for far too long to receive the inverter I ordered from eBay, I have finished the WUXGA install. Let me just say... WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I should have done this loooooong ago. This is the single most impressive upgrade I've made to a computer since about 10 years ago when I upgraded my ol' P2-450 from 64mb to 320mb RAM. My T500 feels like a completely new machine. Thanks to everyone for all the help!

Strange question, but if anyone does gaming on their T500, how does the WUXGA impact performance? A great deal, or not so much? I ask this as I've definitely gotten the upgrade bug, even after I just replaced my WSXGA+ display. I'm on the fence between getting a W520 a little later on or going the less expensive option and maxing out the T500.

Can you do this on a T520? I want 16:10!

No. The T520 chassis is designed for a 16:9, 15.6" panel.

Colonel O'Neill wrote:No. The T520 chassis is designed for a 16:9, 15.6" panel.

I meant the T510 - same thing?

Yes. The T510 is still a 16:9 panel. The best you could do is find a 1920x1080 panel.

Interesting Mods - I was wondering if people would prefer a 1080p FHD (High Gamut) v/s the WUXGA (TN)?