Swapping display T61>T500

[TuuS]

Has anyone tried to install a display from a T61 model onto a T500?

I'm interested in installing a T61 display on a T500. They are both 15.4 widescreen models. I'd like to know if anyone has done this successfully.

[underclocker]

I have done it. No problem at all.

Both models will work with WXGA, WSXGA+, and WUXGA panels. Any GPU with either model, too.

Update per richk's post below, this is only true for non-LED LCD T500's. To convert an LED LCD T500 to use a CCFL LCD, you'd need to replace more than just the LCD panel.

[TuuS]

Thank you, this is great news

Someone told me the cable connector on the system board is different, is this true? and if so, what do I need to transfer from the T500 lid to make the T61p lid work?

for specifics, I have a T500 with 1280x800 and the screen/lid is a T61p with 1920x1200.

Since the T500 is within warranty, I'll need this to be reversible in case the unit ever needs to be replaced.

[richk]

Some T500 WXGA machines have LED backlights. If you have that, everything is different. If you do not, you can move the bare panel, using the T500 inverter, cable and cover kit.

[TuuS]

Some T500 WXGA machines have LED backlights. If you have that, everything is different. If you do not, you can move the bare panel, using the T500 inverter, cable and cover kit.

Can you tell me how I can tell what I have, and if I do have the one that's different, can the entire lid be swapped, or are there then no options at all.

Also, to clarify, you saying I can remove the display panel only from the 1920x1200 t61p lid and install the panel in my t500 lid with existing cable and inverter?


ps. currently have have three t500 models, one has wsxga (1680x1050) and webcam, the other two are wxga (1280x800). I also have an extra 1680x1050 screen as well as the 1920x1200 pulled from t61 models.

[underclocker]

With the exact model number and the serial number you can lookup the parts used in the original build via Lenovo.com's parts lookup feature. With the panel part number you can then search and see if it's LED or CCFL. As noted above, only WXGA panels can be LED on the T500 --> http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/product ... ookup.page

You can NOT swap a T61 LCD assembly into a T500. Minimally, the LCD cable connectors are different.

Yes, 1920 x 1200 WUXGA panels will working with existing non-LED LCD cable, inverter and any GPU.

Your WSXGA+ T500 is definitely not LED. Your WXGA T500's may be LED, but LED was less common (I believe).

[TuuS]

Here is what I know so far. I don't have the serial numbers at the moment, but will send them if needed.

ThinkPad T500 (2241-58U)
T9400(2.53GHz), 2GB RAM, 160GB 5400rpm HD, 15.4in 1280x800 LCD, Intel X4500HD, CDRW/DVDRW, Intel 802.11agn wireless, Bluetooth, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader, 6c Li-Ion, WinXP Pro

Thanks for the link, It'll come in handy.

[underclocker]

Page 233 of the T500 Hardware Maintenance Manual indicates your model was built with the CCFL LCD.

There is always the chance of a typo or another owner swapping the LCD (assuming you didn't buy the machine new), but I'd say it's worth removing the LCD bezel, you'll know for sure after you see the inverter. Good luck.

[TuuS]

Thank you, that is good news. I'm pretty certain it contains all the original parts.

By your post, I assume it will be obvious if the lcd won't work once I remove the bezel? I've never seen the LED or CCFL inverters, so I have no way of knowing simply by looking at it, but I'll remove the bezels from this unit, and the donor lid and hopefully any problems will be obvious if they exist.

Now I just have to decide which screen I want on which laptop lol


ps. performance wise, how do you think this T500 with t9400 (2.53ghz) will compare to my T61p with t9300 (2.50ghz). The T500 has faster front side buss speed and DDR3 memory, but I think the T61p has better nvidia graphics. I've already enabled SATA2 on the T61p, so they should be equal there, I'm just not sure which should get my only 1920x1200 screen. One factor is the T500 has several faster CPUs I could upgrade to (upto T9900 3.08ghz) and the T61p is almost maxed out (upto T9500 2.60ghz).

[richk]

The integrated graphics are a lot better than they used to be. I have a W500 with switchable graphics and I cannot tell the difference between the Integrated and the discrete graphics with a 1920X1600 LCD for my normal tasks, but my W500 (T9600) is a lot faster than my old machine (T61p, 1920X1600 LCD). I must say that I do not play the "splatter" games or do video editing. I keep the machine set to "integrated", because it runs cooler and uses less power. If I run the PC Doctor video diagnostic, it is obvious that the discrete graphics are a LOT faster, but that is the only time I see the difference.