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.
← Previous pageNext page →

    Alienware 15 R2 display panel mystery

    Discussion in '2015+ Alienware 13 / 15 / 17' started by Tony V, Oct 22, 2015.

  1. Talon

    Talon Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,482
    Messages:
    3,518
    Likes Received:
    4,689
    Trophy Points:
    331
    Luckily I've since upgraded the screen to a LP156WF 6 SPB1. IMO its the best screen LG has out right now for the 15.6" IPS segment FOR GAMING. Best brightness and response times (25ms) which is obviously important. I've also also had the BOE, LP156WF 4 SPB1 (terrible response times and a blurry mess) and the LP156WF6 SPM1 (too dark). In all I've test 4 different displays and the WF6 SPB1 is the best.

    This guy appears to have the real deal as noted in the picture.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Dell-C3...765717?hash=item235ccc9115:g:y9YAAOSwnipWZ1cB
     
  2. 5hogun

    5hogun Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    15
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Hmmm, the SPM1 also has pretty bad response times, or at least it has compared to my U2414H. I swear, no one has any good panels in stock... I've been looking for both LP156WF6-SPB1 and the LTN156HL02-201 and no one has them for around 150 AUD from overseas. I'm probably just going to go with the LTN156HL01-102 which costs $200 locally.

    On a side note, found 3 bright pixels upon closer examination of my panel. Dell says they're going to replace it with another SPM1 so the sad life continues...
     
  3. con4n007

    con4n007 Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    52
    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    16
    I bought mine for 64usd LTN156HL02-201 and ship it from usa.
    There's another seller that's selling for 68usd (best offer)
    http://m.ebay.com/itm/LTN156HL02-20...UXGA-eDP-/141699727149?nav=BUYING_BEST_OFFERS

    You may get lucky and can get cheaper price.
     
  4. ShadowO

    ShadowO Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    So what panel is best overall? I'm looking to use this laptop connected to a drawing tablet, so I need good color and brightness.
     
  5. sirleeofroy

    sirleeofroy Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    22
    Messages:
    506
    Likes Received:
    169
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Well I replaced the dull, dim and lifeless stock panel with this and it's decent. It's bright and the colours are way better than the stock panel but, because it's a 6bit panel (256K colour) blues are particularly grainy. This irks me quite a bit....

    http://www.panelook.com/LP156WF4-SPH1_LG Display_15.6_LCM_parameter_20611.html

    However, the best panel we "could" get for our machines is this:

    http://www.panelook.com/LTN156HL06-C01_Samsung_15.6_LCM_overview_24666.html

    This is an 8bit panel (16.7M colours) and I'm currently on a worldwide hunt for one (everyone lists it but nobody has stock :(), no luck as of yet.......
     
  6. ShadowO

    ShadowO Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Thanks, I'll keep a look out for the 8-bit panel..... If I find it I'll post it.
    I take it that one couldn't make the 4k panel work in the non 4k model, guessing that they used a 30 pin connector on the mobo of the non 4k?
     
  7. sirleeofroy

    sirleeofroy Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    22
    Messages:
    506
    Likes Received:
    169
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Yeah the 4K panel uses a 40Pin cable so you would need to source one of those if you were "upgrade". I'm not sure if the bezel is the same, I'm sure someone here has tried this but can't remember if it was the AW15 or 17.....
     
  8. ShadowO

    ShadowO Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Do you know anything about this panel?

    http://www.panelook.com/G156HAN01.0_AUO_15.6_LCM_overview_25217.html

    Obviously it would still need a 40pin cable but.... it would be a possible alternative to the 8 bit Samsung if I can't find it, though the Samsung would be better as it is true 8bit while the AUO is 6bit+FRC.
     
  9. sirleeofroy

    sirleeofroy Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    22
    Messages:
    506
    Likes Received:
    169
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Funny, I also looked at that panel but I'm afraid this wouldn't fit our machine. The way it mounts is entirely different and that metal backplate would surely add thickness.

    Not sure why it needs a 40pin cable though, especially when every other 1080 panel uses 30pin....
     
  10. ShadowO

    ShadowO Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I've found a seller on eBay that supposedly has the Samsung LTN156HL06-C01 panel in stock, but they haven't replied to my message asking to make Shure they really have it.
     
  11. sirleeofroy

    sirleeofroy Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    22
    Messages:
    506
    Likes Received:
    169
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Oh there's no shortage of sellers listing the panel for sure, but I've messaged a ton from eBay to Alibaba, I've gone direct to sellers in America and China and some guy in France that apparently has it... The bottom line is, out of the 10% that have messaged back, all of them said they didn't have it in stock and would ship a "compatible" model. My problem with this is, the only thing "compatible" about it are the dimensions and the mounts. Otherwise, the 6bit panels they would send you you are NOT like for like and therefore "not compatible" as far as I'm concerned.

    Imagine you bought a laptop with this panel, and you bought it because of it's colour accuracy (because you work with images for example) and unfortunately it failed. So you go and source a replacement only to find you have been shipped an inferior, 6bit panel..... I would be pi$$ed.

    The thing is, the panel industry is a bit of a sham. @nickbarbs will tell you, unfortunately we are at the whim of their practises.

    I'm now trying to find laptops that this panel was shipped in to see if I can find a busted one with an intact screen...... no luck yet.
     
    rinneh likes this.
  12. rinneh

    rinneh Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    854
    Messages:
    4,897
    Likes Received:
    2,191
    Trophy Points:
    231
    Yeah I had the same experiences. Saw an LG156WF6 SB1 on ebay, it was marked as in stock. I ordered it. Received a message they would send me a compatible panel made by AUO. It could be any panel even a mere 200nits panel. Cancelled it. SO a bit chance you get a worse panel.
     
  13. rizzzky

    rizzzky Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Hey Nickbarbs!, I was wondering which panel you have in your alienware 15 r2 right now and where you ordered it from. Thanks!
     
  14. nickbarbs

    nickbarbs Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    301
    Messages:
    1,383
    Likes Received:
    83
    Trophy Points:
    66
    I'm still using the Dell LG WF6 IPS (i think it is 220nits).


    It is brighter than the original samsung and the colors are better.

    The brightness is still no good..

    I use a Dell Ultrasharp U2715H as my docking station and main screen (350 nits, USB3 hub with keyboard mouse hdds etc into my USB-C port)
     
  15. sirleeofroy

    sirleeofroy Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    22
    Messages:
    506
    Likes Received:
    169
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Nice monitor! I use the U2713HM and I'm in no hurry to upgrade!

    BTW I just took a punt on an 8bit panel (LTN156HL06-C01) from a China based stockist who swears blind that this is the model they have in stock. They confirmed at least twice that I would indeed get that model and not a "compatible model". I'm still not confident but it's the best lead I have. All in all it's cost £70 to get it shipped here and should land next week.

    I'll let you know if it was worth the gamble!
     
  16. rizzzky

    rizzzky Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Please let us know the outcome and can we have the link to the supplier?
     
  17. nickbarbs

    nickbarbs Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    301
    Messages:
    1,383
    Likes Received:
    83
    Trophy Points:
    66
    Dude! let me know, I'd love to get an 8bit panel in heah!
     
  18. con4n007

    con4n007 Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    52
    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    16
    I just got ripped off from aliexpress.
    Returned the damage panel and seller claimed it was damaged. Buyer protection is ******** on aliexpress. I only got 20% back even after opening dispute.
    Never had this kind of problem buying from ebay.
     
  19. sirleeofroy

    sirleeofroy Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    22
    Messages:
    506
    Likes Received:
    169
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Holy crap! It turned up and it's the correct panel....... Well... it's labelled correctly, I will find out for sure when I get home and install it but it's a positive step forward! :D

    I will post the seller and contact once I've confirmed it's the real deal, I told them I knew a few people that would want the panel if it was right!
     
    Last edited: Mar 22, 2016
    rinneh likes this.
  20. rinneh

    rinneh Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    854
    Messages:
    4,897
    Likes Received:
    2,191
    Trophy Points:
    231
    Nice! also very curious about this.
     
  21. sirleeofroy

    sirleeofroy Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    22
    Messages:
    506
    Likes Received:
    169
    Trophy Points:
    56
    False alarm I'm afraid :(.

    In fact, what they actually sent me is just laughable, besides disappointing of course. Check this out:

    http://www.panelook.com/N156HGE-EA1_Innolux_15.6_LCM_overview_20169.html

    It came with the the correct Samsung label but that is where the similarities end.

    I took a gamble and was prepared to lose but this is just hilarious......Wow!
     
  22. rinneh

    rinneh Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    854
    Messages:
    4,897
    Likes Received:
    2,191
    Trophy Points:
    231
    Damn that is pretty much a scam. What is it with those panel vendors. Afraid to even order a panel now.
     
  23. sirleeofroy

    sirleeofroy Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    22
    Messages:
    506
    Likes Received:
    169
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Oh it is without doubt a scam. You don't accidentally slap a Samsung label on a panel that isn't even considered compatible!!

    I got in touch with them and told what I had been sent, I expected to have the door completely shut on me but the contact is still engaging with me! She was adamant that it was the Samsung panel that was sent to me but after showing her the HWiNFO64 readout and corresponding Panelook pages for each panel, she will go to her manager.

    However, she skipped over the fact I pointed out the crappy TN panel they had sent had a label for a much higher quality Samsung PLS panel and by definition, is a fraudulent product.

    I don't expect it to go anywhere now and consider it a loss but I'm going to hound them for their shoddy tactics, if only to make me feel a bit better!
     
  24. rinneh

    rinneh Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    854
    Messages:
    4,897
    Likes Received:
    2,191
    Trophy Points:
    231
    Did you use a creditcard or paypal? You are eligible for buyer protection then right?
     
  25. sirleeofroy

    sirleeofroy Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    22
    Messages:
    506
    Likes Received:
    169
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Yeah I asked them to do it through PayPal, even the invoice states the Samsung panel's model number. With the proof I have regarding the "fake" screen I reckon I'll be alright.

    I'll let them try to redeem themselves before raising it with PayPal...
     
    rinneh likes this.
  26. rinneh

    rinneh Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    854
    Messages:
    4,897
    Likes Received:
    2,191
    Trophy Points:
    231
    Goodluck with it! Drains energy to deal with scammers :(
     
  27. nickbarbs

    nickbarbs Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    301
    Messages:
    1,383
    Likes Received:
    83
    Trophy Points:
    66

    I think this is a losing battle.. sorry to hear you didnt get what you expected.

    I'm just going to give up and stick with the WF6 dell lg screen. Most of the time i'll be docked to my nice screen... I just have oither things to do unfortunately...

    The way the whole LCD business is structured with compatible part numbers etc..

    its just not worth it.. imo.
     
  28. sirleeofroy

    sirleeofroy Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    22
    Messages:
    506
    Likes Received:
    169
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Yeah, it is what it is.

    I went in with my eyes open and prepared for the worst, unfortunately that's what I got!
     
  29. rizzzky

    rizzzky Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Good news everyone, I just replaced my stock Samsung screen with the LP156WF6(SP)(B1) and all I can say is WOW! It is so much brighter and the colors look a lot nicer too.

    I am very pleased with this purchase.
     
    Talon and DXHHH18 like this.
  30. DXHHH18

    DXHHH18 Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Just wanted to stop by and thank you for your suggestion. I bought an Alienware 15 R2 a couple of months ago and have loved it except for the horrendous screen that came with mine. I received the screen you recommended and it is such an improvement over the original yellowed out samsung. Thanks again!
     
    Talon likes this.
  31. rinneh

    rinneh Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    854
    Messages:
    4,897
    Likes Received:
    2,191
    Trophy Points:
    231
    After researching if found out that my old Ativ Book 8 has the LTN156HL06-C01 panel.

    I dont recommend that one over the 156WF6SB1.

    Why? It has image retention issues on the borders. If you have a light colored window open for like 15minutes on the same spot you can still see it on for example a dark blue background but faded for a minute.
     
  32. Talon

    Talon Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,482
    Messages:
    3,518
    Likes Received:
    4,689
    Trophy Points:
    331
    No problem @DXHHH18 I'm glad my suggestion was able to help you. Enjoy!
     
  33. Kalen

    Kalen Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    41
    Messages:
    279
    Likes Received:
    176
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Hey all, I know this is a bit of a contentious thread based on the multitude of reviews confirming the poor displays (and everyone here's experience too). I guess I was kind of one of the lucky ones with the SDC4C48 Samsung 300nit display, but I'm not entirely happy with the response time for gaming. Has anyone tried the Samsung SDC324C? It seems to have better colour gamut and is rated higher on panelook but I'm not sure if it is a worthwhile upgrade.
    If anyone has any input, I'm game. Thanks!
     
  34. kgh00007

    kgh00007 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    80
    Messages:
    464
    Likes Received:
    50
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Hey I have the same panel with just a small bit of light bleed in the corner that's only visible on startup. I also have issues with the response time while gaming, are you planning on upgrading the panel?

    Aside from the response time, the panel is awesome!
     
  35. Kalen

    Kalen Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    41
    Messages:
    279
    Likes Received:
    176
    Trophy Points:
    56
    I was thinking about it but am still on the fence. Especially given that I have not seen the SDC342C in person. I will have to look around to see if it is a worthwhile upgrade.
     
  36. võ trung nguyên

    võ trung nguyên Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    hi, i have a aw15r2 1080p. i very disappointed because its screen very bad, like a sh!t? can i improve its? can i replace its with screen??? give me a name? thanks you so much?
     
  37. Philippe B.

    Philippe B. Newbie

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Hi,

    I am trying to find information that compare the screen options in the Alienware 15, between the two following screens:
    - 15.6 inch UHD (3840 x 2160) IGZO IPS Anti-Glare 300-nits Display
    - 15.6 inch UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS-Panel TrueLife 350-nits Display with Touch Technology

    Despite the obvious, the 'Touch Technology', how do the two screens compare for gaming:
    - 350-nits is obviously brighter, but is it a perceivable difference between 300 and 350?
    - Is the TrueLife a glossy? (I am coming from the macbook pro world, thus of those two screens, is the truelife more akin to a retina display?)
    - Is the IGZO Anti-Glare an matte display similar to the basic FHD (1920, 220 nits) screen of alienware? I tend not to be a fan of matte screen, but matte with 300 nits, no idea, I can't find a video or review anywhere

    Anyone knows of pictures or video that compare the two, or showcase one of the two?

    Best
    Philippe
     
  38. rinneh

    rinneh Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    854
    Messages:
    4,897
    Likes Received:
    2,191
    Trophy Points:
    231
    The touch option has a glass panel in front of the screen so yeah its glossy as hell :D
     
  39. scottdrmyers101

    scottdrmyers101 Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Hi All,

    I've read through the pages and see a few different display panels mentioned. I have an Alienware 15 R2, 970m, 1080p. I want to confirm the model number of the screen that everyone is getting that is better than the washed out one I have. I noticed how bad it was when I connected my external Samsung monitor (which is bright and has excellent color reproduction).

    I have no problem changing out the screen myself, but I do not want to buy the wrong panel haha.

    LP156WF 6 SPB1 correct?


    And a side note, if I wanted to upgrade it to a 4K display, is this possible? If so, what displays will work? I mainly use this machine for a little bit of video editing, gaming I do on the external monitor at my desk so I won't be gaming on the 4K display.

    Thanks!
     
    Last edited: Apr 12, 2016
  40. Bubloo

    Bubloo Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    15
    Messages:
    143
    Likes Received:
    23
    Trophy Points:
    31
    So guys what is the verdict? which is the best screen and also available in the market. US markert. Purchased from outlet will be receiving it on 4/14
     
  41. sirleeofroy

    sirleeofroy Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    22
    Messages:
    506
    Likes Received:
    169
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Yeah the WF6 SPB1 is the best 1080 panel you'll get for the machine. There is another panel (Samsung LTN156HL06-C01) but it is rarer than rocking horse poop so I wouldn't bother looking, I have and I've not turned one up yet...

    Make sure your seller has that exact panel in stock because you will receive a "compatible" panel otherwise, and that is a massive lottery that is not in your favour.

    Changing to the 4K panel is "possible" and has been done but.... you will need the entire lid, panel, bezel AND the 40 pin eDP cable. The reason for needing the lid is because the mount points are different to the 1080 panels..... IMO this is way too much cost and effort, unless you happen to know someone with a dead 4K machine with intact panel etc...

    Hope that helps :D
     
    scottdrmyers101 likes this.
  42. scottdrmyers101

    scottdrmyers101 Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5

    Perfect. Thank you very much!
     
  43. sirleeofroy

    sirleeofroy Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    22
    Messages:
    506
    Likes Received:
    169
    Trophy Points:
    56
    You're welcome :)
     
  44. Bubloo

    Bubloo Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    15
    Messages:
    143
    Likes Received:
    23
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Sir Lee any reputable vendor?? For the screen you recommended. Also are there any good glossy screens available in the market for this laptop?
     
  45. sirleeofroy

    sirleeofroy Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    22
    Messages:
    506
    Likes Received:
    169
    Trophy Points:
    56
    I've ordered from these guys a couple of times - http://www.laptop-lcd-screen.co.uk/shop/

    Enquire as to their current stock first and have them confirm the panel they will send you if possible. There is a lady called Suzanne in the sales department who is very helpful but a tad vague when it comes to their current stock. I would just keep asking until you are satisfied and only then, place the order.
     
  46. scottdrmyers101

    scottdrmyers101 Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
  47. scottdrmyers101

    scottdrmyers101 Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I've confirmed with "Rob" from www.laptopscreen.com that they have the WF6 in stock and that is the exact panel that will be shipped if you order. I'm going to order in a couple weeks and will let everyone know the outcome.
     
  48. sirleeofroy

    sirleeofroy Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    22
    Messages:
    506
    Likes Received:
    169
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Good stuff, I would check again just before you order as the stock rotation in this industry is quite high. :)
     
  49. Darklesc

    Darklesc Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    13
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    6
  50. sirleeofroy

    sirleeofroy Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    22
    Messages:
    506
    Likes Received:
    169
    Trophy Points:
    56
    As far as I know that panel only comes with a matte finish so the glossy panel would be a compatible model... I would check they have the WF6 SPB1 in stock and order that. I have no idea what they would send as a "Glossy" panel.
     
← Previous pageNext page →