Thinkpads Forum

So after some research I have found that the W510 FHD LCD is an AU Optronics B156HW01 v4. The Lenovo FRU# is 42T0765. The FRU itself is very rare and hard to find, but the AU Optronics B156HW01 v4 is easy to find. My question is, will the AU Optronics B156HW01 v4 be a direct drop in upgrade in a W510? In other words, is there any reason to get the FRU over the actual manufacturers part? To buy the FRU from IBM/Lenovo costs $671 plus tax and shipping.

from my humble experience in panel swaps over the years, i'd be inclined to think that a bare B156HW01 panel is compatible.   the EDID should* work without complaint.

*but be sure to purchase the panel from a reseller with a return policy just in case.

Thanks for the reply Erik. I suppose I'll just go for it if there is little possibility that I'd damage the W510. I think you're correct and the EDID did cross my mind, so we'll see what happens.

Edit: In case anyone else is following this thread, there is a distinct difference (brightness and gamut) in the version numbers of this LCD. V.4 is the one that Lenovo used in the W510's.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sager-c ... hotos.html

Well, I found the LCD.

http://cgi.ebay.com/AUO-B156HW01-V-4-15 ... 3a6326ad12

I had communications with the seller and he confirmed that it is an AU Optronics B156HW01 V.4 LCD. As soon as it is installed I'll report results. It cost $181 shipped to the US, but that is a substantial savings over Lenovo pricing. As stated above if anyone follows this upgrade, make sure you get the V.4 of this LCD. Other versions have different gamut and brightness ratings. This is coming from China, so I'll be back in 3 weeks .

B156HW01 v0 should also be a drop-in replacement. While it lacks the 95% NTSC coverage, it does have a higher contrast ratio and slightly better brightness, plus the same viewing angles.

Harryc wrote:I suppose I'll just go for it if there is little possibility that I'd damage the W510.

pinouts will be the same so you won't risk any damage.   it'll either boot with a clean screen (which is 99.9% what will happen) or you'll get some funky beep code, error code displayed, or nothing at all.   my money is on it working without issue.

The LCD was received today. It is marked B156HW01 V.4. There is no FRU# stamped on it, so it is not a Lenovo part.

Installed the FHD LCD today, it was stamped AUO on the metal frame and B156HW01 v4 on the back sticker (not a Lenovo FRU). All I can say is WOW what a difference. The brightness is much better and the colors pop, particularly red. It reminds me of my Hi Res Macbook Pro. 1080P HD Movies look spectacular.

Does anybody know if this mod will work with the new W520 or T520 ?

Original FRUs are 04W1544 without touch panel and 04W1511 with a touch panel.