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    After market power adapter quesion

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by fabre, Feb 15, 2009.

  1. fabre

    fabre Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have been looking for a power adapter for my old Presario, here are the specs

    Presario 2100 AC Adapter Specifications
    Power: 90 Watts
    Input: 100-240V, 50-60Hz
    Output: DC 18.5V, 4.9A
    Tip: 5.5*2.5mm Yellow

    My concern is that most compatible adapter I can find are 19v and not 18.5v.

    "Compatible" power adapter
    # AC Input: 100 ~ 240V 50~60Hz
    # DC Output: 19V 4.74A 90W

    Should I try to find a perfect match or this one should do?
     
    fabre, Feb 15, 2009
    #1
  2. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Its a difficult question...
    Simply because these adapters don't supply what they say they do...

    Either the Sony or the Medion one (both original as in "came with laptop") deliver about 0,5 to 1V more than what is "written on the box".

    Both adapters are 90W -that's good.
    The difference in Voltage is compensated by a change in current.

    Now, the higher the current the greater the energy lost as heat - and I think the greater the potential for damage...
    As the compatible adapter has a lower current it should be fine,

    but

    I wouldn't really recommend using anything but an adapter supplied by the manufacturer, it may be OK, but it may cause damage too.
     
    DetlevCM, Feb 15, 2009
    #2
  3. Michel.K

    Michel.K 167WAISIQ

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    It should work, but i must say as DetlevCM says, i recommend a original adapter just in case it doesn't work out for you after a while.

    Though i would have used the one you mentioned as that one will probably work as fine as an original adapter.
     
    Michel.K, Feb 15, 2009
    #3
  4. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    18.5V is an unusual choice. I would look for a universal PSU which has switchable voltages (which tend to be increments of 1V) and first try the 18V setting. If that doesn't work then try 19V. Usually the power boards in notebooks can tolerate some deviation in voltage from the specified value.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Feb 15, 2009
    #4