Identify your exact panel first
- Power down, pop the bezel, and read the sticker. The model code (e.g., B156XTN07.1) is printed on a white label on the rear of the LCD; there’s no reliable way to read it in software, so you have to eyeball it. Super User
- Decode the label. The code bakes in size, resolution, connector type (30-pin vs 40-pin eDP), refresh rate and even mounting bracket position.
- Cross-check the datasheet. Paste the code into a panel database such as Panelook—over 36 k models with pin-outs and dimensions—to confirm specs before you spend a penny. panelook.com
Shortcut (works 80 % of the time): Many specialist retailers let you search by laptop model number, but always cross-check against the sticker. Manufacturers ship different panels in the same chassis revision.
Choose your supply channel
| Channel | Why pick it | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| OEM parts store (Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, Apple Self-Service) | Guaranteed fit, firmware match, full warranty support. Dell’s UK Parts store lets you search by service tag; HP’s PartSurfer does the same. DellHP Support | Highest prices; some brands refuse to sell “premium” screens to end-users. |
| Specialist UK screen retailers (Laptop-LCD-Screen.co.uk, ReplaceBase, Screenarama) | OEM-grade panels, same-day despatch, model-lookup wizard, real humans on the phone. Laptop-LCD-Screen claims to be Europe’s largest, and Trustpilot reviews back the service quality. Laptop LCD Screen Trustpilot ReplaceBase scores 4.7/5 from 6 k+ reviews. Trustpilot | Must still match the part number yourself; some listings use marketing names rather than panel codes. |
| Mainstream marketplaces (Amazon, eBay UK) | Huge inventory, PayPal/A-to-Z protection, next-day delivery with Prime. | Listings can be copy-pasted—double-check photos and return terms. Many are refurb pulls, not new. |
| Global wholesalers (AliExpress, DHgate) | Lowest unit cost; niche panels no-one stocks in the UK. | Longer lead times, import VAT at the door, mixed QC. MacBook owners report brightness-sensor quirks on some AliExpress panels. Reddit |
| Donor/Salvage parts (local repair shops, e-waste brokers) | Dirt-cheap, environmentally sound; some rare panels only exist second-hand. | Unknown usage hours, no warranty, risk of hidden pressure marks. |
Compatibility checklist (tick every box)
| Spec | What to check | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Diagonal size | Usually 11.6 ″ – 17.3 ″. ±1 mm won’t fit the lid. | The first two digits of the panel code are the size (e.g., B156 = 15.6 ″). |
| Resolution & refresh | 1366 × 768; 1920 × 1080; 4K; 60 Hz / 120 Hz / 144 Hz, etc. | Up-res panels work if the GPU supports it, but budget models may blank at 4 K. |
| Connector type & position | 30-pin or 40-pin eDP; bottom-left vs bottom-right. | A 40-pin cable will not fit a 30-pin socket—count them. |
| Mounting brackets | Side vs top tabs, screw-hole spacing. | Compare the datasheet schematics, not just photos. |
| Finish & backlight | Matte vs glossy; LED vs CCFL (rare now). | Stick with the original finish unless you like glare. |
| Touch capability | If the old panel is touch, the new one must be too. | Touch panels are thicker—non-touch lids often won’t close flat. |
Vetting a seller in 60 seconds
- Does the listing show the true panel code? If not, request it.
- Is the word compatible used? That may mean a lower-spec substitute—fine for office work, bad for colour-critical jobs.
- What does the returns policy say? UK distance-selling regs give you 14 days, but some overseas sellers refuse panels back once the anti-static bag is opened.
- Packaging photos? A proper supplier ships in rigid foam or double-wall boxes; bubble-wrap in a jiffy bag is a red flag.
Final sanity checks before you click Buy
- Match part numbers, not just laptop models. Same chassis ≠ same screen.
- Factor in VAT and customs on imports. That £45 AliExpress deal can land at £70 once Royal Mail adds handling.
- Keep your serial label. Some manufacturers (e.g., Dell) may refuse firmware updates without the original screen ID.
- Consider upgrading only if specs align. Jumping from 60 Hz to 144 Hz is glorious, but only if your hinge electronics and GPU can drive it.
Bottom line
Source smart and measure twice: the right panel is the one whose sticker code, connector, and brackets are identical to your original. Whether you pay OEM prices for guaranteed perfection or roll the dice on an import, a five-minute inspection and a datasheet download up front will save days of returns pain later. Happy hunting—and mind the pin count.