Gateway FX Laptop Screen Replacement
I have a Gateway FX P-7805u ( with the 1400 X 1200resolution screen ) that has some issues with the case being cracked and thefans are going out. I recently boughtanother FX P-7805u (with the 1400 x 900 resolution screen).
They both have the same identical video card installed.
Is it possible to swap the higher resolution screen ontothe other laptop? If so, what all wouldneed to be swapped?CPU, etc…
Hi Imathies,
On your new FX P-7805u, right-click desktop > choose Screen Resolution > in the resolution drop down box, check and see if the resolution you wish to use with the other display is listed, if it is, which it should be, as you indicate it is the same video card, that resolution should be available. If so, it's a swap of the display, nothing else. If not, you could swap the video cards with the display, nothing else. You may need to update the drivers for the video card however.
Your old display is 16:10 aspect ratio, new display is 4:3 (horizontal pixels : vertical pixels)
Both laptops have the same video card but the one I want to put the screen on only goes up to 1400 x 900 resolution. Gateway lowered the resolution on the newer versions of this laptop to lower costs. Since the video cards are identical, is there anything else that could prohibit the "new" laptop from fully utilizing the higher resolution screen?
I don't believe there is. Identical video card should be able to produce the higher resolution available on your older screen. You've probably hit the nail on the head so to speak, $$$$. Thought just popped into cranium; have you attempted to contact the manufacturer? Most likely they will be able to affirm or deny it. It's worth the time to try a call. Since you just purchased your new machine, tech support is supposed to be free from the manufacturer.
Unfortunately Gateway is no longer in business. I read an article that the lower screen resolution on the newer models of my laptop was indeed a cost issue. I just didn't know as to whether wither the screen itself or the video card (even though both are the same) was the determining factor as to the resolution capability. Does the video card on the lower resolution unit only go as high as it does because that is all the screen is capable of? If I connect the unit to an external monitor is still only gives the highest option of resolution that is on the laptop (maybe because the laptop screen was still on?)
Windows automatically detects the display and sets the screen resolution accordingly. The drivers for the display controls the resolution available, not the video card. Displays are available at different number of pixels, i.e., resolution. As I stated earlier, it should work. I changed my flat panel to a larger higher resolution on my HP desktop and windows, (plug-and-play) detected it, downloaded the appropriate drivers and set the screen resolution, (which is at recommended settings 1600x900, the highest available setting). Didn't touch the video card. If you're not sure how to change/replace the display of your laptop, Google will most likely provide a choice to a YouTube video. I have a Compaq cq56-219wm and YouTube has at least one video that details total disassembly and reassembly. One of the issues you will have is disconnecting the power, etc. from the motherboard, that usually requires some disassembly. On most laptops the bezel around the display can be removed by inserting a sharp instrument in the crack around the edge of the top and carefully prying it apart. There are several plastic fasteners around the circumference. Google and watch a few videos to get comfortable with the process. I had to disassemble quite a bit of my laptop to access the appropriate connections. When you remove the screws from the bottom of the laptop, be careful moving the display on the hinges, it's very easy to break the plastic base/mount area where the hinges attach to the base. I've replaced the base case to many laptops that have been damaged by others not being aware of the problem. The base/case is designed to be stronger, more supportive of the top/display when completely assembled.
When I had all my screws removed from the bottom of the laptop, I raise the screen very carefully trying to hold the area where the hinges meet the base and prop it against something solid, such as the back of a workbench (which is what I do) or similar. If you look at both sides of the area where the hinges attach the base, you will see if there is an area where stress will easily crack it, on my CQ it's the left side that is extremely weak and cracks between the cooling fan vent and the back of the case/bottom. That's the side I squeeze with my fingers when opening the top. Usually a 90 degree or slightly greater angle is sufficient to have clearance to be able to remove the base cover, the keyboard, and you should then have access to the connections you need to access.
Last edited by Snick; 11 Feb 2018 at 22:17. Reason: add info
1400x900 has 16:10 aspect ratio. I'm pretty sure as long as they are exactly the same size the panel will fit in to the other.
Why don't just replace the hard drive instead?
The unit with the higher resolution screen is the one I have had the longest and the case has become cracked and the screen hinges are becoming loose.
Thanks for all the responses I have received.
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