What was wrong with this notebook?
If you haven’t had a chance to read the Acer TravelMate P215 laptop review yet, I encourage you to do so. It’s worth taking a look at the screen section and the summary. The TN display used in this model is one of the worst matrices I’ve ever seen. The first LCD monitors probably weren’t as bad as this panel, which has a contrast ratio barely exceeding 200:1 and viewing angles similar to those after installing a privacy filter. As I mentioned in that review, it was so bad that I started looking for ways to fix the situation. Fortunately, the TravelMate P215 is also available with other matrices and you can successfully buy a compatible model made in IPS technology on the market.
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And since I was already investing in improving the parameters of this device, I decided to buy a second RAM stick. The standard 8 GB is installed, which is probably not a big problem for typical office and school applications, but since we have a second free slot for DDR4 memory, it is worth using it. Firstly, because 16 GB of memory will be more future-proof, and secondly, having two sticks, the memory controller works in dual channels, offering better performance. And as it turns out, the difference is noticeable, especially in tests related to games. The cost of an additional memory stick is about PLN 80-85, so it is not a big expense.
In total, I spent 280 PLN on improving the notebook’s parameters (195 PLN for the matrix and 85 PLN for RAM). This is about 10% of the value of this device, which is not so little, but in my opinion it is worth it. The comfort of using the computer is much greater, which I will prove to you in a moment. Let’s go through the process of installing new elements first, because this is also quite interesting.
Replacing the matrix in the Acer TravelMate P215
Note! The procedure below is not very complicated, but requires at least basic manual skills, and in extreme cases may damage the laptop. As far as I know, we do not violate the terms and conditions of providing a laptop to 4th graders, the equipment remains fully functional and in accordance with the specifications, but everyone makes changes at their own risk. Therefore, I do not recommend anyone to perform a similar operation, I only inform that such a possibility exists.
Now that we have the formalities behind us, let’s get down to specifics. The display used in this notebook has a diagonal of 15.6 inches, a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels and a 30-pin connector. I decided on the INNOLUX N156HCA-EAB model, which can be purchased in Poland for about PLN 200. This is not a particularly high amount, especially since the TN display that comes with the TravelMate P215 costs only slightly less. I am all the more surprised that the manufacturer decided to install it, saving perhaps $10, and in fact probably much less.
The matrix arrived within a few days, as did the RAM, so I started the replacement operation one weekend evening. The entire process, including testing to see if everything was OK, took about an hour. The key to the entire procedure is dismantling the plastic frame around the matrix, which is attached with latches. It is very thin on the sides, so you have to be careful not to break it. I recommend starting with the hinge cover, and then using a plastic card or leaf, as in the photos below.
After removing the frame, we are presented with this view. At the top, we can see the camera module, built-in microphones and two screws. In fact, you don’t even have to unscrew them because the matrix is attached to the metal frame only with adhesive tape. Normally, such tape would probably be difficult to remove, but here we have a special variety that you just have to pull and it peels off by itself.
Just pull the protruding black piece and then wind the tape, e.g. on a screwdriver, to evenly carry out the whole process. The tape is quite strong and should not break, but I do not recommend rushing it. Once we get rid of it, we have basically 3/4 of the task behind us.
After peeling off the matrix, we can gently turn it 180 degrees and place it gently on the keyboard. The communication ribbon runs along the left hinge and is attached to the matrix using a 30-pin connector secured with a metal frame and adhesive tape. The colorless ribbon must be carefully cut to unlock the metal handle and gently unplug the EDP plug. Then all that remains is to swap the matrix and repeat the operation in reverse order, connecting a new screen.
Before putting the matrix in place, I also stuck double-sided tape on the metal frames, just like I did in the original. It’s worth getting the right tape beforehand. Before we stick the new screen on, it’s a good idea to check if everything works, so we put the matrix on dry and start the computer. In my case, everything worked, the colors were much better before calibration, as were the viewing angles, but we’ll come back to that.
Now all that’s left is to make sure that the matrix is glued straight, and then put the plastic frame on. Pay special attention to the upper left corner, where the magnet is mounted, which holds the top cover in the closed position. It tends to stick to the matrix housing, so you have to be careful when fitting it. Then all that’s left is to press the latches firmly and I consider the replacement operation to be 100% successful.
Adding RAM to a notebook
Adding RAM is an operation of similar difficulty, this time we have to dismantle the bottom part of the computer. Fortunately, there are no seals there, so we do not violate the warranty. All you have to do is unscrew 12 screws and gently pry off the plastic cover, which is also attached with latches. You do not have to be so delicate here, because it is quite solid, but it is better not to rush it. When we remove the casing on the right side we will find slots for DDR4 memory, I bought the cheapest DDR4-3200 MHz module with a capacity of 8 GB. Adding memory comes down to inserting the PCB at a 45-degree angle into the slot, and then pressing down so that the latches catch. You can’t do it wrong, because the socket has a notch that only fits in the correct position.
Then all that’s left is to put everything back together and start the computer. The first start-up may take a bit longer because the computer detects that the memory configuration has changed. In my case, it only informed me that it now has 16 GB. If necessary, you can enter the BIOS by pressing the F2 button while starting the laptop and check if everything is OK. Once we’ve done that, all that’s left is to enjoy a much better computer. Okay, but how much better? Let’s check it out.
What does the new matrix look like?
It is worth noting that the matrix I bought for this notebook is basically the cheapest IPS screen available on the market, so you can’t expect miracles from it. It offers so-so brightness – 250 nits and average color coverage, but it is still much better than what was installed at the factory. Just take a look at the summary of the parameters of both screens after calibration. As I mentioned, the TN has a contrast of 207:1, mainly due to very poor black (even gray…), and therefore a large error in color reproduction. In the case of the new IPS matrix, the contrast increases to a very decent 1329:1. Black is also not bad, although IPS is not the best type of display in this respect. After calibration, color reproduction is also much better, although it must be remembered that this screen covers less than 60% of the sRGB color space, only 10 percentage points more than the factory TN matrix.
In terms of backlight uniformity, it’s average, the deviations are quite large, especially in the upper corners, but in general the screen has the promised 240-280 nits and in reality it’s not as bad as it might seem from the measurements. Especially since the differences are a bit blurred in everyday use, where I set the brightness to around 160-180 nits.
The key photos are the ones below, although in my opinion they do not fully reflect what we see in reality. The first one is the TN screen, where especially vertically we have huge contrast drops both when looking from the bottom and from above. In the IPS matrix this effect practically does not occur, and it is certainly not as noticeable. This is quite important in a laptop, especially if it is used by children who do not attach too much importance to how the notebook screen is set. The comfort of work with the new matrix is incomparably better and worth every one of those 195 złoty spent.
What are the benefits of additional RAM?
First, for the record, the computer configuration with 16 GB of RAM. Now it’s a much more balanced configuration, which seems to me optimal in terms of performance to capabilities. You could probably complain that the graphics card now lags the most, but this wasn’t supposed to be a gaming computer.
How does adding memory and working in dual-channel mode affect performance? The differences in CPU tests are not big, in Cinebench it is about 2%, so hardly anyone will feel the change. The general impression of the computer’s operation will certainly be better if we have several tabs open in the web browser, a video call, and Minecraft for education, which my daughter uses in additional classes. Minecraft itself is not very demanding, but as the 3DMark test shows, adding memory, which results in working in dual-channel mode, significantly improves performance. The results increase by 30% in the TimeSpy test and almost 60% in Firestrike, which is a cosmic difference. Yes, we started from a low horse and these results are still very average, but you can clearly see what a “brake” one memory chip is.
Considering that the cost of adding memory is around PLN 80-90, I guess you don’t have to think about it for long. It’s certainly worth doing, because the benefits are tangible. Overall, after making these two changes, the Acer TravelMate P215 becomes a quite sensible, not so expensive notebook, which will certainly prove itself as an educational aid. Replacing the matrix significantly improves the comfort of working with this computer, I have no major reservations about its build quality, and in terms of performance with an additional RAM chip it is sufficient for school and office work.