External Monitor for around 30 USD???

So most of us probably have an old laptop or two laying around and have no idea what to do with it. Most of us also probably wish our current laptop had a larger monitor on it too. Well both problems here can be solved with a very small investment.

Step 1: So first off we have to breakdown the old laptop and remove the monitor from it without breaking any of the needed components for the build. This is usually done by opening the laptop in whatever form your model specifically opens in (check Google) and removing the screws that mount the hinges to the body and disconnecting any wires or cables running to the motherboard.

Step 2: You must remove the casing from around the monitor (some screws may be hidden under little pad pieces) and take the actual LCD screen out to see the model number on the back. You then punch this model number into ebay followed by "control board". They may not have a board for your model. If they do have the board for your model order said board.

Step 3: Once the board arrives you plug wires that come with it into their corresponding spots on either the board or the back of the monitor, to make sure they are the right parts. You can now unplug all the connectors going to the monitor and get ready to mount them.

Step 4: Make a case for the monitor using any material you deem fit for your external monitor. This part you can get creative with if you want. You can also, if there is enough space behind the screen, mount all of the parts to the back of the original case from the laptop (Directions in step 5). Use anything you decide will work to make the monitor stand. The easiest solution would be recycle the hinges from the laptop and screw or bolt or even weld them to some additional material to give the external monitor a base. Personally I am using the stand from an existing external monitor that does not work anymore.

Step 5: Then, using screws and PCB standoff screws, mount the control board and the button board to the back of the case where all the cables will reach their individual destinations. Now plug in a 12V power cable to its slot on the control board and plug in HDMI or your choice of display connector and enjoy your extra screen space.