power supply: 65W vs 90W

Hi

What are the advantages of having a 90W power supply over a 65W one, apart of being able to charge a battery more quickly?

Is it true that using a 90W power supply is less likely to have a CPU throttling problem on Latitude or Vostro notebooks (as discussed in a number of threads here)?

Thanks.

 

That entirely depends on the power your notebook's component will draw. If you have a recent (<4 years old) notebook with any sort of dedicated graphics card, it is unlikely that a 65W power supply will be sufficient under heavy usage.

 

As already noted, a dedicated GPU will need a 90W PSU. I've not noticed a difference in charging time, but that will also depend on the CPU + GPU loading. The advantage of a 65W PSU is that it is a little smaller and lighter, so less baggage.

John

 

Hi

Thanks for your helpful feedback.

I'm planning to buy a Vostro 3400 with Intel HD Graphics only. Having read many threads relating to recent Dell notebook problems (throttling, excessive fan noise/usage, overheating) both here and at the Dell Community Forum, I'm having second thoughts.

Nonetheless, I'm quite prepared to give Dell the benefit of the doubt, so I'm continuing with my online research.

It appears that one possible way to stop premature throttling is to use a 90W power supply to allow for a power "margin of safety" (esp. since an external monitor will be used often, which could tax the Intel HD Graphics on-package chip more), which led me to starting this thread to seek more views.

 

The intel GPU will help with the heat just a bit.
I dont think that it will make the system throttle as it will not be using the limit, and 65 watts would be enough.

 

I have both slim adapters 65W and 90W. The size difference is not that much to make it even a debate. Just get the 90W and not worry.

The slim 130W adapter I have on the otherhand is huge. It came with the E-port replicator and stays stationary on my desk.

 

I don't think the travel adaptors are available in 90W. At least they were not when I bought mine.

However, using Throttlestop, my P8400 with NVS160 graphics will run at full speed on the travel adaptor. Takes FOREVER to charge the battery while running but it runs fine. Charges the battery when I shut down the computer over night.

I think Dell's slowdown tables for the power adaptor are a bit too conservative. Much like the thermal tables they never have gotten right.