[GUIDE] Swapping Stock M15x 900p/1080p LCD to B+RGLED 1080p LCD

[Villosa]

Who says the M15x has reached its potential! ATI 6970M? 6990M? How about a FHD 1080p B+RGLED screen to go with that? This screen is used in the XPS L501X/L502X and the is same as the Clevo 95% gamut LCD upgrades.

Difficulty: HARD
Voiding Warranty: Likely

What you'll need:

-Patience
-Assorted tools (Phillips screwdrivers etc)
-Be handy
-AU Optronics B156HW01 v7 (glossy) or v4 (matte)
-M15x (duh) with stock 900p or 1080p LCD cable (either will do)
-Dremel with cutting disc (optional)
-Soldering iron (optional)
-2" razor/flat, long metal (optional)
-Clean work area
-Preferably a copy of the M15x Service Manual

**Screens available here (probably the only genuine B+RGLED vendor out there. Most will sell you knockoffs): Kuzotronic.com - Search Results for "auo b156hw01"

NOTE: Cheaper imitations have not been tested so I cannot verify picture quality. They're usually about $100 lower in price so..

1. Disassemble the M15x by removing the battery, service panel, touch strip, wifi/bluetooth antennas, keyboard, palmrest, and finally the display assembly.

2. Remove the LCD back cover using the instructions from the service manual, nothing tricky here, as long as you follow the instructions, you'll make it out alive.

3. You'll end up with the LCD exposed so use extra care in handling the assembly. Remove the two metal braces from each side of the assembly. Remove the webcam.



4. You can go about the next part in a couple of ways. I picked the easiest of the three but it basically kills your warranty LOL. The main problem here is the double sided tape Dell uses to secure the black plastic backing and LCD to the front "glass". You need a way to remove both in order to continue with the mod.

a. You can choose to use a razor or long flat metal to cut the "glass" away from the LCD and backing. This method is tricky and I decided to skip it due to concerns of cracking the "glass". I'd assume that with enough time, one can cut away the entire LCD and backing out cleanly.

b. You can cut the backing out using a Dremel with a circular cutting disc. This one will result in the best "looking" finish but again, I skipped it due to concerns of the cutting disc slipping or other accidents happening.

c. So I basically took the wussy way out and plugged in my soldering iron to cut the backing out. Took about 5 minutes and the finish is good enough for me! Just follow the outline of the backing and you'll know what I mean. It'll look like this after.



5. While the soldering iron was heating up I decided to test out the new screen. Hey, it works!



6. Ok back to the panel. I used a metal hook to gently lift the old panel out via a screw hole. There honestly is no easy way to do this part and it takes a bit of learning/figuring out to complete. I cannot teach this part of it but it is doable if you can figure a way out. The LCD is stuck in there due to the gluey tape, but my hook/lift method allowed me to get it out unharmed.



7. Just drop the new panel in and secure the metal braces to hold it in. Hopefully there will still be a little bit of glue on the glass and it'll help seal the new LCD in as well. Install your webcam and stock 40 pin LCD cable.



8. Reassemble and you're basically done.

Confirmation that it works through Device Manager


9. Reap the benefits! The pictures don't do it justice.

[svl7]

Cool!! +rep

So the difference between the stock 1080p panel and this one is huge? I was always happy with the stock screen, but if you say the difference is worth it I might go this way, the screen doesn't seem to be too expensive on ebay.

[mohamadnizam]

cool. where u get the lcd?

[Villosa]

I had the 900p screen out of the Outlet but back in the day when I had the 1080p, it was quite nice.

Apparently this screen is only second best to true RGB screens used in the XPS 16 and the R2.

The colors are definitely more vibrant than your run of the mill WELD, and it's BRIGHT!

Your best bet for an accurate comparison is to find someone or a store that carries the B+RGLED XPS L502X. As much as I would like them to, my pictures don't come close to doing this screen justice.

[Kratzen]

So, what are the benefits of this? You mention better colors. Does it have an impact on batterylife? I mean more color and better light must cost more?
And does it work with the brightness controll?

Edit: oh yeah, forgot to say gj on an awesome guide

[Villosa]

Haven't tested battery life yet but I'd assume it might impact it a bit. It is truly a beautiful panel for those who do a bit of coloring work on PCs, now they can mod and do it on their favorite AW. Honestly, I did this for experimental purposes because I like a challenge, it just so happens that it worked lol. The OSD and controls all function like before.

[JohnnyFlash]

This is pretty awesome! I knew there had to be a way to do it. Great work!

[dttran83]

Anyone post a link to where I can purchase the screen? Thank!!

[JohnnyFlash]

If the next person that does it, could make a video, that would be awesomeness.

[Villosa]

Sorry dttran83, I had a busy day. I've included a link to the place I got my screen from. They're pricey but genuine.

Added a Device Manager confirmation screen as well.