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    Quick Power Inverter Question

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by Kuu, Mar 4, 2010.

  1. Kuu

    Kuu That Quiet Person

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    I picked up a 100w power inverter for my car, mainly so I could charge my Zune and phone without buying silly adapters for each one for 10 dollars (Clearance Priced from 25 or so at Staples) and I looked at the details on it.

    80 watts continuous, 100 watts peak for a minute.

    My laptop's power brick is rated for 120.

    Naturally this probably isn't the best of ideas, but I did want to try it out, as the outlet in my car is rated for up to 120 watts anyway, but I want to know if my laptop (in sig) would really draw more than 80 through the inverter.

    I think it would only if I was charging the battery from a 0% state and playing GTA IV at the same time, but yeah; any advice?
     
  2. ViciousXUSMC

    ViciousXUSMC Master Viking NBR Reviewer

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    Anything other than gaming or encoding or something crazy you will be fine.

    I have power draw tests in both my W90 and G73 reviews. You can look at how much power they draw in different scenarios to get a good idea of what to expect.
     
  3. Kuu

    Kuu That Quiet Person

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    I probably wouldn't be trying to game inside of a car anyway, mouse pad goes where? :D

    I'm actually looking more towards using it on a 4 hour drive to Arizona in a few weeks, although I won't be driving, I'll probably only be watching anime or listening to music. I can always use Power Saver mode to be on the safe side, too.
     
  4. ViciousXUSMC

    ViciousXUSMC Master Viking NBR Reviewer

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    Yeah you will be fine for general stuff like that. The main draw is from gpu & cpu & lcd brightness. Of those 3 the cpu & gpu are the highest.

    The gpu is only really going to draw when in 3d mode (aka gaming) and the cpu is pulling power when under load. The higher the load the more power but video & music wont put much load at all.

    I think you will be at 60w or so, rough guess but I feel confident you wont go over the 80w mark that your setting as max.
     
  5. Kuu

    Kuu That Quiet Person

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    I'm thinking more like 70, since I like my screen bright.

    The inverter has overcurrent and overheating protection. Even if It does go past it, I can reset it in 15 minutes, and my battery lasts at least that long; so I should be fine unless it decides to set fire to itself, which would be another topic :rolleyes:

    Thanks for the info though :cool: