iMac G4 17 Inch LCD Panel Compatibility

[Full-Throttle]

Just wanted to post this in the unlikely event someone else was trying to replace the panel in their 17'' iMac G4. I have the 1.25 GHz model, and the display had dimmed due to the backlight aging. The stock panel in my iMac was a LM171W02-A4M1. I found a seller that had new in box panels for the 17'' iMac G5 with iSight, which used a slightly different LM171W02-TTA1. The datasheets on these panels are very similar, but the iMac G5 version has faster refresh rates, wider viewing angles, higher contrast ratios, and a slightly brighter backlight. I was a little hesitant because I read online various posts stating that compatibility issues existed due to EDID differences between the panels, and that they couldn't be swapped without first swapping the EDID EEPROM chips. I can confirm the iMac G5 panel does in fact work on the iMac G4, and it was a drop in replacement. They look identical and all of the mounting hardware is in the exact same spot.

Hope this helps save someone a lot of time if they are trying to restore an older G4 iMac.

 

[akator]

Thanks for that info. I've been thinking about replacing my G4 iMac screen for a while...

 

[MarceloCS]

Hello!
The 20" screen on my iMac G4 also died and I found a used screen from an iMac G5 for sale. From what I understand it would work without a problem. What do you think?

pics of my dead Imac g4 and the Imac G5 ad.

 

[G4fanboy]

I think the first gen of the powerbook AL 17 has the same panel. They said that in a keynote AFAIK

 

[MarceloCS]

I think the first gen of the powerbook AL 17 has the same panel. They said that in a keynote AFAIK

Yes, but my Imac G4 is the 20" size.

 

[Hrududu]

I think the first gen of the powerbook AL 17 has the same panel. They said that in a keynote AFAIK

I think what Jobs was saying at the keynote was the inspiration for a 17" wide screen PowerBook was inspired by positive response to the workspace provided by the 17" iMac. Not necessarily a literal drop in part. I don't know for sure that it wouldn't, but I don't seem to recall anyone ever doing it either.

 

[Full-Throttle]

Hello!
The 20" screen on my iMac G4 also died and I found a used screen from an iMac G5 for sale. From what I understand it would work without a problem. What do you think?

pics of my dead Imac g4 and the Imac G5 ad.

I don't own a 20 inch model so I can't say one way or the other.

I think this is the datasheet for the G4 panel you have: https://www.tonymacx86.com/attachments/m201z2-pdf.81549/

If you can figure out the exact model number for the iMac G5 panel, and then compare their datasheets you might be able to see if they are the same dimensions and compare connector pinouts, voltages, etc. The number that begins with a W in your G5 picture seems like an Apple part number and not the actual panel model. Whatever panel you buy, it must have a TMDS display connector, or it won't work. LVDS is a no-go.

 

[yakult121]

@Full-Throttle would you still happen to have the seller’s contact details? Looking to replace the lcd panel on a 17” iMac G4.

 

[Full-Throttle]

@Full-Throttle would you still happen to have the seller’s contact details? Looking to replace the lcd panel on a 17” iMac G4.

I got it from ElectronicMac.com. I believe this was the listing.

NEW 661-3598 Original Apple iMac G5 17" A1058 LCD Display Panel MS5

NEW 661-3598 Original Apple iMac G5 17" A1058 LCD Display Panel EEE Code: MS5, SH3 Brand: LG PHILIPS Condition: Brand New. OEM Packaging. Actual item pictured. Please refer to pictures for further details. 30-Day Warranty for Replacement Only. Buyer pays return shipping. (No return for refund)...

www.electronicmac.com