How to Reuse the Old LCD Screen of Your Broken Laptop

This is a super simple but also very awesome project. You can turn any modern laptop screen into a monitor with the proper driver board. Connecting those two is easy as well. Just plug in the cable and done. But I took it one step further and also build a nice case from acrylic glass. Let's build it!

Step 1: Watch the Video!

The video gives you all information you need to build this right. But I will give you some help to order the correct LVDS driver board.

Step 2: Order the Correct Board!

Those LVDS controller boards are everywhere on the internet. If you are looking for a cheap one which can do DVI&VGA I would recommend this one (affiliate links):

Amazon.de:http://amzn.to/1uc2adP

Aliexpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dZpCJKn

I think the HDMI port increases the price very much. But here is the board that I used. Like I said it isn't cheap:

Amazon.de: http://amzn.to/1py5xKJ

Ebay: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

Step 3: Get Creative With Your Case!

I used acrylic glass to build my case. But everything is possible. Why not try wood or plastic? I would love to see your case ideas in the comment section.

Step 4: Success!

You just built your own monitor from an old LCD screen. That is kind of awesome.
Feel free to check out my Youtube channel for more awesome projects:

http://www.youtube.com/user/greatscottlab

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for news about upcoming projects and behind the scenes information.

https://twitter.com/GreatScottLab

https://www.facebook.com/greatscottlab

Comments

[NeilRG]

HDMI capability is essential for me to get the best quality out of a raspberry pi. The high cost you mentioned is much less than the cost of a larger screen for the portable breadboard capable raspberry pi laptop/breadboard lab I've been planning. Thank you for your post. BTW , I dont usually use Ali Express so the link you provided are very useful.

[rsbkh]

Aliexpress has this board for $22-25 CAD

[steveearixson]

I order the LCVD chord whatever to use my mondor for by gateway laptop the LCD V chord day they sent me is huge I'm gonna try counting the pins inside it of each one Could you help me and what do I need to do

[steveearixson]

As you can see his cords are bigger than mine

[nit_ram2]

What are the push buttons you rewired called. Thanks

[AliM139]

How can I get controller board In Pakistan?? We don't have ebay, amazon in Pakistan :/ Kindly reply

[electrical inventor]

https://www.aliexpress.com/af/lvds-hdmi.html?d=y&o...

lots of cheap boards from aliexpress. even for us US people.

[Udon]

Your name is Ali?

AliExpress is the site for you!

[ShaunW28]

funniest comment on the internet hands down

[YesItsMeJimmy]

Is it possible to do this with an old android tablet?

[simone.mastroianni.04]

yes, with any LCD monitor, and not like this:

[Isaac Kemp]

GreatScott,can you build a lab bench power supply with a volt and amp tester with LED display?

[Katsblues6]

Can you use the monitor controller card from the laptop I got the screen out if? I am just learning electronics so I am just experimenting with different ideas. Thank you for a great instructable.
Kat

[Onairam]

I've seen this project a while ago and now that i found an unused laptop screen I got more into it, so I wanted to know if any of the controller boards that you shared would work with any screen model, or do i have to search for a compatible one?

[JoseC437]

not sure if you already did this but just look up the model number or contact the seller he used, they're pretty good and will tell you if they have the boards you need

[DubMonster]

i cant find control board for HSD100IFW1 screen

[MichaelA349]

Check Ebay

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/272182287498?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true

[tucker2macor2]

power suply

[homer2]

think you

[crank_girl]

Neat! :)