If you’re diving into a DIY TV repair, there’s one detail that can make or break your success: knowing the difference between a board number and a part number. These two terms might sound interchangeable, but when it comes to ordering a replacement part, using the wrong one can mean a failed repair, wasted money, and extra frustration.
At TVpartsToday, we talk to customers every day who ran into issues just because they ordered by the wrong number. But don’t worry — we’ve got your back with a full breakdown of what you need to know (with real examples!).
Would you rather watch a video? Check out our helpful YouTube video on Identification 101 below:
🔢 What Is a Board Number?
A board number is typically printed directly on the circuit board during the manufacturing process. It refers to the design or version of the raw PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and doesn’t reflect specific firmware, component layouts, or configurations used by the manufacturer for your TV model.
➡️ Why it’s risky: Boards with the same board number can exist across multiple TV models with different internal specs. So even if the board looks right, it might not work in your TV.
🆔 What Is a Part Number?
A part number is the official identifier given by the manufacturer (Samsung, LG, Sony, etc.) to represent the exact version of that board - including firmware, factory revisions, and compatible components.
It’s usually found on a white barcode sticker and often labeled “P/N,” “Part No.,” or something similar. This is the number you want to search when ordering replacement parts.
💡 TVpartsToday Tip: If you’re ever unsure which number to use, just snap a picture and email it to us at info@tvpartstoday.com - we’ll tell you which one to use!
🧰 Real-World Examples
Let’s take a look at how this plays out across a few major brands:
🟦 Samsung
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❌ Board Number Example: BN97-06528L → Do not order using this! This is a board number and may correspond to several different part numbers.
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✅ Part Number Example: BN94-00054D or BN44-00498B → These are true part numbers and will ensure a correct match.
💡 TVpartsToday Tip: Samsung part numbers almost always start with BN94, BN96, or BN44. If it says BN97 or BN41, that’s a board number - skip it.
🟩 LG
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❌ Board Number Example: EAX65388004 → That’s a board number. Ordering by this could result in the wrong version.
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✅ Part Number Example: EBT66090102, EBR61784804, EBU61004701
💡 TVpartsToday Tip: LG part numbers usually start with EAY, EBT, EBR, or EBU. Avoid anything that starts with EAX - it’s not the number you want.
🔵 Sony
Sony likes to be… different. 😅
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❌ Sony typically doesn’t print the actual part number on the board.
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✅ Instead, they print a board number, like A-2099-390-A, and that number must be matched through a database (like the one we’ve built at TVpartsToday!) to find the correct replacement.
💡 TVpartsToday Tip: If you’re working on a Sony, don’t panic if you can’t find the “part number.” Just enter the board number into the search at tvpartstoday.com, and we’ll do the matching for you, or send us an email!
🆚 Quick Comparison Chart
|
Feature |
Board Number |
Part Number |
|
Location |
Printed directly on PCB |
Found on barcode sticker (generally) |
|
Uniqueness |
Shared across versions |
Specific to your TV’s part |
|
Safe to order with? |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
|
Format clues |
Varies |
Starts with specific pre-fixes or formatting (BN94, EBT, etc.) |
|
Manufacturer assigned? |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
🛠️ Final Thoughts: Always Order by Part Number
Your TV might have multiple numbers on each board - but only one of them will get you the correct replacement. That’s the part number, and it’s almost always found on a white sticker, not etched into the board itself.
Ordering by the board number is like buying shoes based only on the size - without checking the brand or style. You might get lucky, but you’re more likely to end up with something that doesn’t fit.
💬 Need Help?
If you’re still unsure about the issue or need to replace a part, reach out to TVpartsToday. We can help you identify the exact cause of the problem and provide the right replacement part!
Would you rather watch a video? Check out our helpful Troubleshooting 101 playlist over on YouTube!
Would you rather chat with a seasoned repair expert? Head on over to our TVRepairHelp subReddit!
📦 Need help finding the right board or part?
📞 Call us at 930-212-1975 or browse our inventory online.
🛠️ DIY-friendly parts, fast shipping, and expert support – only at TVpartsToday.