17 R5, 2018, (EDP, LVDS problem)

Question

Hi, I recently replaced the fans, got a bit more powerfull ones as the r5 with the I9 and gtx1080 tends to get quite hot as you know. the issue is I was a bit careless and managed to pull the cable that comes from the screen and connects the screen to the motherboard. I pulled it off clean so the MB was not damaged and I cannot see too much damage on the cable but seems fine for now. So after a few days of searching I decided to fix myself. Now the issue is I know it is a 40 pin 0.5mm EDP or LVDS socket which can be soldered but cant seem to find anywhere. I called dell and asked for a MB but they said call back in 3-4 weeks, and all other shops say they have to send it to DELL for a fix with outrageous prices. SO to get to my point, I could use help getting my hands on a EDP 40 cable for a QHD screen and also a LVDS socket to solder onto my MB. If anyone could tell me names or parts no or where to find them, or knows someone guarding the backdoor to DELL's service repair shop.....anything I would appreciate. Thank you.

cuza26 · Accepted Answer

what seemed to be an easy fix turned out into a massive replacement SAGA. Motherboard, screen, heatsink, all gone and replaced. The only issue now is I have a 60Hz QHD screen instead of a 120Hz QHD screen which I am currently investigating with them. Gotta admit all works very smooth, performance like never before, all great except the refresh rate and the fact that Dell's own assistant does not recognize this computer. But we will see as I am on them like a bad case of the flu. spent 5 hours on and off the phone with them until I met the right guy, Robert who knows his stuff and helped. we will see. All of the above damage was £420 plus £50 the diagnose session :)). But it is a promising repair so fingers crossed. And oh, btw, if you wanna keep the broken parts the price doubles so they do recondition somehow the old parts but that comes with a price. Hopefully no more liquid metal, Throttlestop and all the headaches. If anyone has questions.......

crimsom · Answer

Hi @cuza26 welcome to this user to user forum. This is not Dell Support.

Dell Alienware 17 R5 LCD Cables

LVDS Connectors

Please click on Kudos to say thank you for response from another user. Please share an update on progress, so that other users derive benefit from your experience. Thank you.

cuza26 · Answer

Hi, thanks for the links but I am in the UK, I am struggling to find the exact name of  the parts I need and the only solutions I get from Dell is to change motherboard whenever if ever they will get one in stock and they will not tell me where to get that little socket even though I bet that exists somewhere very obvious, just a matter of finding the exact name for it. My Alienware is the 17 R5 from 2018 and I have the I9 8950HK and GTX 1080, with 32gb of ram and 2x1tb nvme in Raid0. Also, the laptop works just fine, I am having the worse days trying to hook it up to the TV via HDMI as screen goes black just before Win Login. Both my TVs are 1920x1080 60Hz but windows sets them t 64 HZ. They worked fine before as extended displays but now with the main screen gone Windows is just refusing to use any of them properly. I have 2 Dells, this will be the end of my journey with them. I had enough

crimsom · Answer

Hi @cuza26 thank you for sharing update. Users struggling to understand your dilemma.

The cable Dell part numbers are available in the link, and you do not have to buy from this vendor, just use Dell part numbers to search internet. It seems that there are two cables types, with or without Tobii.

Dell do not stock system board parts, the system board assembly is purchased from China. If you have a close inspection of connector under bright light, the part reference should be on its surface. Looking through online catalogue is tedious but you should be rewarded with part identification. If just 'missing' the cable captivation, get similar and transfer to your connector body.

Posting photographs always helps with user to user discussions.

cuza26 · Answer

Hi again, thanks for your continuous assistance but the actual problem is not in the actual cable connecting the screen to the motherboard. It is the little plug that it goes into. It came of clean from the motherboard. That little plug that is soldered on the motherboard, called something like LVDS 40 pin 0.5mm I think. I need to find a small socket like that and solder it to the motherboard. The cable that goes in the screen is a bit bent but it can be fixed or replaced very easy. The actual problem is finding the exact socket to be soldered on the motherboard, I cannot seem to find the exact name or part here in the UK. Anyways, I sent it to Dell for diagnosis so hopefully I get a good technician who can do something about it. If not I will have to put it to the soldering kit I will update with photos as soon as I get it back

crimsom · Answer

Hi @cuza26  Dell usually contract out this activity, so hopefully the repair is good. Guess if it all goes wrong, Dell are obligated to provide a new system board, unless the small print in your Dell agreement says that you agree to bear the risk. Please share an update, and tell all. Thank you.

Alienware

17 R5, 2018, (EDP, LVDS problem)

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