TL;DR: External monitor works? GPU’s probably fine. Faint image with a torch → backlight/panel; flickers with lid movement → cable; lines/ink blotches → cracked panel. Expect next-day if in stock, or 2–4 working days to order. Realistic ZAR ranges below.

Real ZAR ranges (typical in Stellenbosch)

Final quotes depend on model, panel spec and supplier stock. We confirm after diagnostics.

Fault / Service	Typical ZAR	Turnaround	Notes
Laptop screen replacement	1 600–4 500+	Next-day if in stock; 2–4 days to order	Non-touch standard panels are lower; touch/high-res/OLED and Apple panels cost more. → Laptop screen replacement
Display cable / hinge loom	600–1 400	Same/next-day to 2–4 days (parts)	Symptoms change with lid angle; some models integrate cable with hinges.
GPU/board-level video fault	Quote after assessment	Case-dependent	Rare vs panel/cable; if both internal and external displays fail, we’ll assess board, RAM and storage first.
OS reinstall (if software-corruption)	950–1 600	Same/next-day	For cases where external works but Windows login/driver issues blank the screen.

Simple decision tree (plain-English)

External screen OK, internal dead/garbled?
→ Panel or cable. Run flashlight + lid-angle tests to split them.
Faint desktop visible with a torch?
→ Backlight/panel failure → panel swap.
Image drops when you move the lid?
→ Cable/hinge loom issue → replace the cable (and inspect hinges).
Both internal & external are black/garbled?
→ Suspect GPU/board, RAM or storage corruption → diagnostics first.
Impact crack / coloured lines / ink blotches?
→ Cracked LCD → panel swap (order exact spec).

Turnarounds you can plan around

Same-day / next-day: diagnostics, cable swaps (when parts on hand), standard non-touch screens if stocked.
2–4 working days: special panels/batteries and certain ultrabook assemblies.
Longer: board-level faults or rare panels.

We’re close to Eikestad Mall and support Technopark—tell us your schedule and we’ll prioritise realistically.

Prep before you visit (saves time)

Back up your Desktop/Documents/Pictures (cloud or external). Need help? → Cloud backup setup
Bring the charger (helps power/backlight tests).
Describe the symptom (when it started, any drops/spills, whether lid angle changes it).
Avoid lid pressure when travelling—squeezed lids cause hairline cracks.

Book the right thing (fast)

Extra tips (so it doesn’t happen again)

Use a padded sleeve; don’t pack tight against textbooks.
Don’t pick up the laptop by the screen corner.
Keep vents clear; heat + pressure shortens panel life and cable flex.

Final word

Most “black screen” cases are panel or cable, not the GPU. Do the quick checks above, back up if you can, and book a diagnostic. We’ll give you an honest quote and a realistic ETA—and keep you working while parts arrive.