AC adapter heating up bad/laptop crashes - related?

[-Slacker-]

Not sure if it's the right section to post this, but it's kind of power-supply-related.

So my laptop started crashing a lot when I run anything but light software (firefox, movie players) in the past month. It even shuts down after playing some 2d mid 1990's game. I suspect part - if not all - of the problem is due to the CPU overheating, but that's a whole different issue I guess.

The thing is that the AC adapter heats up a lot too. I can't provide the exact temperature, but when I pick it up after or while I run something, like, "demanding" ... such as a movie, the damn thing actually burns; I can't hold it for more than a couple of seconds. Even when the laptop is idle it's still borderline hot.

Do I need to replace the adapter?

Here are it's specs, if it helps:

Liteon PA - 1650 - 02
Input 100-240 v 1.6 a 50-60hz
Output 19 v 3.4 a

Thanks in advance

 

[Harvey]

I strongly recommend not using that supply with your laptop any longer until you test it to determine whether the problem is with the supply or the machine.

The supply should have a label specifying the output voltage at a rated current. You can use a volt meter to test the supply with the machine not connected.

If the voltage is low, it suggests that either the regulator circuit is failing or there is a partially shorted or damaged component in the machine, either of which would explain the crashes. If the output voltage is high, the regulator circuitry is failingm and it could damage your machine. It may go a little high with no load (not connected to the machine), but if it's much higher, the supply is probably bad.

The easiest way to test the system would be to try your machine with another supply to see if the problem continues.

Hope that helps.

 

[-Slacker-]

Mmm. Well, I don't have the means to actually test the voltage and lending another AC would be too much of a hustle for my piece of junk laptop, but I think I can find a reasonably cheap replacement for it. (not the laptop)

I actually had no idea weather the whole heating up thing was supposed to be normal or bad, the adapter just looks like a lump of plastic more or less, so I assumed it might be able to handle it.

 

[Harvey]

Your local Radio Shack would have a cheap volt meter. Your local repair facility may let you test your system with one of their bench supplies if you tell them you'll buy one if that turns out to be the problem.

 

[WinGeek]

I would agree. I love going to Radio Shack to buy things I can do myself. Without having to send it in to a repair shop.

 

[C1]

There is a possibility that the control circuity on the mainboard for managing external power (which also charges the battery) is defective or that the battery has a short (ie, low internal resistance).

Run these combos for insight:

- On charged battery only (OK => adapter or MB ext. power management circuitry issue; )
- External power & battery removed (Adapter heats up => replace adapter; Adapter OK => replace battery)

Note: An MB issue => Replace notebook as that's generally more cost effective

From the above combos you should be able to gain insight. You can try a generic external power supply from Frys & if that turns out to not be the problem then just return it.

 

[pitz]

I suspect your laptop just needs a good old fashioned blowjob with compressed air (from an air compressor or those chlorfluorocarbon 'compressed air' cans). Get the dust out, and it'll be as good as new.

Hot laptop power adapters are fairly common. My Dell one burns too if its been charging the battery heavily.