Display cable (eDP) and camera - how to choose for a Lenovo laptop

In short: the display cable (LCD / eDP cable) connects the motherboard to the screen and carries the image.

The key point when choosing: the same model name can have several different cables, because the cable depends on the panel - its resolution, whether the screen is touch, and on gaming laptops also the refresh rate.

Fitting a cable that doesn't match the panel results in no image or artefacts. The camera cable is sometimes a separate part and sometimes runs inside the display cable. Below we explain how to pick the right one.

We match the display cable by resolution and by the presence of a camera and sensors using the official Lenovo Hardware Maintenance Manual.

What does the right display cable depend on?

• Panel resolution - older models also used lower-resolution panels: HD 1366×768 and HD+ 1600×900, which also have their own matching cables. Newer panels are FHD 1920×1080, WQHD/3K 2560×1440 and UHD 3840×2160. Higher resolutions often need a cable with more bandwidth (more eDP lanes), so cables are not interchangeable.
• Touch or non-touch - a touch panel usually needs a different cable than a regular one (extra touch signals).
• Refresh rate - on gaming laptops (e.g. Legion) 120/144 Hz panels can use a different cable than 60 Hz.
• FRU number - the most reliable match. The same cable is often shared by several models with the same panel type.

"Same model, different cables" - examples

This is a common source of mistakes. Examples from our range:

• ThinkPad T470s - FHD 1920×1080: FRU 00UR902 · FHD touch: 00UR901 · 3K 2560×1440: 00UR903. Details in the T470s parts guide.
• ThinkPad T480 - standard eDP version: FRU 01YR501 · touch panel version: 01YR502. Details in the T480 parts guide.

You'll find the full range of cables in the Cables and ribbon cables category.

What about the camera cable?

The webcam is connected in one of two ways: by a separate camera cable (FPC) or with its signal carried inside the display cable (eDP).

In some models it's replaced separately, in others it's an integral part of the display cable. If you're not sure - give us the model and we'll check whether a separate camera cable is needed.

Frequently asked questions about display and camera cables

What does the choice of display cable depend on?

Mainly on the panel: its resolution (FHD, WQHD/3K, UHD), whether the screen is touch, and on gaming laptops also the refresh rate. The most reliable match is by FRU number or by giving us the exact specification of your display.

Why are there different display cables for one laptop model?

Because the same model was produced with different panels - e.g. FHD, touch and WQHD. Each panel type may need a different cable (different bandwidth or with touch signals). So first establish which panel you have, then choose the matching cable.

Does the display cable depend on whether the screen is touch?

Yes. A touch panel usually needs a different cable than a regular one, because it carries additional touch signals. Using a non-touch cable on a touch screen (or the other way round) can result in no image or a non-working touch.

What is the camera cable and is it a separate part?

The camera cable carries the signal from the webcam in the screen cover. In some models it's a separate cable (FPC), in others the camera signal runs together inside the display cable (eDP).

Whether a separate camera cable is needed depends on the model - we're happy to check it for yours.

How do I know which display cable I have?

Most reliably by the FRU number printed on the cable itself or read from the Lenovo service manual. Knowing the screen specification (resolution, touch) and the laptop serial number - from which we can read the original parts - also helps.

Can the wrong display cable cause no image?

Yes. A cable that doesn't match the panel (e.g. for a different resolution or for the touch version) can cause no image, flickering or artefacts. That's why it's important to match the cable exactly to the type of panel fitted.

We'll help you choose the display or camera cable by model and screen specification. Shop: abcdeal.eu · Allegro: allegro.pl/uzytkownik/abcdeal.