Thinkpad P50 Screen Replacement [ Edited ]

[tbaumeister]

Unfortunately my screen got a crack at the top while holding my P50 at the top of the lid to transport it between two desks. Had never happened to me before with other Thinkpads but apparently the P50 lid chassis has more flex. In any case, I need to replace my screen. Since the P50 is relatively new there is little information available. Let's start a thread.

According to the P50 hardware maintenance manual replacement does not look too difficult:

http://ok1.de/thinkpad/HMM/p50_hmm_en_sp40j71944.pdf

Here the info taken from AIDA:
Monitor ID LEN40BA
Manufacturer LP156WF6-SPK1
Manufacture Date 2015

More info about LP156WF6-SPK1 can be found here:

http://www.panelook.com/LP156WF6-SPK1_LG%20Display_15.6_LCM_overview_27076.html

I always hated this screen as it has much lower brightness than what I previously had in my W530 and can hardly be used in sunlight and I had thought about the possibility of replacement before. So if I already have to replace it for mechanical reasons, I am wondering if I can get something better.  I definitely want FHD  antiglare.

LP156WF6-SPB1 looks as if it would be compatible and has better brightness and color gamut: (300cdm 72% vs 250cdm 45% CIE1931):

http://www.panelook.com/modeldetail.php?id=24180

Any ideas about possible problems with compatibility? Any comments?

[tbaumeister]

Just found this reddit where someone has done it:

https://www.reddit.com/r/thinkpad/comments/553aw1/i_replaced_the_p50_panel_with_a_lp156wf6spb1_and/

[Puppy]

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tbaumeister wrote:

Just found this reddit where someone has done it:

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Excellent ! We have to swap panel from Acer V15 Nitro to get a decent display quality in a "premium" ThinkPad workstation laptop. Who would have guessed it few years ago

[tbaumeister]

I swapped the screen. The first problem is to make sure that the seller will really send you the correct panel. Most sellers mention in the product description that they may send you a compatible one depending on availability in their stocks, so I'd recommend to ask before ordering. I found a company which promised to send the exact model, which they did.

First step is to open the lid's frame. It's easy if you start at the very bottom right with your fingernails and then extend the opening by sliding a credit card till it stops moving and then using it as a lever.

 Next open the 4 silver colored screws at the top and bottom of the panel. None of the other screws need to be touched.

Pull up the tape over the connector, you can leaeve it attached to the cover of the cable (I found it hard to pull it away from it). Don't use force to remove the connector. You first need to open a little metal lever by pulling it up with your fingernails. Once it is open you can easily pull the connector up 

 Brightness and colors are much better with the new screen. 

[peaceful1]

Good job!!   Does the new screen help with any eye strain issues you may have had due to the modulation I read about?

Is it also a matte screen?

[Puppy]

Acer to the rescue. Who would have guessed that Acer gaming laptop can save a ThinkPad workstation laptop It is sad Lenovo has ruined ThinkPad brand using such cheap second hand components.

[improwise]

Are you refering to the new LCD panel or a specific laptop? Not sure I've ever seen an Acer gaming laptop that I would feel comfortable bringing out in an office environement

[Puppy]

I am refering to Acer standard display quality ThinkPad users won't get even for much higher price.

[tbaumeister]

It is matte.

I did not notice modulation problems either with the old or the new panel, and am staring at the screen daily for many hours without unusual eye strain, but that may just be because I am less sensitive to the issue, so I can't say for sure.

[peaceful1]

Thank you and congrats on the successful replacement and improvement on your FHD screen.

I wonder if there is an improved 4k screen out there that could replace the one in the p50.   I suppose eventually there would be a different one available.