Swapped Ugly QHD To An Awesome UHD Display Alienware R4 Tutorial

I do want battery life. So I need Optimus. I have the GTX 1070 machine and I also have the amplifier with a 1080 FE in it. I also do way too much graphic work and not enough gaming now. I didn't get it for gaming I got it for performance.

The panel is a pull from a Dell machine from what I can tell.

 

Anyone who is running the 1080 screen will need the 40 pin cable. I ordered Jan 11 and am still waiting for Dell to ship. Just be aware of this as I was lied to about it being in stock. Ordered the screen and cannot install.

 

I just noticed this thread now. Can i get the ebay link to the panel? I searched for it, but im finding a few different results. So i just want to make sure im ordering the right one.

I actually dont like the 1440p panel either. Its not a bad panel, i just feel like its nothing special. I would have much preferred a 4K option with proper scaling to 1080p and better colors.

Also do i need to replace the tape strips on the bezel? Or can i just reuse the same tape? Do you think if i swapped this and had to swap it back in the future dell would notice? Thanks.

EDIT: I read online the 1.0 version is gsync certified, i wonder if that works.

 

Do you have any Light bleeding after you replace the panel? are you adjusting any internal double tape for the panel?

 

Just went and ordered the same model as the OP. Its supposed to be here between march 1st to 8th. So ill update on how it all goes when it gets here.

 

Hi, May I ask which verison are you ordering ? the 1.2 or 1.0. the most concern for me is the G sync option.

thanks

 

I just went and ordered the 1.2 version. I debated on ordering the 1.0 to check if gsync works, but i just didnt want to spend the extra cash it would cost to find out.

 

Light bleed was still apparent after installing to the new panel. I ended up fixing most of it by adding small strips of 2mm double sided tape to the part where the bezel was pinching on the edge of the panel.

If you want Gsync then you will have better luck with the 1.0 version. Anything newer are still not certified with Gsync just yet. Hopefully they will be soon when more manufactures start using them.

Good luck!! Let us know how it goes later.

 

So i just got though installing my new 4K panel in my r4. I was surprised how simple it was to do, i think it took me a total of 10 minutes. I got a little worried at first since i booted into a black screen, but after a few tries it kicked in and registered.

My overall thoughts on it are mixed though.

Pros:
Much sharper, and you can definitely see more details.
The colors are way better than the 1440p screen.
The scan lines are completely gone.
GTX 1080/6820hk combo doesnt seem to have much issues fps wise.

Cons:
Doesnt seem to go as bright as the 1440p screen, but upping the contrast a bit helped that.
The screen look a little grainy, but its really only noticeable browsing the web on all white pages. The 1440p screen wasnt much better in that regard, but i think im noticing it a bit more because everything is sharper and colors stand out more in comparison.
Gysnc still doesnt work with the 1.0 version.

Overall its definitely an improvement over that crap 1440p display.

@SUADE8880 Do you have the link to the panel you purchased on ebay?

 

There are quite a few of them on Ebay. Here's the one I bought... http://www.ebay.com/itm/4K-UHD-17-3...079025?hash=item282ce7c6b1:g:hmUAAOSwOyJX9mEH.

I would wait a little bit now that Dell is planning to release the new QHD soon; and rumor has it that is suppose to be night and day difference.

 

I just wanted to see what your listing looked like. I actually bought my 1.0 model from the same exact ebay seller.

I still have an exchange in for my r4, so im hoping to be upgraded once the 14th comes around to the new display and cpu. So if that happens i will be able to compare the 2 1440p displays and the 4K side by side before i send this one back.

If the new 1440p screen ends up being pretty good, i might put the 4K screen on ebay for the price i bought it for. I figure someone will snatch it up in the US who doesnt want to wait 2 weeks for it to come from china.

 

Hello and excuse my poor english.

I want replace my QHD screen with a UHD on my Alienware 17 R4.

I've seen this: http://www.ebay.ch/itm/322346629537?ul_noapp=true
and this: http://www.ebay.ch/itm/172552079025?ul_noapp=true

I have received this response:

" Alienware 17 R3 using a AUO 4K screen B173ZAN01.0 .
Alienware 17 R4 using sharp 4K screen , not available.
not this one. thank you"

and

"sorry this item do not work for update , thanks for you mail ."

It's correct ?

Thanks.

 

Hello,

Nobody knows if I can order these screens or not?
The answer to my mails scares me.

Thanks.

 

Yes! Both display options will work.

 

Thanks SUADE for your answer.

If I understand correctly, the best chance to have g-sync is revision B173ZAN01.0 and not B173ZAN01.1 or B173ZAN01.2 ?

 

The B173ZAN01.0 gives you the best chance since it has been g-sync certified to work with Sager and MSI. But again, its only a chance. I think one of the users here tried it and he couldn't get it to work with the Alienware.

 

Thanks.

I take the "risk" for this price.
I can't stand banding with this screen.

 

If you like sharper images, better color, way better viewing angle then go with the 4k its well worth the extra $100. But if you like butter smooth FPS gaming then you might want to stick with the QHD.

 

I had an Asus G752VY with 1080p screen.
It's enough for me to play and I do not need more than 60Hz. If I understand, 1080p in game with 4k screen is pixel perfect no (x4) ?
On the other hand the image quality of the QHD is horrible for photos for example. A good 1080p or UHD is better way for me.

Thanks for your help.

 

No problem!! Downscaling to 1080p for gaming is barely noticeable on image quality. But if you have the GTX 1080 you can maxed out playing 4K no matter what.

 

GTX 1070 but I want play in 1080p, not 4K.
4K only for little games I think.

 

Quick and easy weekend project: Remove matte film from UHD 4k display.

Couldnt help but feel I was missing out on some popping visuals... a bit of googling led me to find out matte screens have an added layer of anti glare to the original display, sort of like wrapping your car in a matte finish or adding a protective matte cover to your phone... not really my thing.

I simply added wet paper towels and left it alone for 5-6 hrs. No need for added tape seal as the original seals are adequate (still, check for proper seal nonetheless).




Result is a significantly more vivid screen with deeper blacks and added contrast. The difference is markedly more noticeable irl than in the picture below.

I live in a controlled lighting environment at home and at work and do not suffer from any glares or reflections. I do not hang out in coffee shops or use my laptop in airports, nor do I bring my laptop to hang out in the park...etc.. This is obviously not for everyone bc of the cons of glossy screens, so anyone interested in removing the matte film must take his/her lifestyle into consideration.

 

PS. Also be prepared to notice minor flaws such as scratches as the matte film really does cover up a lot of imperfections. The good news is that tiny imperfections are absolutely not noticeable in real use and are a non factor.

 

Yep i was the one who tried the 1.0 version, the gsync doesnt work.

 

Also word of warning to anyone with the gtx 1080 model who wants to install the new video card bios. Make sure to put the 1440p screen back in before you attempt it. If you are running the 4K screen instead you will get an error message and when you reboot you will loose your gtx 1080. I made that mistake and it was a absolute headache to get it back. Ended up having to put the 1440p screen back in, reinstall the video bios and reinstall windows to put everything back into its place. After i managed to get it back, i swapped it out for the 4K screen and everything worked fine. So the 4K screen works fine with it, but you need to 1440p screen attached to upgrade the bios.

 

I also installed the new vbios with the 4k screen and had a slightly different experience.

Like Neal, I also got an error message so I simply reinstalled the nvidia drivers from my download folder. Then reinstalled the vbios, reboot, and all good. No issues to report.

 

has anyone done this on a 15 r3?

 

Someone has mentioned that the screen installation is pretty much the same setup. The lcd bezel just unclip right off to get access to the screen.

 

New QHD screen is out that has no lines.
Tech support will replace the screens. FYI.
Yes still 120Hz
Yes still 5ms
Yes still G-Sync.

 

What baffles me is that Dell is replacing my whole laptop with the new screen because the screen separate is backordered. We'll wait and see what happens.

 

Are you on Discord?
You should join up.
https://discord.gg/cFUYbgY

Please PM me. I have some questions.

 

is there any 120hz/144hz 1080p monitors out there? I have the 1080p 60hz which can only be overclock to 74hz...

 

Can you not get one off eBay? Also, what is the cable called so I can order it, I have the 1080p screen also.


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I think there is a Chimei LCD 17" that is FHD + 120Hz. I believe it was on the MSI.
Only downside is that panel claimed 5ms but it ended up being closer to 15-20ms.

 

I had to finally get Alienware Support's Twitter account to help me get the cable

Here is the part number

 

Dude thank you


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Does anyone know if these 2 panels are compatible with the Alienware 17 R4?

SHARP LQ173D1JW31: http://www.ebay.com/itm/17-3-3840x2...781782?hash=item51f94ad456:g:fhoAAOSwi7RZL5ug

Panasonic B173ZAN01.0: http://www.ebay.com/itm/17-3-Panaso...795826?hash=item5433972332:g:Q2MAAOSwpLNX8o3J

If they are compatible, are they better in quality than the AUO 4K panel?

 

Hi, i'm new here and i bought an AW 17 R4 two months ago with FHD + 1070 ... and i guess the 1070 can handle QHD 120hz easily... you guys know which screen will be compatible with the laptop??

Hope you can help me out ... Thanks anyways!!

 

Ugly QHD? I don't even have QHD and think FHD is great. What are you smoking xD

 

No one can help me?? i really wanna upgrade my current lcd screen.

 

How is the brightness of the uhd in compare to the qhd? I want to use it outside sometimes.

 

B173ZAN01.0 is from AUO. The only 4k UHD screen out there worth buying. It has better color than the SHARP.

The new updated QHD(Without Stripings) are available now on Ebay for Cheap. http://www.ebay.com/itm/17-3-3D-LED...387739?hash=item51f981da1b:g:ZYMAAOSwjL5ZM-Ep

Lol. The interlacing lines killed it on the original QHD.

 

My panel is the 1080p AUO B173HW01 V.0, which according to AUO's data sheet for that model, has a 40-pin connector...

Are other FHD displays only 30-pin..?

 

Can i install this in my AW 17 R4??

I currently have this panel: AU Optronics B173HW01 V0

Hope you can help me out,..

Thanks!!

 

I have the same panel as you (according to HWINFO), however there's still a bit of confusion with regards pin numbers...

This site shows it being 40-pin:
https://www.laptopscreen.com/English/screen-part-number/B173HW01~V.0/

But specifying the Dell part it becomes 30-pin:
https://www.laptopscreen.com/English/model/Dell/Y147T/

The 4k screen is 40-pin.

Has anyone actually replaced the FHD with a 4k and knows for sure..?

 

I had the FHD and replaced it with the UHD and yes the FHD uses the 30 pin. You will need to order the 40 pin cable.

 

So on the FHD does the 30-pin cable go to a 40-pin socket on the mobo then..? Is the cable a 40-into-30 or something..?

 

Where can i get it besides Dell? i'm not in U.S. and is hard to get that cable... probably you can help..

Thanks in advance..

 

Yes I believe it's a 40 pin(Mb) to a 30pin the new one is a 40 pin on both

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Not sure as I got it from Dell the part number is in one of my previous posts

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