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    Power adapter problem...kinda complicated

    Discussion in 'Alienware Area-51/Aurora and Legacy Systems' started by tomholly, Dec 31, 2011.

  1. tomholly

    tomholly Newbie

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    Hey guys, new to this forum but thank god I found it! Anyways some backround here, I bought a m17 in 2007 and its been thru hell. Everything is original, except the keyboard doesnt work, so I have a external keyboard on it, and the battery doesnt take a charge, so It has to be plugged in at all times. However around a year ago the adapter that came with my computer blew out, so I found a new one on ebay (same type of stock unit that came in the box with it when i purchased the computer). BUT about 3 weeks later, that adapter blew out again...So I went to best buy and purchased one of those universal adapters..It is a rocketfish 90W with a output of 15-20V/5A and input of 100-240/2.5. This adapter allows me to turn the computer on and surf the internet, watch movies etc...however whenever I do something like try to play a game, the computer just shuts off, I'm assuming that its just using too much power for the adapter...So does anyone have any suggestions? Are there different universal power adapters that I could buy? Does alienware still sell the stock power cords? I'd like to get something as quick as possible. Anyways thanks!
     
    tomholly, Dec 31, 2011
    #1
  2. wingman_214

    wingman_214 Notebook Enthusiast

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    The 90W adapter is too small to power your laptop. You will need one at least 200W.
     
    wingman_214, Dec 31, 2011
    #2
  3. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    Hello and welcome to NBR, Tom, you've made the right choice.
    You'll need to purchase a 210W - 240W rated adapter.
    Even if that's a pre Dell model, the adapters that come with the M17x's work with yours ;)
     
    katalin_2003, Dec 31, 2011
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  4. tomholly

    tomholly Newbie

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    Thanks! I went to best buy and staples around me (boston area), but all they had was universal adapters...any stores that would carry these? I really dont want to order online, but will if i have too
     
    tomholly, Dec 31, 2011
    #4
  5. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    I don't know if any stores carry them but ordering online is your best bet, it's also cheaper ;)
     
    katalin_2003, Dec 31, 2011
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  6. tomholly

    tomholly Newbie

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    Just curious, why does the 90w allow me to use everything else on my computer? I can use the internet, movies etc, when I play company of heros I can even get into a game, but a minute later it will shut off
     
    tomholly, Dec 31, 2011
    #6
  7. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    Because your adapter will provide as much as it can to reach the laptop's demand but it will be impossible for it to satisfy the demand.

    The 90W adapter is rated at 90 watts, it can provide a little more but still not enough.
     
    katalin_2003, Dec 31, 2011
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  8. tomholly

    tomholly Newbie

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    So I actually can't find the adapter i need online anywhere...does anyone know where I can find it? its the Li Shin 0405b20220 adapter, with the single center pin.
     
    tomholly, Jan 4, 2012
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  9. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    katalin_2003, Jan 4, 2012
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  10. el_corsez

    el_corsez Notebook Geek

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    el_corsez, Jan 4, 2012
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  11. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    ^^ The one you posted is the bulky one. Its thickness is almost double and doesn't have the blue LED around the plug ;)
     
    katalin_2003, Jan 5, 2012
    #11