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Released October 2008 / 2.4, 2.53, 2.66, 2.8 or 2.93 GHz Core 2 Duo Processor

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Display exchange from 1440x to 1680x problem

Hello

I do have a MacBook Pro 5,1 from early 2009 ( I think ) - as it was equipped with the 1440x LCD I decided to order a replacement one in HiRes (matte).

I exchanged the displays but the new one was not even recognized by the system (I am using an external monitor and I cannot see any display else than the external one in system preferences and so on).

Am I something missing? I thought they are exchangeable ... or do I have to take care off something else (LVDS cable etc)?

Thanks, Stone

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Do you have the manufacturers number from both panels? It might help if you can post those on here.

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Hi

Will look them up and post tomorrow morning, but might it be impossible to upgrade a late 2008 / early 2009 MacBook 15" from "lowres" to hires, as the screen resolution of 1680x1050 was first offered with the later ones (I think the ones which were equipped with gt330m)?

Thanks, Stone

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All this will depend on the connections of the individual panels. The connections may or may not be compatible. The only way to determine that would be by either comparing the datasheets, or by trial and error.

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Hi

I have to say that it does not make any sense to me, why the hires displays should be supported by the earlier unibody models, because if you attach an external display you get all the resolutions up to somewhat around 2000x, including 1680x1050.

As the LVDS cables seem to be same (at least I cannot find any different cables in any shop I know), I will go with your tip and try to get data sheets in order to check the pins of the connectors.

Regards, Stone

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Sounds like the way to go. I found that most incompatibility is caused by the panels wiring etc. Let us know what you find.

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Sorry for the delay, but oldturkey03 provided me the schematics of the MacBooks, so I could have a closer look.

First of all I have to say that this is a theoretical result, because I have not checked this by connecting the hires display with the connector change to my late 2008 MacBook.

The power supply of the LCD panel should be "strong" enough to deliver the appropriate current, as the circuits are pretty similar to each other in the different MacBooks.

Of course there are difference in parts, but a look to their data sheets stated that they are oversized already in most cases ... and the other ones left do match specs of each other.

I like to say thanks to oldturkey03 and machead03 for giving advice and so much support.

Will keep you informed if I checked it.

Regards, Stone

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Yes you missed a big step - before pulling such a switch a comparison of the compatible LCD screens using the original manufacturers part number from the label on the back of the screen (as pointed out by oldturkey03) would have told you if the graphics card could drive the new screen.

Generally you have problems trying to put new hardware into old boxes....

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Hello

Yes, I agree - it was a bit naive no to luck the part numbers in advance ... :(

But I took your recommendations and tried to find the data sheets for both displays and got them. According to the data sheets the main difference between the older displays and the newer ones in WSXGA+ is pin 5 on the connector.

On the older ones, pin 5 is vsync, whereas the newer displays do not have vsync (as it seems to be by data sheet) and do have an additional vcc on pin 5.

Actually I am thinking on changing the cable in order to give it a try.

Regards, Stone

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And - as I always forget some details - thanks for all your help and patience

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I dived into the specs sheets of the two display types I got / know and figured out voltages and current, which are needed.

There is also a difference in needed current and so I need to know if the video output of the MacBook could drive the additional current.

It is not much, but if it comes to SMD electronics a few mAs are much more than a few mA in "normal" electronics.

Is there anybody out there who can spend a tech sheet about the video connector, its voltages and its delivered current?

Regards, Stone

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Again I read on data sheets of the various displays and so on and found out, that the driver must be able to drive the larger current. But, so far, I have not tested it.

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Lets take a look at the datasheets. Any chance you can provide us with a link to it?

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Stone will be eternally grateful.
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