Replacing LCD screen on a ThinkPad L450

[BK1]

I just bought a ThinkPad L450, but the screen resolution (1366 x 768) is awful at 14 inches (it was a great price). I'm wondering if anyone has tried a DIY replacement with a 1920 x 1080 screen. I know the hardware can handle it, but I have several questions:

1) Some website I saw (which I can't find now) warned about screen upgrades because different resolutions use different connectors (I think it said two cables for the higher res compared to one for the lower). Can anyone confirm that? Or are the connecting cables the same?

2) The Lenovo hardware manual appears to show that the front bezel cover just pops off. The removal directions only show a picture with arrows indicating this. There are no written instructions and the picture shows no screws to remove. (After the cover comes off, I guess, the screens are on the LCD panel itself.) I gently worked the space between bezel covers with a credit card and they seemed pretty tight. Has anyone done this? If so, am I correct in my interpretation of the manual -- that the panel just pops off? What would be the best tool to use to minimize the likelihood of breaking any plastic clips not to mention scratching the bezel itself?

Assuming these two areas can be done successfully, are there any other pointers or warnings I should know about?

Many thanks for your help.

[axur-delmeria]

1. The FRU listing for the L450 specifies a different cable for the HD (1366 x 768) and FHD (1920 x 1080) models.

2. A plastic spudger with a flat edge might help, as it's stiffer than a credit card and allows you to better grip it. You need to push in the tab a little bit to unhook it, I guess. The general rules of "don't apply too much force" and "work at a relaxed pace/don't get too excited" apply here.

~
Dang, that L450 HMM is a bloody 77.5MB download. Ridiculous. I converted it to a 600DPI Djvu file, and the size went down to just 2.5MB.

[BK1]

Thanks for your quick reply, axur-delmeria, and the information. I appreciate it.
Looks like I'll be selling this right away to save my eyesight.

[BK1]

Hmm. Got to thinking. Does a different cable necessarily mean a different connector (not sure of the technical term for that)? Or even if the connectors were the same, would the specs of the cable be different to handle the different power requirements of the two screens?

Just trying to think of all options before I sell it . . . Thanks in advance for any replies.

[RealBlackStuff]

The motherboard connector is the same for HD and FHD cables.
The HD and FHD cables are different, as are their matching LCDs.
Check if you have WWAN or WLAN HD cable, get the equivalent FHD cable
00HT816 LCD, for WWAN,HD
00HT979 LCD, for WLAN,HD
00HT980 LCD, for WLAN,FHD
00HT981 LCD, for WWAN,FHD

[BK1]

So you mean, if I have the same kind of cable (WWAN or WLAN), I can swap that out along with the LCD panel and upgrade the screen? Do both ends of the connections just snap together (not soldered to the motherboard, for example)? And is the motherboard connection easy enough to access, or does it involve a lot of disassembly?

If it works out, any idea where I can purchase the cable?

Sorry, if these are simple questions -- I don't have much experience with computer innards aside from replacing HDD and adding RAM. I appreciate your advice.

[RealBlackStuff]

Yup, "just" replace LCD and cable..., BUT...
Read the HMM from axur-delmeria's post.
It describes (with pictures) what is involved, probably way over your head...
As for buying parts, the machine is relatively new and spares are not (yet) available on eBay.
But IBM also sells Lenovo parts: http://www-304.ibm.com/shop/americas/we ... &langId=-1

[BK1]

Got it. Thanks again!

[Zandi_Bunzel]

The motherboard connector is the same for HD and FHD cables.
The HD and FHD cables are different, as are their matching LCDs.
Check if you have WWAN or WLAN HD cable, get the equivalent FHD cable
00HT816 LCD, for WWAN,HD
00HT979 LCD, for WLAN,HD
00HT980 LCD, for WLAN,FHD
00HT981 LCD, for WWAN,FHD

Hello, I'm a newbie and attempt the same as the original post creator: replacing my recent screen with a FHD version.

My question is: is there any way of telling which cable I have, without taking the screen apart? My L450 doesn't come with an integrated mobile broadband / 3G modem. Is it therefore safe to assume that the HD cable is the WLAN HD?

Regards,

Alex

[RealBlackStuff]

Either cable could be in there, but if you don't want/need WWAN, get the 00HT980 LCD, for WLAN,FHD