Official "swapping the XPS 17 L701x screen" thread

[Mitchell2.24v]

how much did you manage to get it for?

The panel itself is not even that expensive, I got it for $80. But... Shipping a single screen from Tawian to The Netherlands is a bit expensive (volumetric weight anyone?).

Also wiring the money there is a bit pricey. In the end I had the panel for a little under $200. When I convert that to Dell prices, the screen is still super cheap! The RGB upgrade for my XPS 1645 was about €200 I believe.

And this is so much cooler than getting it factory installed. It's like with Jeeps. Real Jeeps are Built, not Bought. The XPS starts to feel a bit like that to me

[Mitchell2.24v]

Here's my guide to replacing the LCD panel on the XPS 17

This is easy, just be patient and carefull.

Preparation

What you will need is a small Philips screwdriver, a small flat screwdriver, a set of tweezers, something soft to put between your panel and the keyboard, and you need to not be afraid of fingerprints on your screen

Warning user soup4you2 has figured out that you need the modded nVidia drivers as the panel will not work with the Dell nVidia drivers. So install them using Clean Mode before you install the new panel! You can download the drivers from this post (thanks to DaneGRClose)

You should also remove the battery and power cable before disassembling anything.



I did the display-only method where you leave the rest of the machine intact. Works great.

For those that would like to know, my original panel is indeed an LG one:



The new one is an AUO B173HW01 V.4



Disassembly

When removing the bezel you need to be carefull. It might help to know how the thing is actually attached. There are five points on each side of the screen, and eight on top. These points are spaced out evenly. At each of these points there is a set of tiny 'teeth'. These you need to get out of corresponding holes on the back part of the lid.





I found it easiest to pry underneeth the bezel on the side of the screen with your fingernails (so with the palm of your hand facing towards yourself and away from the screen. The back of your hand rests on the lcd panel. Gently lift the bezel and when you can, try and get a fingernail between the bezel on the side of the display assembly. I did this with my left hand and got a good grip.



It might also help to know where the teeth are:



Once you have the bezel off, there are 6 screws you need to undo to get the panel brackets loose from the lid, two on each bottom side of the panel, and on on top. You do not need to undo the hinges.

Here, on the lower left corner you only need to do the two screens on the far left.


On the right top you only need to do the on on the far right.


The other corners are similar.

Next remove the webcam. This thing is taped to the back, and you need to remove it because the cable and connector are taped over the board onto its back. Use a pair of tweezers to remove the tape (carefull, you need to put it back). Then use the small flat screwdriver to take the connector out.



Now put something soft like a towel on your keyboard and slowly tilt the panel forwards untill it sits flat on the towel. Next you need to remove the two brackets on the side of the panel. This is done using some small screws on the side of the panel.



The last stap is to remove the LVDS connector from the panel. Do this by carefully peeling the sticky tape from the white part of the panel and then gently pulling the connector towards the bottom of the panel.



Now you can remove the crappy LG panel and put the new one in place.



Reassembly

The steps to put it back in a quick list:

* LVDS connector + sticky tape
* Side brackets + screws
* Webcam connector
* Webcam Sticky tape

Now you should just put the two screws at the top back, so everything is stable. Then turn your machine on and test both the screen and the webcam! It should all work, but if it doesn't now would be the time to check connections.



If it all works, you can continue:

* Remaining lid screws
* Bezel

I broke two of the teeth while getting the bezel off, but there are 36 teeth to keep the bezel on, so there is some room for error.

Some testresults

I just compared the icc profiles from the LG panel and the AUO panels, and this confirms what my eyes tell me. This AUO panel looks very similar to the RGB panel in my XPS 1645. The AUO panel has a much wider gamut than the LG one. The RGB panel in the M17xR2 is even better, but not by very much:

LG vs AUO vs AdobeRGB:


LG vs. AUO vs M17xR2 (Samsung)


Also, here is a zipfile with my latest profiles for the LG and the AUO panels. Those of you that tried the other profile might try this one.

And finally to activate a profile you might try this little program. It is included with my profiling software, and as they have it available for download on the website, I assume its legal to use it just like that.

Profile Chooser

[RedlanceEQ]

Sweet stuff Mitchell2.24v!!

Updated the first post to include this very useful guide.

[Mitchell2.24v]

Sweet stuff Mitchell2.24v!!

Updated the first post to include this very useful guide.

Thanks! Unfortunately my guide is not totally complete. You need to undo a couple of screws on the side of the panel. I will take pictures and update the post once I do the new panel. But when the panel is out, it should be fairly obvious.

[RoosterRed]

Sweet stuff Mitchell2.24v!!
Updated the first post to include this very useful guide.

Ditto!
This will indeed be a very helpful thread in the future...
My "burstday" is coming up and the screen is what I will get myself
So in about month and a half....***fingers crossed*****
Rooster

[Siren73]

Thanks!
that brings back memories of my art classes in college...
and for new users who are reading, this is a colorchecker.

Rooster

Hi Rooster, I think I can see the pixel grid on your new screen.

[RoosterRed]

Hi Rooster, I think I can see the pixel grid on your new screen.

lost me...
haven't replaced the screen yet ...
is the pic that bad?
man, I really need to replace the screen then..lol
Rooster

[RedlanceEQ]

lost me...
haven't replaced the screen yet ...
is the pic that bad?
man, I really need to replace the screen then..lol
Rooster

Lol, no. He was referring to the pic itself where it could be thought that what the guy is holding is a screen. would be a reeeeal bad one if it was, lol!

[RoosterRed]

Lol, no. He was referring to the pic itself where it could be thought that what the guy is holding is a screen. would be a reeeeal bad one if it was, lol!

LMAO!
duh.....
It pays to get out house some huh?
Thanks RedLanceEQ!
Rooster

[Mitchell2.24v]

Lol, no. He was referring to the pic itself where it could be thought that what the guy is holding is a screen. would be a reeeeal bad one if it was, lol!

Well, it does have great viewing angles, and it has a perfect color gamut! The resolution is just a tad low.