M11x Charger Question?

Hey guys,

On the Dell website I saw there are like a dozen different chargers. I'm wondering (hypothetically, of course)...

- What would happen if I used the 65W M11x R1 charger on my R2? (The R2 uses a 90W charger)

- How about the 130W and 150W chargers for the R3 and larger Dell models?

Will they see decreased/increased charging rates? Will they explode?

 

Regarding the first question about 65w chargers, there are two caveats:

-Upon turning on the computer, you will get a BIOS message saying that the machine uses a 90W charger and that the 65W one may not charge it normally. This charger will charge your computer but at a slower rate when being used.

-I have noticed that while gaming on the 65W charger, the game's performance is severely degraded.

 

Don't use a lower rated charger, performance will degrade and can lead to system shutdowns.
I use a Dell 240W adapter with my M11x R2 when i'm home and keep the 90W for the road.

 

Okay, thanks for the advice; not getting a 65W.

Awesome! Do you notice if the 240W charges any faster? I'm willing to carry a larger brick if it charges a little faster.

 

I can't tell you as i never paid attention to that, sorry.

 

I dont see any diff between 65 and 90. The management is done at the battery side also if I recall so I really doubt you can charge faster on other units unless the one you start with is not good enough.

 

That's probably because you don't put enough load on your system or the 65W PSU (as expected) is able to provide more/enough.

 

talking about charge rate. (Im on R1). Doubt the 240 1/2s the charge time

 

I was talking about performance difference between the two.

The charging speed is dictated by the amount of electric charge ( Amps) if there's no other limitation.

 

my R3 came with 90W charger... it charges it really quickly anyways, doubt theres point in getting a 240W one... I am sure theres a controller on the battery controlling charge rate as well, so i doubt it would be anything but pointless... and 65W one does not actually provide enough juice for gaming+charging at once...

And no, none of them will explode without some help...

 

Using a 240W adapter works?!! That's awesome! I've always been a bit scared to try it but being able to use my M17x adapter will be great. Thanks heaps Katalin!

 

There's no point in buying it for the M11x exclusively, that's right. I'm doing it because i have several Dell & Alienware systems and in my case it was the easier option instead of buying another small 90W PSU

Yes, it does
You shouldn't be scared, the laptop will draw as much as it needs. It's not the other way around.
Glad i could answer one of your questions.