Trying to repair an R51, will an R50 work as a parts donor?

[Glaurung-quena]

Recently scored an R51 with IPS display. Sadly it has some issues.

So far it looks like it needs: new speakers, a new video cable for the lid, and a new bottom case.

I've found a cheap non-working R50. Will I be able to use it as a parts donor?

[ajkula66]

Video cable would have to be for the same resolution/screen size on both machines.

No clue about the speakers.

Good luck.

[RealBlackStuff]

The manual (see the HMM link above) is the same for R50, R50p and R51.
The speakers will fit in all R50/R51 models.
As long as they are the same size (both 14.1" or both 15"), the bottom case will also fit.

[Glaurung-quena]

Thanks for the answers, everyone. I will buy the dead R50, then.

Video cable would have to be for the same resolution/screen size on both machines.

the candidate machine is the same screen size, but I think it's XGA. It has to be the same resolution as well?

[axur-delmeria]

the candidate machine is the same screen size, but I think it's XGA. It has to be the same resolution as well?

Yes. If you check the Parts Listing at the end of the R50/R51 Hardware Maintenance Manual, you'll see that each variant (XGA, SXGA+, UXGA, QXGA) has a different FRU/part number for the LCD cable.

In the R50 and T40 series, the system board determines the resolution of the screen based on the presence/absence of certain surface-mount resistors soldered on the LCD cable itself. It's possible to change those resistors, but it requires delicate soldering, as the LCD flex cable can melt rather quickly.