I bought my LCD controller board DIY kit from e-qstore on Ebay.

Due note to buy one with a power cord! The LCD controller board has the VGA input connection which allows you to connect it to another computer and use it as a second monitor or as a back up in the event the one on your working computer goes out. Since the board was coming from China, I received my order about 2 weeks later. This is because each controller board is flashed, (programed to run a specific LCD) I gave him my model number, LP171WX2 A4K1 and told him it was made by LG Phillips. I bought the LCD controller board and then received an email from the seller requesting the model number of the LCD screen and manufacturer. I went to E-Bay and found one for $42.00. You will need this model number to order the correct LCD controller board. Flip it over and look for a model number on the back. Next, once you have removed the LCD panel. The information below will illustrate the steps I took to convert my laptop LCD screen into an external monitor. I also built a stand for the LCD panel but as you will see, I decided to go a different route. However, there are various types that cost less.

The controller board cost me about $42 not including tax and shipping. This was the main cost but was still less than half the cost of buying an external monitor. As a result, I found that I needed to buy a controller board for the LCD screen, to make it work as an external monitor. In any case the VGA connector is output only and wouldn't work for an external screen. The VGA connector on a laptop is used to connect to an external monitor. Unfortunately, there was no way to use the motherboard's VGA connector. As a result, I decided to make an external monitor from my dead laptop and proceeded to do the research to find out if this was possible. I knew the mother board was fried but everything else was still in working condition. This is my first InstructableĪ while back I was sitting around and wondering what to do with my dead laptop.

Switch to laptop screen