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    M17x R3 Power/Adapter/Battery Problem

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Insightful, Mar 24, 2013.

  1. Insightful

    Insightful Notebook Geek

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    So basically I have a problem with my computer where it will indicate that my AC adapter is unplugged when it is plugged in after serveral hours of use. This is very annoying having to restart my computer so it will not die because it need to survive off battery. I don't know what is the problem but this happens a lot and has been happening for about 1 - 3 months. Can anyone help?
     
    Insightful, Mar 24, 2013
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  2. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

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    does the power brick get super hot?
     
    bigtonyman, Mar 25, 2013
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  3. Insightful

    Insightful Notebook Geek

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    Yes it does is that my problem? Should I get a replacement?
     
    Insightful, Mar 25, 2013
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  4. bigtonyman

    bigtonyman Desktop Powa!!!

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    Might be overheating and then thermally shutting off? Not sure as my power brick has never gotten that hot.
     
    bigtonyman, Mar 25, 2013
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  5. Insightful

    Insightful Notebook Geek

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    Maybe.. what would be your suggestion? I could get a new brick.. I don't have much experience with heating systems in laptops so I don't know what's wrong.
     
    Insightful, Mar 25, 2013
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  6. DDDenniZZZ

    DDDenniZZZ Notebook Deity

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    What are the Voltage and Amps of the charger (need both values located on the sticker of the power brick)? You sure you have the 240W one right?
     
    DDDenniZZZ, Mar 25, 2013
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  7. Insightful

    Insightful Notebook Geek

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    Yes I have the 240w one. INPUT : 100-240V ~ 3.5A OUTPUT : 19.5V 12.3A
     
    Insightful, Mar 25, 2013
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  8. DDDenniZZZ

    DDDenniZZZ Notebook Deity

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    Your not getting the incompatible charger message in the bios are you? Maybe the chip in the PSU has gone and the laptop will only take partial charge from the power brick then. I know those chips can go bad, so there is no communication. Could be faulty PSU, or faulty motherboard. More likely the PSu I guess. I guess when you play a game the power brick doesnt provide enough power to charge the battery and play the game?
     
    DDDenniZZZ, Mar 25, 2013
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  9. M11xDude

    M11xDude Notebook Consultant

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    I had the exact same issue on my HP laptop. The fix was that I replaced the power adapter and the battery.
     
    M11xDude, Mar 25, 2013
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  10. Insightful

    Insightful Notebook Geek

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    Maybe I'll do that and thanks to the post above that one. I'll probably just try to remedy it with a new battery and or charger. Thanks very much
     
    Insightful, Mar 25, 2013
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  11. DDDenniZZZ

    DDDenniZZZ Notebook Deity

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    I'd say buy a new charger if you can, they are relatively cheap, £30-40 in the UK for identical ones to the dell ones which cost £90. Never been priced up for a battery let me know the price if you do find out :)
     
    DDDenniZZZ, Mar 26, 2013
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