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    Spare power supply question

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by SierraEx, Aug 1, 2017.

  1. SierraEx

    SierraEx Newbie

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    So i'm looking at getting a spare power supply or my laptop so I can leave one plugged in on my desk and bring one in my bad with me when i travel. however the manufacturer doesn't sell the power supply stand alone in Australia so i cant just get another one exactly the same. so i'm wanting to know if i have this right.

    original
    19v @ 12.6a 240w
    (19x12.6 = 239.9)

    spare (from a Dell Precision)
    19.5v @ 12.3a 240w
    (19.5x12.3 = 239.85)

    so in terms out their output they are about as close as i've been able to find so far. Generally the power supplies are rated at their max output and from what i've been able to determine, my laptop only draws about 200w under the heaviest load i've ever put on it (basically 100% across both CPU and GPU in a benchmark) so it has plenty of headroom in it's original charger. would i be fine with the spare? it's not going the be the one it runs on the most, it's going to be my travel/backup charger in case something happens to the original.

    thanks in advance
     
    SierraEx, Aug 1, 2017
    #1
  2. kent1146

    kent1146 Notebook Prophet

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    You are best off buying a laptop power adapter from a 3rd party that makes them (Targus, Belkin, etc). They often sell adapters that are certified as compatible with most laptops. Get one that works for your make/model of laptop.

    I would not use a power adapter that isn't spec'ed for your laptop. Even if you get it to work, and your laptop doesn't throw an error message about an out-of-spec power adapter, you don't know what it's doing to your laptop. The power delivery electrical components on your motherboard were not tested for that voltage & current. I wouldn't do it, unless you are ok with the idea of potential damage to your motherboard down the road (e.g. an old laptop that you want to eventually replace anyway).
     
    kent1146, Aug 1, 2017
    #2
  3. TheChosen0ne

    TheChosen0ne Notebook Guru

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    I'd say even though it's not the "proper" exact voltage, the output always varies and almost never reaches the max, and if you want to save some money now for something else later, just use the spare. Point is, it's close enough, and isn't so drastic to cause damage that kent warned of.
     
    TheChosen0ne, Aug 13, 2017
    #3