How to Use a Laptop LCD for a Monitor

Computer monitors can be quite affordable, but all monitors can break down because of age. When this occurs, repairing the monitor can cost almost as much as buying a new one. If you can't afford to buy another monitor right away, that could be a problem as cheaper and used monitors aren't recommended in the long run. Although it may seem impossible, some people have managed to connect a laptop LCD to a VGA connector, allowing it to serve as a monitor for the unit. This makes it possible to have your own monitor if you have a spare laptop laying around, so you can continue to use your system while you save up for a monitor replacement.

Things You'll Need

• LCD controller with LVDS interface
• LVDS cable
• VGA, DVI or S-Video cable
• Inverter
• Wooden board

Instructions

1. Find an LCD controller that will work properly with your monitor. Make sure it includes the display controller chip and LVDS adaptor as well as a BIOS socket.

2. Set up the components by plugging in the compatible cable to the LCD controller as well as the power, IR sensor and LVDS cable to the connector.

3. Plug the inverter connector into the inverter.

4. Remove the LCD panel, making sure that the fragile printed cables are affixed to the glass. You may need someone to help you do this.

5. Mount the display to a wooden board and hook up the controller to the LVDS input. Get a base from a traditional monitor and use it as a mount to make the display upright.

Tips & Warnings

• Getting an LCD controller with a 2Ch LVDS connector is best as it is backward compatible with the 1Ch. This means that you can use more panels as many of the newer panels have an LVDS 2Ch interface, while older LCD panels have the 1Ch interface.

• LCD controllers that have VGA, DVI, S-Video, and Composite ports allow the most possibilities of it working.

• The new LCD display that you created can double as a projector too.

• Get some help when getting a controller board because they can cost more money than some monitors themselves.

• You will bump into certain compatibility problems if the controller board lacks the proper BIOS.

References

• Converting an Old Laptop LCD Screen into a VGA Monitor
• Using a Laptop LCD with a VGA Connector
• Laptop LCD as Monitor

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Can I Turn My LCD Laptop Monitor into a Desktop Monitor?