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Install a Retina Display on Pre-Retina MacBook Pro 13?

C

Capulet

macrumors newbie
Original poster
May 16, 2011
19
0
Just wondering if anyone has tried putting a MacBook Retina screen on a regular 13 inch MacBook Pro that has a 1280x800 resolution?

I looked at a few pictures from iFixit and the connectors look like they can possibly be the same, but I cannot find an answer.
 
The panel itself is probably going to run you $800 and I dont know where you'd even be able to buy one. Id be very weary of it working.
 
well they are not going to fit, the panel in the rmbp is smaller, regarding the controller i dont know
 
The whole display assembly is fused together for the retina, and the dimensions of that display assembly are different than the normal 13" MBP, so no.
 
I doubt it would work, and honestly, it would probably end up being as expensive, or more expensive than selling your current MBP and buying a Retina.
 
Anitramane said:
You can put a rmbp screen on a cmbp.
Click to expand...

Sure you can can, if you don't mind that you can't really attach the screen assembly to the unibody, as it's too small and the hinges are different. But if the connector fits, and the cMBP outputs a signal that works with the rMBP panel (which it might not), then you could just leave the screen hanging from the wires and use an iPad stand to keep it upright. The AirPort antennas might not fit, but you can get a USB WiFi adapter.

Or, if you just get the rMBP panel you could try installing it to the cMBP clamshell. Some modding would be required to attach the panel (mounting is completely different), and you would have to find something to cover the exposed area around the panel (the clamshell is larger than the panel), but aside from the possibly different signal, it might work.
 
laurihoefs said:
Sure you can can, if you don't mind that you can't really attach the screen assembly to the unibody, as it's too small and the hinges are different. But if the connector fits, and the cMBP outputs a signal that works with the rMBP panel (which it might not), then you could just leave the screen hanging from the wires and use an iPad stand to keep it upright. The AirPort antennas might not fit, but you can get a USB WiFi adapter.

Or, if you just get the rMBP panel you could try installing it to the cMBP clamshell. Some modding would be required to attach the panel (mounting is completely different), and you would have to find something to cover the exposed area around the panel (the clamshell is larger than the panel), but aside from the possibly different signal, it might work.
Click to expand...
Differences in signals is solved by 150$ boards that makes the retina display plug in to anything with Displayport.
 
Anitramane said:
Differences in signals is solved by 150$ boards that makes the retina display plug in to anything with Displayport.
Click to expand...

A converter board: $150. A Retina panel: $200. A Frankenstein's monster of a laptop: priceless.

It could be done, sure, but making it usable as a laptop is a different story.
 
Capulet said:
Just wondering if anyone has tried putting a MacBook Retina screen on a regular 13 inch MacBook Pro that has a 1280x800 resolution?

I looked at a few pictures from iFixit and the connectors look like they can possibly be the same, but I cannot find an answer.
Click to expand...

I remember someone put a macbook air display on the macbook pro and it actually worked
 
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