Screen upgrade on Inspiron 15-5559

Question

My brother gave me his old Inspiron 15-5559 which had a bad motherboard. I found a replacement used one on fleabay (with a better processor!!), installed it, and it works great now!
The existing factory installed screen works fine too, except that I don't like it! I want to upgrade it to IPS, FHD 1080p, with a matte finish (from TN, WXGA 1366 X 768, glossy). I've swapped out many a laptop screen in my day and have the electrical and mechanical skills to do it. A screen like I hope to install runs about $60.
I know in the days of yore laptops were really picky about screens and you pretty much had to install an EXACT replacement. But everything I've been reading indicates they have become, well mostly, standard, and that you only need to match: The size, the connector type (# of pins, size) and position, and whether or not it includes mounting tabs. Thus as I understand it I should be able to install (nearly) any screen that matches size, connector, and tabs. There is also the matter of the cable, and how many wires (or lanes) it includes but my research seems to indicate that a FHD 1080p requires no more than the WXGA. (But if I was to try and go any higher than FHD, assuming I could even find one, I might need to change the cable).

Am I correct on all this so far? Are there any other specs I need to match to such as voltage or protocols? Is going from TN to IPS gonna be an issue?

ejn63 · Answer

There's more to a screen replacement than what you've listed. While it is true that newer systems often do not require different wiring harnesses, this model has several different ones depending on how it is configured. And remember that notebook systems are coded to work with a specific set of LCDs (the EDID is programmed into the system firmware). An unrecognized screen could mean no display before the operating system loads -- or no display at all, or a garbled image.

You can't just drop in a new panel and be assured it will work. And beware that LCD sellers generally won't take back a panel once you've opened the package.

You may want to check with parts-people.com, which can validate compatibility based on the service tag of your system.

Kflash08 · Answer

Personally, I would stay with the glossy finish. Yes, it does reflect like a mirror depending on your work environment, but the colors, contrast and sharpness will be better compared to a matte finish. With a matte finish, darks will look washed out (because the matte finish is defusing the backlighting across the screen) and the screen will look hazy at times. Also know that IPS displays are not that good at showing dark details, and the matte finish will make matters even worse.

DoctorWizard · Answer

@ejn63 The research I have done so far (quite a bit) seems to indicate otherwise on much of what you say-- but said information is often ambiguous and/or contradictory, so please enlighten me!!

There's more to a screen replacement than what you've listed. I suspected as much but have not found any specifics. So, like what...? The only ones I'm aware of (thus far) that I didn't mention is touch/vs no touch, LED vs CFL backlight, and max refresh rate. Non-touch and LED backlights are a given. May not be able to take advantage of any EXTRA refresh speed, but (from what I'm reading) should have no trouble with the standard 60Hz.
While it is true that newer systems often do not require different wiring harnesses, this model has several different ones depending on how it is configured. Only ones I can find are 40 pin touch or 30 pin non-touch. Will be keeping it at non-touch, 30 pin. If I was to go with something higher than FHD two extra wires/lanes are needed which may or may not already be in the cable. But I'm not. FHD uses the same number as WXGA.
And remember that notebook systems are coded to work with a specific set of LCDs (the EDID is programmed into the system firmware). Purpose of EDID seems to be to inform the system of the panel's characteristics which should be a GOOD thing and as long as the video controller can meet the minimum set, it should work. and support it. Or at least that's how I understand it, from several sources.
You can't just drop in a new panel and be assured it will work. So what other info or specs do I need to match up. I know that I need or want:
1) 30 pin connector for non-touch, at the bottom.
2) 1080p FHD. Dell offered this so I know the motherboard/graphics controller can support it.
3) Matte finish, and
4) IPS.
5) Mounting tabs/bracket.
I can find quite a variety of screens from various vendors which are listed as compatible with my model, that match 3 or 4 of them. For example I've found several which are 30 pin, 1080p, IPS, with tabs, but not the matte finish. Or WXGA, IPS, tabs, matte. Or 1080p, IPS, Matte, but no tabs., or ... (you get the idea)
You may want to check with parts-people.com, which can validate compatibility based on the service tag of your system. They have every possible combination I listed above except for IPS. Actually none of them say whether they are TN, VA, IPS, or what. When not specified it is most likely TN. Also they are nearly double what many other vendors sell similar panels for.
So, I believe you are probably right, but what info am I missing?

DoctorWizard · Answer

Kflash08: 'Personally, I would stay with the glossy finish. Yes, it does reflect like a mirror depending on your work environment...' Excellent advice which I would echo for most people and most environments, including my own.  But for where and how I will be using this laptop both glare and viewing angles are an issue.  For content creation where color and contrast will matter I will be using my far more powerful desktop with dual 24' monitors.

Inspiron

Screen upgrade on Inspiron 15-5559

Was this post helpful?