AC adapter help

blyndy

Member
Nov 11, 2008
33
0
0
Hi, I've got a notebook that is missing its original AC adapter. The original was rated at 16V/ 4.5A/72W. The closest I have is a 13V/4.2A adapter. Assuming the adapter can exceed its rating by 300mA, would the undervoltage be passed the damage threshold?
 

HalfCrazy

Senior member
Oct 3, 2001
853
0
0
You could try calling the company who made your laptop. You will be able to order a new AC adapter for your laptop. Radioshack also sells AC adapters for laptops. But your best bet in the company who made your laptop.

Chances are the AC adapter won't exceed its rating.
 

ChaiBabbaChai

Golden Member
Dec 16, 2005
1,090
0
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eBay.

don't use the wrong power supply for anything like a computer ever. For like, transistor based guitar pedals it's cool, but not a computer.
 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
27,370
238
106
Most laptops have a tolerance of +/- 1 vdc or 5%. Your difference is 26% down. Don't!
 

Blain

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
23,643
3
81
Hi, I've got a notebook that is missing its original AC adapter. The original was rated at 16V/ 4.5A/72W. The closest I have is a 13V/4.2A adapter.
Don't try and use something you happen to have laying around.

Buy This and move on with your life. ^_^
 

Blain

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
23,643
3
81
You need to search and find out if your notebook requires an OEM adapter or if it will run and charge with an aftermarket model.

An issue that some people are running into is that an aftermarket universal adapter will run their notebook but not charge it.

I purchased a CoolerMaster SNA95 universal adapter. Buried deep in the manual it says...
"Some Notebooks have ID patent for their own adapters. However, this product will have no problem powering the laptop regarding the above issues, but may not be able to charge due to ID patent of the notebook."
 

spikespiegal

Golden Member
Oct 10, 2005
1,219
9
76
Using an undervoltage adapter will not only cause your laptop to not run properly, it will likely cause your adapter to heat up and likely burn out.
 

ecom

Senior member
Feb 25, 2009
479
0
0
Also you need to ensure that the polarity on the plug is correct. Don't just plug any random adapter because reversed polarity can cause serious damage.
 

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