The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    15 R3 Screen Replacement Possible

    Discussion in '2015+ Alienware 13 / 15 / 17' started by BigBoss5090, Mar 13, 2017.

  1. BigBoss5090

    BigBoss5090 Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    83
    Likes Received:
    17
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Does anyone know if one can swap the panel with a higher quality UHD, 4K or something else?
     
    BigBoss5090, Mar 13, 2017
    #1
  2. judal57

    judal57 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    274
    Messages:
    1,164
    Likes Received:
    650
    Trophy Points:
    131
    it is possible, you just have to ask which model is the best to @iunlock
     
    judal57, Mar 13, 2017
    #2
    Normimb and iunlock like this.
  3. BigBoss5090

    BigBoss5090 Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    83
    Likes Received:
    17
    Trophy Points:
    16
    who is @iunlock? and I would like to know which model screen's their are, probably eBay will be my go to place to buy them and if anyone has done this replacement already

    also prices on the screens if available
     
    BigBoss5090, Mar 13, 2017
    #3
  4. iunlock

    iunlock 7980XE @ 5.4GHz

    Reputations:
    2,035
    Messages:
    4,533
    Likes Received:
    6,441
    Trophy Points:
    581
    Haha... Hello. I'm @iunlock, nice to meet you.

    Yes the panels can be swapped out, but it can be a pain as you have to literally disassemble the whole darn thing.

    When it comes to screens, @Mobius 1 and @DeeX are the encyclopedias. I'm sure they'll chime in.

    ::iunlock::
     
    iunlock, Mar 13, 2017
    #4
  5. BigBoss5090

    BigBoss5090 Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    83
    Likes Received:
    17
    Trophy Points:
    16
    I thought that you just had to remove the bezel as someone in this forum did on a 17 r4?
     
    BigBoss5090, Mar 13, 2017
    #5
  6. Mobius 1

    Mobius 1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    3,447
    Messages:
    9,069
    Likes Received:
    6,376
    Trophy Points:
    681

    You have to remove bezel yes.
     
    Mobius 1, Mar 14, 2017
    #6
  7. BigBoss5090

    BigBoss5090 Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    83
    Likes Received:
    17
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Ok then it should be like a quick 15m job I assume?

    Also, it looks like you do repasting with liquid metal, what are you costs for the service? PM with details intrigued
     
    BigBoss5090, Mar 14, 2017
    #7
  8. Mobius 1

    Mobius 1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    3,447
    Messages:
    9,069
    Likes Received:
    6,376
    Trophy Points:
    681
    I do not recommend making the job "quick," safety and your carefulness are the most important factor when you are replacing screen by removing the bezel.

    I will PM you in a bit.
     
    Mobius 1, Mar 14, 2017
    #8
  9. raiden87

    raiden87 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    46
    Messages:
    341
    Likes Received:
    123
    Trophy Points:
    56
    @Mobius 1 is it possible to swap the 60Hz Display with a 120Hz one if u dont have the Gsync 15 R3?

    I dont want gsync but 120Hz would be nice
     
    raiden87, Mar 14, 2017
    #9
  10. Mobius 1

    Mobius 1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    3,447
    Messages:
    9,069
    Likes Received:
    6,376
    Trophy Points:
    681

    Good question, can you give me a picture of your eDP connection cable?
     
    Mobius 1, Mar 14, 2017
    #10
  11. BigBoss5090

    BigBoss5090 Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    83
    Likes Received:
    17
    Trophy Points:
    16

    Yes I didn't mean quick like in a sloppy job, I meant it like not a hourly long process :p

    Also, where could I find the model numbers for the best screens to replace them with?
     
    BigBoss5090, Mar 14, 2017
    #11
  12. Mobius 1

    Mobius 1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    3,447
    Messages:
    9,069
    Likes Received:
    6,376
    Trophy Points:
    681

    For QHD/120hz AUO with striping issue: B173QTN01.0
    For 4K: B173ZAN01.0 (Gsync ver, should be plug and play even if you don't have gsync).
     
    Mobius 1, Mar 14, 2017
    #12
  13. BigBoss5090

    BigBoss5090 Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    83
    Likes Received:
    17
    Trophy Points:
    16
    what do you mean by striping issue?
    I have the 15 R3 g sync version (would rather not have g sync but whatever) and i would just look for the 15" version of these screens or?
     
    BigBoss5090, Mar 14, 2017
    #13
  14. newfiejudd

    newfiejudd Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    305
    Messages:
    1,139
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    56
    For QHD/120hz AUO with striping issue: B173QTN01.0
    For 4K: B173ZAN01.0 (Gsync ver, should be plug and play even if you don't have gsync).

    Aren't those 17" screens?
     
    newfiejudd, Mar 14, 2017
    #14
  15. Mobius 1

    Mobius 1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    3,447
    Messages:
    9,069
    Likes Received:
    6,376
    Trophy Points:
    681
    15 r3 4K is LQ156D1JW04 (25ms, 60hz, 90%-ish sRGB) for default 4K screen that come with Alienware


    http://www.panelook.com/LQ156D1JW02_SHARP_15.6_LCM_overview_24748.html <- this is the better version with 100% Adobe RGB





    striping issue

    https://www.reddit.com/r/Alienware/comments/59zvya/17r4_1440p_screen_possible_issue/
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...-lounge-the-phoenix-2-is-here.794530/page-595
     
    Mobius 1, Mar 14, 2017
    #15
    BigBoss5090 likes this.
  16. Mobius 1

    Mobius 1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    3,447
    Messages:
    9,069
    Likes Received:
    6,376
    Trophy Points:
    681
    Mobius 1, Mar 14, 2017
    #16
    BigBoss5090 likes this.
  17. BigBoss5090

    BigBoss5090 Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    83
    Likes Received:
    17
    Trophy Points:
    16
    BigBoss5090, Mar 14, 2017
    #17
  18. BigBoss5090

    BigBoss5090 Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    83
    Likes Received:
    17
    Trophy Points:
    16
    BigBoss5090, Mar 14, 2017
    #18
  19. BigBoss5090

    BigBoss5090 Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    83
    Likes Received:
    17
    Trophy Points:
    16

    @woodzstack do you have the part number? is there such thing as a 120hz 4k or UHD?
     
    BigBoss5090, Mar 14, 2017
    #19
  20. Mobius 1

    Mobius 1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    3,447
    Messages:
    9,069
    Likes Received:
    6,376
    Trophy Points:
    681
    the 4K is not g-sync compatible afaik, both the JW04 and JW02


    The 15R3 gsync panel is FHD
     
    Mobius 1, Mar 14, 2017
    #20
  21. BigBoss5090

    BigBoss5090 Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    83
    Likes Received:
    17
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Does that mean I can't use it or I will loose g sync but it will still be active on the background or? little confused on this
     
    BigBoss5090, Mar 14, 2017
    #21
  22. Mobius 1

    Mobius 1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    3,447
    Messages:
    9,069
    Likes Received:
    6,376
    Trophy Points:
    681

    lose gsync

    the panel is not compatible with gsync unless you buy the 120hz one from woodz
     
    Mobius 1, Mar 14, 2017
    #22
  23. woodzstack

    woodzstack Alezka Computers , Official Clevo reseller.

    Reputations:
    1,201
    Messages:
    3,495
    Likes Received:
    2,593
    Trophy Points:
    231
    For Alienware, the screens are pretty easy to find.
    I do not have the model number though, but I bet your arse you could fine it on ebay or something.
    Just remember to check if it uses the same cabling.

    Theres usually hinges attached to screen/panels when you buy them, all the ones that would fit, uses the same hinges and you could see where the screws go being the same too, so incase your eyes can not count all those little pins and you can;t tell if they are 0.4mm or 0.5mm 30 or 40 pins etc..

    Some tricks like that usually helps. You could also google the panel you have now, see it on like panelook websites and then do the same with the replacement/new screen/model and see if the connectors are the same etc..

    or put what you find here and "mention" me so I can follow up or check.
     
    woodzstack, Mar 15, 2017
    #23
  24. Mobius 1

    Mobius 1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    3,447
    Messages:
    9,069
    Likes Received:
    6,376
    Trophy Points:
    681
    P/N or Dell Part ID of AW screens are behind the actual panels itself unfortunately, requires disassembly of bezel.
     
    Mobius 1, Mar 15, 2017
    #24
  25. woodzstack

    woodzstack Alezka Computers , Official Clevo reseller.

    Reputations:
    1,201
    Messages:
    3,495
    Likes Received:
    2,593
    Trophy Points:
    231
    Right, which is normal, but it's easy to get too.

    Is the 120Hz panel the same for AW17 that it would be for AW17R2/R3 ? because then i have the model number.,.,.
     
    woodzstack, Mar 15, 2017
    #25
  26. Mobius 1

    Mobius 1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    3,447
    Messages:
    9,069
    Likes Received:
    6,376
    Trophy Points:
    681
    R2/R3 no gsync, only 60hz screens (FHD or 4K), with touch

    touch is only a digitizer added in front, whether or not the panels are glued in are beyond me
     
    Mobius 1, Mar 15, 2017
    #26
  27. woodzstack

    woodzstack Alezka Computers , Official Clevo reseller.

    Reputations:
    1,201
    Messages:
    3,495
    Likes Received:
    2,593
    Trophy Points:
    231
    No they would not be glued, well the bezels are like stickered on, as usual, but the panels are always screwed on
     
    woodzstack, Mar 15, 2017
    #27
  28. riz06

    riz06 Newbie

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    7
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    6
    @Mobius 1 , @woodzstack ...
    Do you guys have any idea where I can get the screen's ribbon/connector cable?

    I damaged the 40 pin connector while disassembling it. I have the non touch 60Hz IPS panel for 15 r3. Did raise with alienware support, although I'm preparing for the possibility of getting it somewhere else.
     
    riz06, May 4, 2017
    #28
  29. Mobius 1

    Mobius 1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    3,447
    Messages:
    9,069
    Likes Received:
    6,376
    Trophy Points:
    681
    Just say that the display broke suddenly and they'll replace it for free.
     
    Mobius 1, May 4, 2017
    #29
  30. riz06

    riz06 Newbie

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    7
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Yup, trying that exactly. Let's see what happens.

    BTW, thanks for some of your posts on repasting and thermal pads for this model, helped me to get around 10-15c cpu temp drop with kryonaut. Would get a larger drop with LM probably. So, thanks :)
     
    riz06, May 4, 2017
    #30
  31. woodzstack

    woodzstack Alezka Computers , Official Clevo reseller.

    Reputations:
    1,201
    Messages:
    3,495
    Likes Received:
    2,593
    Trophy Points:
    231
    would have to search for it
     
    woodzstack, May 4, 2017
    #31
  32. riz06

    riz06 Newbie

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    7
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Been searching for that online. Couldn't find anything. I don't have much knowledge with LCD ribbons or EDP cable. Don't know if some other model's cable would work or not.

    Unfortunately, Malaysian Dell support are painfully slow in communications.
     
    riz06, May 8, 2017
    #32
  33. woodzstack

    woodzstack Alezka Computers , Official Clevo reseller.

    Reputations:
    1,201
    Messages:
    3,495
    Likes Received:
    2,593
    Trophy Points:
    231
    No you would want the direct cable. This one is not easily shared amongst other laptops.
     
    woodzstack, May 8, 2017
    #33
  34. riz06

    riz06 Newbie

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    7
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Used to be with high-end latitude models before, but those are rarer than the Alienwares.
     
    riz06, May 8, 2017
    #34
  35. Yokozowner

    Yokozowner Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    34
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    16
    @woodzstack Question do you know the 15" FHD 120hz Part number? I want to swap my 4k panel out of my non g-sync 15R3
     
    Last edited: May 13, 2017
    Yokozowner, May 13, 2017
    #35
  36. Tristram13

    Tristram13 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    19
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    6
    @woodzstack Would you know if there are any compatible panels for the 15r3 that are 4K/3k with g-sync?
     
    Tristram13, May 16, 2017
    #36
  37. woodzstack

    woodzstack Alezka Computers , Official Clevo reseller.

    Reputations:
    1,201
    Messages:
    3,495
    Likes Received:
    2,593
    Trophy Points:
    231
    which laptop, the same as the next guy asking about AW15R3 ? Actually I do not have it off hand and without one of them lying around I would rely on DELL or your invoice telling you the part number. You can usually find it by searching with your asset tag on the DELL site, does that help, sorry if I'm not more useful for this screen.

    If I knew the model number we might be able to find a few different panels for it too. I personally have not touched this laptop yet (the AW15R3)
     
    woodzstack, May 17, 2017
    #37
  38. riz06

    riz06 Newbie

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    7
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Okay, if anyone need replacement parts, try aliexpress first. Better for availability compared to parts-people. I posted a request to this seller & got the replacement EDP cable for AW 15r3 60Hz IPS panel.

    On a separate note, Alienware & Dell support(global or authorised resellers) has been super unhelpful & downright rude at some point. Supposed to put forward a requisition order for 2 gaming laptops at work soon. Will go with RoG or MSI for sure. No more alienware.
     
    riz06, May 31, 2017
    #38