Smaller power adapter for NP8170?

The power brick that came with my NP8170 is more like a power cinder block. Seriously, this thing is freaking enormous. My desktop computer's power supply is probably about the same size.

I certainly don't care about it sitting on my desk, but I do occasionally fly or go on road trips. Is there a smaller adapter I can purchase that will get the job done on the go?

 

For such a powerhouse? Probably not. Doesn't it have that "non-standard" 4-pin plug between computer and brick?

 

This is a machine that needs the power, unfortunately there are no smaller adapters available.

 

I don't have my 8170 yet, but I hope to soon. Meanwhile, I am using my Asus G73JH. It too has a large power brick, although smaller than the 8170. I think the Asus brick is 180W.

I have successfully used several 3rd party 120W power adapters. Note however, that these only work when I am not playing games. For just browsing the web, reading email or watching a DVD, these systems don't draw all that much power. If I do try to run a game, the power brick shuts down due to excessive current draw.

I expect these 3rd party bricks would also work with the 8170 with the same limitations.

Ira

 

I don't understand why people say this.

You can use any adapter you want, really. Of course you can't game on 120w if its a 200w notebook. but smaller adapters are great if you don't plan on gaming.
I've even used a 90w on occasion.

Check out the dell pa-4e. Its the slimmest 120w you'll find. You have to solder new plug on it tho. There is also a slim 150w model PA-5M10, maybe that would give you enough juice to do some gaming if you undervolt or something.

 

It is said because the laptop needs to the power. If you want to under power your components and risk it that is up to you. Obviously running a lower power adapter will get extremely hot and who knows what it could do. It is sold with this power adapter for a reason....

 

I've never heard of underpowering components leading to problems...other than shut downs...

 

Particularly where the battery actually supplies all the needed power and the AC adapter either supplies power to the battery or shuts down depending on the total current draw.

Ira

 

Unless of course they have a safety shutoff function

How are those horribly underpowered components not being destroyed by the 14v battery?

Its not really the laptop that takes up all the power, its the components. And its not really the model numbers that define the amount of power they take up, its the process of binning.

Therefore we should be able to get *most* modern combinations of 1 CPU and 1 graphics card + everything else down to 90w.

They do have power saving modes for a reason.
I mean, I have used E series core 2 duos in some laptops that have cause the system to lock up instantly on battery.
If your laptop is NOT doing that, then it is totally capable of running on a smaller adapter, because 120w is almost definitely more than the battery can supply.

 

I did try a 90W adapter on a 120W based NP8690. Still charged but underperformed. And still good in my books.

I don't know about the NP8170 stepping down from 220W to something very common and low like a 100W adapter...

 

interesting thread!
Might look into a light weight travel companion for my notebook

 

I'm not exactly an expert, but don't be surprised if your battery and/or charging system are adversely affected by this over time. I've seen it happen with my friend's MP3 player when he used a wall-to-USB adapter that was for his phone because he lost the one for his Sansa. After some months of charging this way, he's complaining the battery life sucked and wouldn't charge all the way. After correcting the power supply, the battery was still permanently damaged. Personally, I'm going to do everything I can to keep my expensive new machine in top order, even if that means unwelcome weight-lifting sessions.

 

Well, then use it without the battery life if you feel the need... but if there have been other similar notebooks with 90w adapter then it will probably charge the battery fine...

 

Right. IMHO a 17" gaming laptop requires power, period, and with that a large adapter. Unless Sager and/or Clevo say it's ok, I wouldn't want to risk it for the sake of a few ounces and a few cubic inches difference.