W700 - Need GPU Help

[TheForgottenKing]

I am in the process of buying a W700 (and a G40!) with a dead GPU from a fellow forum user. I am planning to use an eGPU setup until I can get an MXM gpu, but my problem is that all the GPUs that are compatable are $89+

I have a few questions:

1) Could baking the GPU cause any more harm than good?

2) What other GPUs could be used, if any?

3) Can I easily upgrade the screen from WSXGA to WUXGA?

4) Could I easily add the digitizer? If so, where can I find one?

And probably some others I have not thought of... Thanks!

[TPFanatic]

Accordion to Lenovo support website for W700

WXGA+ lid parts https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/migr-70555
WUXGA lid parts https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/migr-70556

Both versions of W700 use the same LCD cable 44C5388.

You need only to source the 17.0" WUXGA.

However W701 uses a different LCD cable. W701 WXGA+ uses 45M2874. W701 WUXGA uses 45M2875.

Also note that W701 uses LED screens while W700 is CCFL.

I wonder if it is possible to upgrade the W700 to LED or another superior WUXGA while you are at it?


edit: If your WXGA+ LCD is a single bulb and the WUXGA LCD you upgrade is a dual bulb you will need a new 45N4460 inverter.

[TheForgottenKing]

Looks like WUXGA has two ccfls, whereas WSXGA has one

[zod]

Looks like WUXGA has two ccfls, whereas WSXGA has one

That's right. And that implies you would probably need WUXGA inverter as well.

Could baking the GPU cause any more harm than good?

Baking or reflowing a dead GPU can't do any harm. On the other hand, it can't do anything good. It's already baked, that's why it died.

What other GPUs could be used, if any?

FX2700/FX3700 from HP will do. You will probably have to use thin copper shim because HP GPU sits little bit lower than Lenovo's in order to make proper contact with heatsink.

Could I easily add the digitizer? If so, where can I find one?

Probably yes, but then you will have no palmrest at all and typing would be real agony. Of course, you can lay your hand on a digitizer surface when typing, but it will look very ugly and shiny after a while.

I am in the process of buying a W700 (and a G40!) with a dead GPU

I would advise to think twice on that. Especially if you're planning to replace display as well. At the end it will be more expensive than getting W700 with WUXGA in good working condition. I paid 100 USD for mine, and it works and looks perfectly well. Told seller it's heavy, bulky, ugly and unusable with dead battery, and that he can keep hard disk. He agreed.

[TheForgottenKing]

That's right. And that implies you would probably need WUXGA inverter as well.

Yep, but that's for another day.

Baking or reflowing a dead GPU can't do any harm. On the other hand, it can't do anything good. It's already baked, that's why it died.

I was hoping it was more of a solder -> pcb issue

FX2700/FX3700 from HP will do. You will probably have to use thin copper shim because HP GPU sits little bit lower than Lenovo's in order to make proper contact with heatsink.

Are you sure? I've heard stories that only Lenovo cards work

Probably yes, but then you will have no palmrest at all and typing would be real agony. Of course, you can lay your hand on a digitizer surface when typing, but it will look very ugly and shiny after a while.

Yea, that's probably going to be avoided

I paid 100 USD for mine

Solid find, seems like most are around $200 today, sadly.


Thanks for all the info

[zod]

Solid find, seems like most are around $200 today, sadly.

200 USD seems like a reasonable price for WUXGA W700 in good aesthetic/working condition. Just find one and go for it.

[TheForgottenKing]

Trying not to spend much on them, just a side project. Also, this one comes with a working G40, all for ~$75

[zod]

Maybe you shoud try to negotiate on this one:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lenovo-ThinkPa ... SwnVRbwSlK

It will need new display cover, other than that looks pretty decent.