If you’ve opened up your Samsung TV and expected to find a separate main board and power supply board, you may have been surprised to find just one large board doing it all. Don’t worry - this is by design! Samsung uses combination circuit boards in many of its newer, slimmer TVs to save space and reduce manufacturing complexity. And while it makes your TV sleeker, it can complicate DIY repairs if you're not sure what you’re looking at. 😅
Let’s break down what these combo boards are, how to identify them, and what you need to know when replacing one - especially the importance of using part numbers over board numbers!
Rather get started on your repair instead? Watch our helpful YouTube video on How to Get Started below:
🔌 1. Main Board/Power Board Combos: Two Functions, One Setup
In many Samsung TVs - especially budget-friendly or mid-range models like the UN55CU7000FXZA or UN43CU7000BXZA - the most common combo configuration is a pairing of two separate boards: the main board and the power board, screwed or clipped together and sold as one matched set. While physically distinct, they’re considered a “combo” because they’re tested to work together as a unit and are often listed under a shared part number. Here is an example:
What does this combo do?
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🧠 Main Board Functions: Acts as the brain of the TV. It processes inputs (HDMI, USB, antenna), runs the operating system, controls Smart TV functions, and manages audio/video.
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⚡ Power Board Functions: Converts incoming AC power into usable DC voltages for all internal components.
These two boards are still individually manufactured but are bundled together for simplicity and compatibility. You’ll often see them listed with a main board BN94 part number followed by “–COMBO”, or with a BN96 part number followed by “–COMBO”.
🧾 Examples of screwed or clipped together Samsung combo boards:
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UN55CU7000FXZA → BN96-56840M-COMBO
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UN43CU7000BXZA → BN96-56552R-COMBO
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QN55Q7FAAFXZA → BN94-18652U-COMBO
💡 TVpartsToday Tip: Don’t separate the boards if you receive them together! If they arrived as a combo, they’ve been matched and tested to ensure they’ll work correctly in your TV.
📏 Less Common: Fully Integrated Combo Boards
In some newer or space-conscious models, Samsung uses a true combo board — one single piece of hardware that integrates both the main board and power supply into a single, non-separable circuit board. This is less common but increasingly seen in ultra-slim or minimalist designs.
🔍 Identification Tip: These boards often have a part number beginning with BN81, and you’ll notice both HDMI ports and power connectors built onto the same board — no visible separation. Here's an example:
TVpartsToday Tip: If your TV only has one large board that includes both the HDMI and power connections, it’s likely a rare fully integrated combo - and you'll definitely want to match that part number exactly!
By understanding whether you’re working with a screwed-together combo or a true all-in-one board, you can better identify the part you need and avoid unnecessary confusion or returns.
📺 2. Main Board with Built-In T-Con Functionality
In some entry-level or ultra-thin Samsung TVs, the T-Con board function is integrated directly into the main board. That means there’s no separate timing control board — the main board handles that too.
Why it matters:
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You’ll save space in the TV, but...
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If the T-Con functionality fails, you’ll have to replace the entire main board, not just a small T-Con.
This design simplifies manufacturing but adds cost to your repair if something goes wrong.
💡 TVpartsToday Tip: If you can’t find a T-Con board inside your Samsung TV - don’t panic! If it’s not there, the main board is doing that job too. Just make sure to match your part number exactly when ordering a replacement.
🧠 Important Reminders When Replacing Combo Boards
✅ Use the Exact Part Number: Even if your TV model number is the same, different boards can be used across different factory runs. Always match by the full part number on the white sticker - not the printed board number.
🚫 Don’t Use Board Numbers Alone: For example, don’t order a board just because you see "BN41-XXXXX" on it. That’s a board number, not a part number!
🛠️ Final Thoughts
Samsung’s combo boards are brilliant space-savers, but they can be a bit tricky when it’s time to repair or replace them. Whether you’re dealing with a true BN81-series combo board, a bundled set labeled “Combo,” or a main board with integrated T-Con functionality, the rule stays the same:
🔑 Always match by the manufacturer part number - never just the board number or TV model alone.
💬 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.
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