Question about LCD compatibility

Ok, so I have an early generation intel Imac 17" 4,1

I know this isnt a beast of a machine I really dont need any comments about "just buy a new one"
I have several computers and I am not doing this out of need... but out of desire (I repair PCs for a living and thought it would be a challenge)

Basically I am upgrading the processor to the largest one I can get the board to handle, and anything else I can as well (yes its possible, no its not soldered)

BUT one problem remains.... the model I got is a coreduo 4,1 17" and it has a bad LCD (lines streaking down it vertically)

I have confirmed it is the LCD and not the logic/video board

the replacements online are a bit spendy and I havent seen a parts unit on craigslist for a couple of weeks in my area (if anyone has one let me know)


WHAT lcd's are compatible with this model?
can I use one from a G5, or a newer 17" imac?

is there a way to retrofit a 17" notebook screen into it? I have several

let me know if you people know any nifty hackish options... because I am all about that sort of thing.


I will also take pics and video of the cpu, and SSD upgrades and share them with the forum... should be an interesting (albeit pointless) project

nobody has any idea?

ickystay said:

I don't know if any apple notebook screens will work in an iMac. Just don't know enough about this stuff.

This video (towards the end) is pretty interesting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdlqXIQhh_o

If he is correct, even matching lines out from the mac to a generic lcd will not work. You would need a programmed eprom.

The unimac thing he mentions is this product:
http://www.realmacmods.com/#!unimac/c16v0

There is a list on the site of verified and assumed lcds that would work. DIY is great, but sometimes it's easier and less of a headache to bite the readymade bullet.

Good luck with your mods. I'll be watching for your posts.

Click to expand...

I have successfully completed my brain transplant today and this early intel coreduo is now running on a T7600 (as apposed to the factory T2500) so it is basically running as a high end macbook pro of the 2008ish era

still havent solved my LCD dilemma though..... I am winning a bid on ebay for one at $70 though... so wish me luck on that.

I appreciate the link to that media you shared..... it appears that a G5 LCD is identical but the eprom will not allow it to run.. so in theory swapping the eprom should allow it to run

I know this is old.... but to answer that question the newest CPU I was able to place in this particular model was the T7600.... the T7700 is a different pinset I believe.

by this imac is still running strong