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    Will this 400 watt inverter handle it?

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by mechrock, Jul 6, 2009.

  1. mechrock

    mechrock Notebook Evangelist

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    We just got this 400 watt car inverter. It has a max output of 3.5 amps.
    Would you think this has enough power to play games from my laptop and my friend's laptop?

    Mine: In sig below. 120 watt
    His: Older HP laptop 60 watt adapter from 2005.

    Even though the watts don't go over do you think when playing a game on both it will go over on the amps? My laptop uses a max of 88 watts because I undervolted it.

    I'm going to assume his wattage is just under 60. I have not tested his.

    When you add up our amps you get 2 for mine and 1.7 for his.
    Since I'm not using max load unless charging do you think I would go over on amps?
     
  2. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    You need to look at the input amperage on the two transformers, and assume you will normally use close to the maximum amperage. Reason being that while your laptop might only be using 88W or maybe even 120W, the adapter will be pulling more power from the outlet because of inefficiencies (70-80% efficiency is probably about normal, 90%+ is really good).

    Right now I don't see a reason why it wouldn't work, because even the (120W+60W)/70% = 257W power it sounds like you'll need is well within the 400W limit.

    But still, do you really need to be draining your car battery that much for a game?
     
  3. mechrock

    mechrock Notebook Evangelist

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    Well me and my friend are going down to Florida while my parents drive and I wanted to make sure everything would work. It's a boring 10 hour drive with nothing to do.