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    Can I use a AC Adapter that rated at 19v 3.5amps on a Netbook that requires 19v 2.15amps?

    Discussion in 'Gateway and eMachines' started by F9zSlavik, Jul 18, 2011.

  1. F9zSlavik

    F9zSlavik Notebook Consultant

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    I have a Gateway that died, thinking it was the AC adapter, I bought a new one (generic). I have a Netbook, a gateway Nav50, it requires 19v at 2.15amps. If I plug in the 19v 3.5amps, would that hurt it or will the Nav50 netbook only take what it needs?
     
    F9zSlavik, Jul 18, 2011
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  2. haze10

    haze10 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Electric circuits will only draw what they need. The rating is to make sure you don't overload the power supply (ie, draw 3 amps when its only rated for 2 amps). So you are good to go.
     
    haze10, Jul 18, 2011
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  3. F9zSlavik

    F9zSlavik Notebook Consultant

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    I have been told otherwise, that the AC adapter will give the full 3.5amps and not the 2.15amps that the netbook only requires. It scares me I need this netbook running for school.
     
    F9zSlavik, Jul 18, 2011
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  4. TANWare

    TANWare Just This Side of Senile, I think. Super Moderator

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    No, it does not PUSH the power, power is drawn. Now if the addapter were say 24v and 3.5 amps you may find the circuits over driven and possibly the full 3.5 amps or more used causing major damage. Think of volts as the push and amps as the flow, so long as the push is at rated then flow will be as required only.
     
    TANWare, Jul 19, 2011
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  5. dam718

    dam718 Notebook Enthusiast

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    As Tan and haze have mentioned, you will be fine in this scenario. The power supply is simply making that much current available. As long as the load you place on the supply does not exceed the rated output of 3.5A, you're in good shape. Verify the voltage matches and the amperage is >= the load.
     
    dam718, Jul 19, 2011
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