Swapped Ugly QHD To An Awesome UHD Display Alienware R4 Tutorial

U think you can buy it again? and ship it to me?

Hope you can help me out

Sent from my LG-H870DS using Tapatalk

 

Not sure since it was a bear to get it. Contact Alienware Support's Twitter
Part number is
1 WTNR3 Assembly,Cable,Embedded Display Port,QHD,GSYNC,AW17R4 $10.99

 

Yes but I'm not from U.S... and I was hoping if you can buy it... I can wait all the time it takes.

Sent from my LG-H870DS using Tapatalk

 

Buying off of eBay or AliExpress would be better if you don't live in the US.

I live in India, and get everything related to electronics from eBay, since local availability of components is scarce and they come at a premium.

But you can do this only if you're sure of what you're looking for...

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

 

yeah but the problem is that those parts aren't on Ebay.

Sent from my LG-H870DS using Tapatalk

 

I bought a replacement screen but it was defective. Make sure it is the B173ZAN01.0 when purchasing. The display I got was a "AUO Relplacement" and it turned out to be a Sharp, it had a backlight issue and didn't fit quite right. I'm going to return it and make sure to order the AUO B173ZAN01.0. When I was taking off the bezel, a couple of the plastic tabs broke off of the display assembly and the bezel doesn't fit on tight any more. Is there an easy fix for this or should I order a new display assembly?

 

Have to replace my screen to 120hz... mine is UHD. Hoping the G-SYNC stuff works fine once I do.

Is this the right one?:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/17-3-3D-LED...1f9e5e6df:g:VWAAAOSw~e5ZTOYm&autorefresh=true

 

Finally i could swap my FHD 60hz screen to the new QHD 120hz and eveything is great!! you just need the cable and the screen...

 

Awesome!! Thanks for the update.

It would be very helpful if you cpuld provide some details (in a single post) like-
1. Old screen model
2. New screen model
3. Cable required
Provide links of purchase if possible.
TIA. I am going to take up this project soon.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

 

1. B173HW01.0
2. B173QTN01.4
3. DELL P/N: WTNR3

 

Hello all, thought someone might be able to help me here or at least check to see if they have the same issue as me with UHD panels!

I seem to have a complicated problem that may actually be a design flaw in the new Alienware 17 R4 laptop.

I currently have two AW17 R4 laptops.

Laptop 1:

I7 6700HQ

GTX1070M

3840 x 2160 with Tobii

32GB 2133MHz RAM

1 TB SSD & 2TB HDD

Win 10 Pro.


Laptop 2:

i7 7700HQ

GTX 1070M

1920 x 1080p non Tobii

24GB 2667MHz RAM

1TB SSD & 1TB HDD

Win 10 Pro


Laptop 1 was where the problem started.

This is hard to explain so if I sound childish it’s because I don’t want to miss any details.

There is something wrong with the UHD screen.

When you place the mouse cursor to the left of the screen is stops about 2-3mm before the edge/bezel, same on the top of the screen.

When you place the mouse cursor to the right side of screen it disappears underneath the bezel, if you take the bezel off it even disappears underneath the black tape lining the edge of the screen, it also does this at the bottom of the screen.

If the top of screen is north and bottom south it is like the whole PICTURE (NOT SCREEN) needs to move north/west about 3mm INSIDE THE SCREEN. Repositioning the actual screen will not work, it is the picture inside the screen that needs to move.

I ordered two new LCD cables and 2 new UHD screens, I have tried both new screens and cables on laptop 1 but the issue still persists.

I have also completed the following troubleshooting on laptop 1.

1. Full power drain
   
   
2. Different setting in Intel Graphics properties.
   
   
3. Disabled iGPU via function/F5
   
   
4. Tried three different GPU drivers including original Dell GPU drivers
   
   
5. Updated system BIOS to latest (S1.1.7) as it has QMax GPU update
   

None of these steps worked, so then I moved onto laptop 2.

Laptop 2 originally had a 1920 x 1080 screen, this screen worked without any of the issues mentioned above.

When I used one x new cable and new UHD screen on laptop 2 it started with the exact same issue as laptop 1.

So now I have two current AW 17R4’s that have each had two brand new UHD panels and screens fitted and they both present the same problem, but as I mentioned previously, it does not happen with the 1080p screen.

Given the troubleshooting I have completed and the brand new spares I have used I have come to the conclusion there may be a design fault in this model with this configuration.

If one of the Alienware reps could step in and help it would be much appreciated.

 

Uhh?

The UHD's are not variable refresh, the G-Sync shouldn't work, at all.

 

Hi,
I also have two AW17. When I do the test, I have the same problem as you, on my two 4k screens. ( They are original Dell screens )

Spoiler: SHARP.txt

Monitor Asset Manager Report, generated 2017-07-20
Copyright (c) 1995-2016, EnTech Taiwan.
---------------------------

Monitor #1 [Real-time 0x0100]
Manufacturer............. Sharp
Plug and Play ID......... SHP1446
Data string.............. CK7T7€LQ173D1 [*CP437]
Serial number............ n/a
Manufacture date......... 2015, ISO week 34
Filter driver............ None
-------------------------
EDID revision............ 1.4
Input signal type........ Digital (DisplayPort)
Color bit depth.......... 8 bits per primary color
Color encoding formats... RGB 4:4:4, YCrCb 4:4:4
Screen size.............. 380 x 210 mm (17,1 in)
Power management......... Not supported
Extension blocs.......... None
-------------------------
DDC/CI................... Not supported

Color characteristics
Default color space...... sRGB
Display gamma............ 2,20
Red chromaticity......... Rx 0,640 - Ry 0,329
Green chromaticity....... Gx 0,210 - Gy 0,710
Blue chromaticity........ Bx 0,149 - By 0,060
White point (default).... Wx 0,313 - Wy 0,328
Additional descriptors... None

Timing characteristics
Range limits............. Not available
GTF standard............. Not supported
Additional descriptors... None
Preferred timing......... Yes
Native/preferred timing.. 3840x2160p at 60Hz (16:9)
Modeline............... "3840x2160" 533,250 3840 3888 3920 4000 2160 2163 2168 2222 -hsync -vsync
Detailed timing #1....... 3840x2160p at 48Hz
Modeline............... "3840x2160" 426,600 3840 3888 3920 4000 2160 2163 2168 2222 -hsync -vsync

Standard timings supported

Report information
Date generated........... 2017-07-20
Software revision........ 2.90.0.1020
Data source.............. Real-time 0x0100
Operating system......... 10.0.15063.2

Raw data
00,FF,FF,FF,FF,FF,FF,00,4D,10,46,14,00,00,00,00,22,19,01,04,A5,26,15,78,0E,DF,50,A3,54,35,B5,26,
0F,50,54,00,00,00,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,4D,D0,00,A0,F0,70,3E,80,30,20,
35,00,7E,D7,10,00,00,18,A4,A6,00,A0,F0,70,3E,80,30,20,35,00,81,D7,10,00,00,18,00,00,00,FE,00,43,
4B,37,54,37,80,4C,51,31,37,33,44,31,00,00,00,00,00,02,41,03,28,00,12,00,00,0B,01,0A,20,20,00,75

---------------------------

Hardware data
BUS_SLOT = PCI00000.PCI00004.PCI00008.PCI0000C.PCI00010.PCI00014.PCI00018.PCI0001C
00000000 = 59108086.20900006.06000005.00000000.00000000.00000000.00000000.00000000
00000008 = 19018086.00100407.06040005.00810010.00000000.00000000.00010100.0000E0E0
00000010 = 591B8086.00100400.03800004.00000010.DE000004.00000000.7000000C.00000000
00000020 = 19038086.00900006.11800005.00000000.FE028004.00000000.00000000.00000000
000000A0 = A12F8086.02900406.0C033031.00800000.DD190004.00000000.00000000.00000000
000000A2 = A1318086.00100002.11800031.00000000.DD1BB004.00000000.00000000.00000000
000000B0 = A13A8086.00100406.07800031.00800000.FE03C004.00000000.00000000.00000000
000000B8 = 28228086.02B00407.01040031.00000000.DD1A0000.DD1B9000.0000F091.0000F081
000000E0 = A1108086.00100404.060400F1.00810010.00000000.00000000.003B3B00.200000F0
000000E4 = A1148086.00100407.060400F1.00810010.00000000.00000000.003C3C00.2000D0D0
000000E5 = A1158086.00100406.060400F1.00810010.00000000.00000000.003D3D00.200000F0
000000F8 = A1548086.02000007.06010031.00800000.00000000.00000000.00000000.00000000
000000FA = A1218086.00000000.05800031.00800000.DD1B4000.00000000.00000000.00000000
000000FB = A1718086.00100006.04030031.00002010.FE030004.00000000.00000000.00000000
000000FC = A1238086.02800003.0C050031.00000000.DD1B8004.00000000.00000000.00000000
00000100 = 1BA110DE.00100407.030000A1.00000010.DC000000.B000000C.00000000.C000000C
00003C00 = E0B11969.00100007.02000010.00000010.DD400004.00000000.0000D001.00000000
00003D00 = 003E168C.00100546.02800032.00000010.DD200004.00000000.00000000.00000000
--------

Spoiler: AUO.txt

Monitor Asset Manager Report, generated 2017-07-20
Copyright (c) 1995-2016, EnTech Taiwan.
---------------------------

Monitor #1 [Real-time 0x0100]
Manufacturer............. AUO
Plug and Play ID......... AUO109B
Data string.............. 8CJK2€B173ZAN [*CP437]
Serial number............ n/a
Manufacture date......... 2015, ISO week 0
Filter driver............ None
-------------------------
EDID revision............ 1.4
Input signal type........ Digital (DisplayPort)
Color bit depth.......... 8 bits per primary color
Color encoding formats... RGB 4:4:4
Screen size.............. 380 x 210 mm (17,1 in)
Power management......... Not supported
Extension blocs.......... None
-------------------------
DDC/CI................... Not supported

Color characteristics
Default color space...... Non-sRGB
Display gamma............ 2,20
Red chromaticity......... Rx 0,656 - Ry 0,314
Green chromaticity....... Gx 0,212 - Gy 0,711
Blue chromaticity........ Bx 0,148 - By 0,057
White point (default).... Wx 0,313 - Wy 0,329
Additional descriptors... None

Timing characteristics
Range limits............. Not available
GTF standard............. Not supported
Additional descriptors... None
Preferred timing......... Yes
Native/preferred timing.. 3840x2160p at 60Hz
Modeline............... "3840x2160" 533,500 3840 3888 3920 4000 2160 2163 2168 2222 +hsync -vsync
Detailed timing #1....... 3840x2160p at 48Hz
Modeline............... "3840x2160" 426,800 3840 3888 3920 4000 2160 2163 2168 2222 +hsync -vsync

Standard timings supported

Report information
Date generated........... 2017-07-20
Software revision........ 2.90.0.1020
Data source.............. Real-time 0x0100
Operating system......... 10.0.15063.2

Raw data
00,FF,FF,FF,FF,FF,FF,00,06,AF,9B,10,00,00,00,00,00,19,01,04,A5,26,15,78,02,24,25,A8,50,36,B6,26,
0E,50,54,00,00,00,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,01,66,D0,00,A0,F0,70,3E,80,30,20,
35,00,7E,D6,10,00,00,1A,B8,A6,00,A0,F0,70,3E,80,30,20,35,00,7E,D6,10,00,00,1A,00,00,00,FE,00,38,
43,4A,4B,32,80,42,31,37,33,5A,41,4E,00,00,00,00,00,02,41,01,A8,00,11,00,00,0B,01,0A,20,20,00,2A

---------------------------

Hardware data
BUS_SLOT = PCI00000.PCI00004.PCI00008.PCI0000C.PCI00010.PCI00014.PCI00018.PCI0001C
00000000 = 59108086.20900006.06000005.00000000.00000000.00000000.00000000.00000000
00000008 = 19018086.00100407.06040005.00810010.00000000.00000000.00010100.0000E0E0
00000010 = 591B8086.00100400.03800004.00000010.DE000004.00000000.7000000C.00000000
00000020 = 19038086.00900006.11800005.00000000.FE028004.00000000.00000000.00000000
000000A0 = A12F8086.02900406.0C033031.00800000.DD110004.00000000.00000000.00000000
000000A2 = A1318086.00100002.11800031.00000000.DD136004.00000000.00000000.00000000
000000B0 = A13A8086.00100406.07800031.00800000.FE03C004.00000000.00000000.00000000
000000B8 = A1028086.02B00407.01060131.00000000.DD130000.DD134000.0000F091.0000F081
000000E0 = A1108086.00100404.060400F1.00810010.00000000.00000000.003B3B00.200000F0
000000E4 = A1148086.00100407.060400F1.00810010.00000000.00000000.003C3C00.2000D0D0
000000E5 = A1158086.00100406.060400F1.00810010.00000000.00000000.003D3D00.200000F0
000000E8 = A1188086.00100406.060400F1.00810010.00000000.00000000.003E3E00.200000F0
000000F8 = A1548086.02000007.06010031.00800000.00000000.00000000.00000000.00000000
000000FA = A1218086.00000000.05800031.00800000.DD12C000.00000000.00000000.00000000
000000FB = A1718086.00100006.04030031.00002010.FE030004.00000000.00000000.00000000
000000FC = A1238086.02800003.0C050031.00000000.DD132004.00000000.00000000.00000000
00000100 = 1BA110DE.00100407.030000A1.00000010.DC000000.B000000C.00000000.C000000C
00003C00 = E0B11969.00100007.02000010.00000010.DD500004.00000000.0000D001.00000000
00003D00 = 003E168C.00100546.02800032.00000010.DD200004.00000000.00000000.00000000
00003E00 = A804144D.00100406.01080200.00000010.DD400004.00000000.00000000.00000000
--------

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/aw17-r4-4k-screen-design-fault.807051/page-4#post-10569698

No issues for me. Though yes im not using Dell Panels, they were bought directly.

 

Is there a 1440p IPS replacement panel for the AW17 R4?

 

Had anyone who swapped to a UHD screen been able to get Gsync working?

 

does a 1080p 120hz display exist? been trying to look for one, also, would that require the different cable too? or would that work off of the 30pin one

 

I had one here. Model number should be easy to look up.

http://www.ultrabookreview.com/12167-msi-stealth-pro-gs73vr-review/

 

How fragile are the bezel's clips and tape? I'm concerned about the clips breaking during taking the bezel off and putting it back on, as there's no screws or anything to back them up like on the GT80's maintenance hatch.

 

Hmm, having an issue with the Nvidia control panel. There's no display option... only "3D Settings". Already tried reinstalling drivers etc.

 

Could you be in Power Saving / iGPU mode?

 

How would I change that?

Also, when I check the nvidia control panel, the screen is linked to the integrated and not the 1080.

Though when I game, it's definitely using the 1080.

 

Fn+f7.

 

Hmm, that function does nothing.

If this info helps, I switched from UHD to QHD model B173QTN01.4. Is the GSYNC stuff motherboard related? Like the UHD Alienware mobos don't come with it or something?

 

Do you have the Alienware OSD installed?

 

Ah, installed it. fn+f7 works kind of... when I do it, it comes up "Switch to Performance Mode (Discrete GPU always enabled)". And If let it go ahead and restart, the next time it boots up and I log in, the screen goes black after a few seconds. Have to quickly switch back with fn+f7 and restart again to fix it.

 

Gotcha. Next step would be to make sure the Intel iGPU drivers are installed (HD 630) , should be on your drivers page, after you enter the service tag. And then give it a shot.

 

Ah, still the same issue.

I'm reading here that the mobos for non g-sync panels are different:

https://www.alienwarearena.com/ucf/...es-my-alienware-17-r4-have-two-graphics-cards

"All currently available mobile CPUs offered by Intel, contain the Intel HD GPU. The issue with G-Sync systems is really a matter of physical connection. In order for G-Sync to work, the panel must be connected to the nVidia GPU directly. In a typical Optimus setup, the panel is actually connected to the Intel HD GPU's output, not the nViida card. All of the systems video is routed through the Intel GPU, even if it is being rendered by the nVidia GPU. Without the direct connection, G-Sync doesn't work, but you gain the ability to switch between GPUs. So, in a laptop with a G-Sync panel (that is connected properly) the Intel HD GPU would be present, but not connected to a display. This would explain why it shows up in your Device Manger, but is not available to use."

Like the g-sync screen is directly connected to the discrete gpu for via mobo and the non g-sync uses mobos have the screen conencted to the igpu for optimus.

 

That very well might be the case if your system has G-Sync.
On mine with a GSync panel Optimus doesnt work, without a GSync panel, Optimus works as it should.

 

Pretty disappointed... I wonder if Dell is willing to switch my mobo to one that is GSYNC enabled. Thinking I just have to return and buy a new one that comes with QHD stock.

 

If you got the 01.4 panel from a non Dell source, then you might be able to flash/edit the EDID to match that of the one that is supplied by Dell and that just might fix the issue.
I can confirm this in a week or so, once my B173QTN01.4 panel comes in.
The main reason why i believe the motherboards are the same is because, no company will want to spend extra time and money to produce multiple SKU's of the same motherboard. Specially since they are using the same one for both the 17 R4 and 15R3.

 

That is true. I'll wait to see how it goes for you. Thanks.

 

If i buy a new bezel will it have the sticky whatever it uses on it for applying to the LCD? Also, are there any particularly trusted sources to get the LG 1080p panel?

 

Just replaced my bezel. Yes it comes with new adhesive

Sent from my SM-G935W8 using Tapatalk

 

Mind linking where you got the bezel from?

 

From Dell just call and they can find the part number

Sent from my SM-G935W8 using Tapatalk

 

Ill give it a try this weekend. Also gonna try laptopscreen.com for the display panel and hope it goes well.

 

Recieved an innolux panel instead of an LG panel. Hopefully this one isnt complete **** at least...

 

It wont even turn on QQ
FFOR THEW LOVE OF GOD WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR SCREENS QQ

 

After about 5 reboots suddenly it works and is chok full of stuck pixels qq

 

Put the old screen back in and now it no longewr works and i cant tell if the laptop is even booting, this project is a genuinely awful idea for anyone with even the slightest of bad luck.

 

I have swapped between the FHD/QHD/UHD panels multiple times with 0 issues.
So either you messed up the cable, or the panel.

Also which was your original panel QHD or FHD?

 

After going through a couple more returns i finally got a mostly defectless display... and then I noticed the motion blur on the ChiMei Innolux panel is horrible.

Are there any places that sell the LG panel with a dead pixel warranty?

 

Hello guys,

Need help with the LCD cable. I have r4 with FHD panel and with the tobii-lite module. I have bought new QHD lcd panel and 40pin cable. But connector to the webcam-tobii module is different. May be somebody knows which type of cable I need?

 

I am having the same Issue, Does anyone have a place to get the right cable. I have had no luck trying to order from dell they say that they are out of stock.

 

There is no suitable cable for models which have tobii-aware and FHD. All models with QHD has tobii-eye tracker and another webcam.

 

So I checked my system I don't have Tobii- ware but have an FHD screen and want to upgrade it to an UHD don't care about the tobii eye what cable can I use if there is one? The WTNR3 cable does not fit the web cam I have, or will i need to change web cam too

 

There are 2 versions of the laptop. The first one with tobii-aware (webcam module with IR led both placed above lcd panel), and the second one with tobii-eye tracker(the tracker module placed on the bottom unber lcd panel).

If you have the first version - upgrade to QHD or UHD is impossible. Because you will loose the webcam.

 

So I have a 7700 1080 QHD with a horrible banding on the darker gradients. I am thinking in replacing it with the IPS of the OP, on Ebay it says 40 PIN connector (The IPS) Will it fit, or do i need a 40 to 30 pin adapter/cable? Will i loose G-Sync with the new IPS panel?

 

if you have QHD already then that is a 40 pin so you can just fit the UHD panel.

what i want to know if anyone knows the UHD panel part number that dell is now fitting that IS G-sync capable?