When choosing a power supply, you need to consider several parameters that determine the type of charger you need:
- laptop brand;
- output voltage (Output) in volts (V) and current in amperes (A);
- configuration of the contact part of the power supply for the charging connector of a laptop of a specific model.
Brand Definition
First of all, you need to determine the brand of your laptop. Leading manufacturers such as TopON, LITEON, DELTA, LiShin produce power supplies. They manufacture almost all models of chargers for laptops of all well-known brands: ACER, ASUS, DELL, HP, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, Fujitsu-Siemens, Lenovo, LG, IRU, ROVERBOOK, MSI.
However, power supplies for laptops are often different brands, have the same electrical parameters, which makes them interchangeable. For example, some power supplies for ASUS devices are also suitable for Toshiba laptops.
Some power supplies are also produced by lesser-known companies. Such devices have original connectors and in most cases cannot be replaced with another type of charger.
Output voltage and current indicators
One of the main characteristics to consider when purchasing power supplies is the output voltage. The meaning of this parameter can be found by reading technical documentation to a laptop. In addition, the output voltage is always indicated on the case of the power supplies (regardless of their manufacturer), as well as on stickers located on the laptop computer itself.
Most chargers are designed for an output voltage of 15-20 V. Fluctuations of this indicator are allowed within no more than 1-2 V. If the output voltage of the newly purchased power supply differs significantly from the required one, the laptop and the charger itself will quickly fail out of service.
When choosing a charger, you need to pay attention to both the output current and power. Both of these indicators may be more than those required for a given model of laptop computer, but not less. If one of the parameters is lower than required, the power supply will heat up excessively, which will lead to its failure.
To correctly determine the real output power your laptop, you need to multiply the output current readings by the voltage value. As a result, you will receive a value that determines the choice of power supply based on power. Power supplies are selected for output current in the same way as for output power. The main criterion is the value, which must correspond to or exceed the value required for this model. Only in this case Charger will work reliably and for a long time. When choosing a power supply, it is enough to determine either the current value or the output power value. Both of these parameters are closely interrelated, so compliance of one of them with what is specified in the documentation for the laptop guarantees right choice charger.
When purchasing a charger, you also need to pay attention to the polarity of the contacts. In most cases, all modern charger models have a minus on the external contacts and a plus on the internal contacts.
Types of charger connectors
Power supplies differ in the type of connector. These are basically charging contact parts that are directly inserted into the laptop. Some laptop manufacturers, with the same electrical parameters, have different power supply connectors. In addition, in some cases, when it is still possible to connect the contact to the laptop connector, the connection may be unreliable and may lead to a breakdown of the connection in the future. Below is a list of power supply connectors with their sizes and compatible brands of laptops.
How to choose the right power supply for a laptop, tablet, camera, printer, scanner, router, router, monitor, DVD player, game console, and... any other device.
Three simple steps that will lead you to the right choice:
- 1. Determine the voltage (V, volts) that is required for your device
This information can be viewed on the device itself (on the label on the bottom side) - this is the input voltage, for example INPUT: 20V
Also, such information should be displayed on the old power supply - this is the output voltage, for example OUTPUT: 20V
What should you do if your device indicates a voltage (V, volts) that does not match the voltage of commercially available power supplies?
In this case, you can select a power supply with a voltage close to the required value, taking into account the permissible error of ±0.5V.
- 2. Determine the current (A, ampere) that is required for your device
This information can also be viewed either on the device itself or on the old power supply, respectively INPUT: 2A or OUTPUT: 2A
Note: It should be noted that you can buy a new power supply with more amperes than the device needs. In our example, this could be 2 or more amperes (2.5A or 3A, etc.). In this case, the device will take as much energy as is necessary for operation, and the power supply, having an additional power reserve, will heat up less and last longer.
- 3. Determine the connector (connector) that fits your device
Exist Various types connectors, and they can be easily identified by name or size. Take a ruler and measure the dimensions of the plug, or the socket on the device itself (where the connector is inserted). In the vast majority of cases, it is enough to determine the outer and inner diameter of the connector. For example, the connector shown in the figure is 5.5 mm. in outer diameter and 2.5 mm. in internal diameter, which corresponds to the connector type: 5.5 x 2.5 mm.
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What should you do if your device has a socket that does not fit connectors from commercially available power supplies?
In this case, you can purchase a power supply that is suitable for voltage (V) and current (A), and install a cable with a connector from the old power supply. This operation can be performed independently or at any repair center.
Note: As a rule, most devices require constant voltage with the polarity of the connector supply: positive ("+") on the inner contact and minus ("-") on the outer contact.
Guided by these rules, let's, for example, select a power supply for a device that has voltage and current: 20V-2A, with connector 5.5 x 2.5 mm.
Option 1: Power supply PA3743U-1ACA (20V-2A), link to product page:
Option 2: Power supply 76G01B651-5A (20V-3.25A), link to product page:
Option 3: PA-12 power supply (19.5V-3.34A) when replacing the cable with connector from the old power supply, link:
That's all! Now you can easily select a power supply for any of your devices!
And also... you can find a suitable power supply for your device by typing a search query in the search area at the top of any page our site and click on the search button or the Enter key. The search criterion can be the model of the device or power supply. For example, the model " IdeaPad S10" or " 41R4441".
Please note that the list of compatible models may not be complete because device manufacturers are constantly releasing new models that will accept existing power adapters. We try to add new device models to the compatibility lists, but if you have difficulties selecting a power supply for your device, write us a message in the form " Ask a Question "(located below). Our experienced salespeople will help you make a choice.
Hello, dear readers.
Today we will talk about choosing a power supply for a laptop. What is a power supply for a laptop is probably not necessary to explain? Everyone has seen this black box with two wires.
Essentially this pulse block power supply, which converts the mains voltage into the voltage necessary to charge the laptop battery and operate it. Power supplies are included with the laptop itself. If you are thinking about buying a new one, it means a sad thing happened and the old one either burned out, was lost, or your pet chewed off all the wires from it. It is better not to throw away a faulty power supply. It may be useful for choosing a new one. However, sometimes it is convenient to have two adapters if you use a laptop, say, at the dacha and at home; it is not difficult to forget such a small thing when traveling to the dacha. In order not to carry an adapter with you, it is very convenient to have a pair. So, how to choose a power supply for a laptop?
Characteristics of power supplies
Let's start with the basic electrical characteristics. These are indicated on the label on each power supply. Sometimes the output characteristics are written on the laptop, on the label or near the power connector.
Input voltage.
If this network block power supply (I won’t dwell on car versions for now, I’ll tell you more about this below), then it is equal to 230 V. Yes, exactly 230 V. In Russia, according to the requirements of GOST 29322-92, the mains voltage should be 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. Such standards are also in force in most European countries, and it is under this standard that all household electrical appliances are produced. Although out of habit we still call it 220 V. If the power supply says 100-240 V, then this one will also suit us. As I wrote above, these are pulse converters, and they have very wide input voltage tolerances. However, if you buy an adapter in Russia and use it here, you don’t have to pay any attention to this parameter.
Output voltage
This parameter can vary quite a lot depending on the manufacturer and model of the laptop - from 15 V to 24 V. Naturally, you need to select it with the same voltage as your old power supply. However, a small deviation (plus or minus 0.5 V) will not affect reliability and performance in any way.
Output voltage adjustment
The ability to adjust provides greater flexibility when selecting a power supply for your laptop.
It can be automatic or manual.
Manual adjustment consists of special switches directly on the device body. Each division must be signed with a value indicating the required number of volts.
Adapters with automatic adjustment have stabilizers directly in the design of their board. This way you won't have to worry about manual shifting. All you need is to change the connector to a suitable one.
Power supplies with a constant voltage value are not adjustable.
Output current.
For the new power supply, this parameter should be the same or greater than that of the old power supply. If the maximum output current of the new adapter is less, the power supply will either turn off at maximum load or fail altogether.
output power
Since the output power is directly related to the current (who remembers physics, power is equal to the product of current and voltage), the recommendations here are similar. This parameter should be no less than that of your old power supply. If it is larger, then nothing bad will happen. And I’ll immediately tell you about the well-known myth that powerful power supplies consume more. No that's not true. The output power indicated on the unit is maximum power, which the power supply is capable of delivering to the load, and this does not mean that it will supply it constantly. The Bugatti Chiron hypercar reaches speeds of up to 420 km/h, but this does not mean that it can only be driven at that speed. As soon as you press the gas pedal, it will go. Likewise with the block, as much as the laptop asks from it, it will give as much. Let's say you had a 60 W power supply, and to replace it you purchased a 90 W unit. Consumption will not increase, the new unit will simply not work at full capacity, which, by the way, may well have a beneficial effect on its service life. So sometimes it is useful to get a higher power unit, especially if you are not sure about the manufacturer.
Well, perhaps one of the most important parameters is the connector type.
Of course, if the connector on the power supply does not fit the connector on the laptop, we simply will not be able to connect it. Unfortunately, there is no uniform standard for connectors for power supplies for laptops. Therefore, there are quite a lot of them now, which creates a certain confusion. Let's try to figure it out. Most units have a barrel connector with a pair of pins. External contact is usually negative. Such connectors are marked by the diameter of the outer and inner contact.
Here are some examples of the most common connectors today.
This type of connector is used in Samsung laptops. Has a thin central contact. The output voltage is 19 V.
The connector is used in Lenovo laptops. Has a thin central contact. The output voltage is 20 V.
This connector is used in Toshiba laptops. The output voltage is 15 V.
Used in Compaq and HP laptops. The output voltage is 18.5 V.
The two connectors are the same, but the power adapters have different output voltages: 16 V in power supplies for IBM, Lenovo laptops and 19 V in Acer, Compaq, Delta, Fujitsu, Toshiba and Liteon units. Accordingly, although they are externally identical, they are not compatible with each other.
Used in laptop adapters from Acer, Compaq, Delta, HP, Fujitsu, Gateway, Toshiba, Liteon. Output voltage 19 V.
Used in power adapters for Sony laptops. Output voltage 19.5 V.
The manufacturer, unfortunately, in most cases does not mark the connector anywhere. If you are confident, you can measure the connector with a caliper. Moreover, in such measurements even tenths of a millimeter are important, otherwise, if you take the measurements incorrectly, the connector may not fit. But it’s better to contact specialists at a service center or, if possible, check compatibility by bringing your laptop (or its charger) to the store.
Often, manufacturers of universal power supplies indicate on the packaging or in the instructions the types of connectors included in the kit and the laptops to which these connectors are suitable. Dell and HP (not all models) did the trickiest thing with connectors. Dell's power connectors, for example, have three contacts, one of which is signal. A special Dallas Semiconductor DS2501 EPROM chip is installed in the power supply and through this contact the laptop reads from it information about the power and type of power source; if it considers the power insufficient, it turns off battery charging or even does not start at all. This was done to protect the consumer from problems associated with low-quality power supplies. At the same time, it allows the company to raise prices for original components and put extra money in their pocket. However, this secret has long been solved and some manufacturers install this chip directly into the connector intended to power Dell laptops. So you don’t have to look for a branded adapter. However, sometimes, although support for Dell laptops is stated, there is no chip in the connector and such an adapter will not charge the battery. Some HP laptop power adapters have connectors similar to Dell connectors, but they are not compatible with each other. Well, naturally, it stands out in this regard Apple company, which produces for its laptops with original (and very convenient, by the way) magnetic connectors.
To determine which power adapter you need, just visit the official Apple support page. It describes in detail which laptop needs which power adapter. And then all you have to do is pay two or three times for it more money than for an adapter of similar power and quality from other manufacturers. Style requires sacrifice.
However, such methods only provoke Chinese manufacturers produce cheap fakes that are similar to the original only in appearance. In October 2016, Apple purchased a batch of accessories of its own production from one of the most famous online stores. After research, it turned out that 90% of what was purchased turned out to be fake. So buy power adapters only from trusted and reliable suppliers. It is very convenient if the manufacturer of the universal adapter places a label on the packaging with the dimensions and compatibility of the connectors.
Knowing the dimensions of the connector and the output voltage of the adapter, you can figure out for yourself whether this power supply is suitable for you or not.
Load protection
May include the following standards:
UVP – Under Voltage Protection – protection against low voltage.
OVP – Over Voltage Protection – protection against exceeding output voltages (required for all ATX12V standard power supplies).
OCP - Over Current Protection - protection against current surges when any of the outputs is overloaded.
OTP - Over Temperature Protection - protection against overheating.
OLP – Over Load Protection – protection against overload based on total power across all channels.
SCP - Short Circuit Protection - short circuit protection.
Not all manufacturers specify this parameter, but it exists.
Selecting an adapter by connection type
On this moment There are two types of power supplies:
- network, that is, which is connected to a 230 V network.
- automobile ones, which are connected to the vehicle’s on-board electrical network via a standard cigarette lighter connector.
There are also universal models that can be connected to both a 230 V network and a car power supply. Naturally, such models cost a little more. If you often travel by car with a laptop, then pay attention to models with a connection to the on-board network.
Additional features
Some power supplies have a separate USB output for charging various gadgets. This is a fairly convenient option that allows you to reduce the number of different chargers. On the laptop, of course, there is USB ports, but they are usually not powerful enough for fast charging modern gadgets.
Conclusion
I hope that this short article will help you in choosing a power supply for your laptop, but if after reading this material you still have doubts about your ability to choose a power adapter yourself, contact service centers or consult store managers. Although I would better advise going to an authorized service center of your laptop manufacturer.
By purchasing new laptop or netbook, owners have no idea how many problems they will have to face in the future: overheating graphics adapter in the heat, slow processor operation, damaged touchpad and dust inside the case. All these problems can be solved with one trip to the service center. But even if they appear, you can still work quietly on the laptop for some time, reducing the load on the video card, connecting ventilation and additional peripherals.
But you should also be prepared for the fact that one day the device will stop charging and working, which will lead to significant problems.
Why won't my laptop charge?
There are several reasons why the charge will not reach the laptop:
- Faulty pilot.
- Bloated
- Broken power supply.
The biggest problem is a damaged power supply, since the pilot can be easily replaced, the battery removed and operated only from the mains. Finding out whether there is a problem with the laptop power supply is very simple: for example, almost any charger for Asus is equipped with an indicator light. If it stops burning, then the probability that the power supply has burned out is almost 100%. But there is no need to despair. Choosing a new laptop charger is very simple.
However, before you make a choice, it’s worth finding out what it’s for.
What is the power supply responsible for?
In addition to the fact that in various gadgets, including Asus, the laptop charger supplies power to the battery and guarantees stable operation, it:
- Works as a fuse against power surges.
- Converts 220V voltage to one suitable for a laptop.
But in order for the charger to work for more than one year, it is important to choose it correctly.
Main characteristics of the power supply
Sometimes it is difficult to choose a charger for Asus laptop. The price of original power supplies is usually high: from $40 and above. However, for different brands of devices, including Asus, the laptop charger has several characteristics:
- Output voltage. What is the same between the MSI gt780dx, the Dell 3151 and the Charger, or rather, its output voltage. This indicator coincides with the voltage that the laptop consumes. The error can range from 3 to 5%. For example, the voltage supplied by the Asus laptop charger is 19V.
- Maximum power. Each laptop model is given a maximum power consumption. The number should not be less than the output voltage. Eg, Asus model. consuming 70 W will work perfectly from a power supply with a power of 100 W or more. If the charger does not indicate the maximum power, it can be calculated. Multiplying the output voltage by the maximum permissible current(in amperes), the maximum power is obtained.
- Plug. The most important aspect when choosing a power supply is the connector. Almost all blocks have the same plug: a hollow cylinder. The connector is characterized by its inner and outer diameter and polarity. It is important that the power plug fits tightly into the connector, otherwise the supplied voltage may change polarity, which will adversely affect the operation of the laptop.
Universal or original power supply?
If your Asus laptop charger fails, the price of a new one can be very high. This applies to almost all laptop models. Therefore, many owners are wondering: why not buy a universal charger? There are several advantages in favor of this solution:
- lower price;
- availability in stores;
- wide choose.
Undoubtedly, it is easier to find for an Asus laptop. The price will not be so “biting”. But it is with the original power supply that the laptop will work better.
Durability
For popular computer models - Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus - the laptop charger has several nuances. Firstly, power supply manufacturers provide rollback operating time. It is this characteristic that guarantees a long service life.
Such models of chargers are somewhat more expensive than universal ones, but the guarantee is a certain amount of hours of work is a sign of high quality. Information about the power supply can be found on the product packaging. Typically, such chargers last at least 3-5 years.
Where can I buy?
When a laptop charger fails, many owners wonder: where to buy a new power supply? For HP, Lenovo, Dell, Acer and Asus brands, a laptop charger can be purchased in specialized stores. But often the required power supply model is not always available there. Then you can contact stores that sell peripheral devices.
However, the easiest option is to order a power supply from a specialized store. At the time of buying universal models You need to carefully read the characteristics. When purchasing an original charger, simply place an order.
You can also use the services of well-known online stores. On such sites you can always find a suitable charger model, as well as choose the product that will cost less. The advantage of such a purchase is that you can purchase a power supply at a special price.
A breakdown of any component of a laptop is always a problem that requires maximum quick solution. But the main thing is not to choose peripheral devices, including the power supply, from unverified and unknown manufacturers. Then the laptop will serve for a long time and without unnecessary failures.
To replace a burned out one or in addition to an existing power supply, a universal power supply for a laptop would be an ideal option.
Universal power supplies for laptops are usually cheaper than the original power supplies from the laptop manufacturer, and finding such a power supply in a store is much easier.
However, there are several important nuances. In order for the purchased power supply to work properly with your laptop, the following conditions must be met:
- Voltage supplied by power supply(or one of the voltages for universal power supplies) should approximately match the power consumption of your laptop. A difference of 3 - 5%, for example, 19 Volts instead of 19.5, is not fundamental. You can find the supply voltage designation on the original power supply of your laptop (in our example - 19V, that is, 19 Volts)
- Maximum power supply, should be no less than that consumed by your laptop. That is, a laptop that originally had a 70-watt power supply can be powered by a 120-watt power supply if it meets all other parameters. On the contrary, no.
If you do not know the power consumption or output power of the original laptop power supply, then for direct current it can be calculated as the product of voltage and current (measured in amperes). In our example, the voltage at the output of the power supply is 19 Volts, the maximum permissible output current is 6.32 Amps, respectively, the maximum output power is 120 Watts. For a specific laptop, you can find out these numbers by looking at the markings of the power supply you have, in the documentation for the laptop, or, for example, in (for quite some time now we have been photographing in detail the markings of the power supplies of all laptops that go on sale.) - Same plug type and dimensions. This is the most important point when choosing a universal power supply instead of the original one. The vast majority of modern laptops have a connector for connecting a power supply, into which a plug in the form of a hollow cylinder is inserted, which is described by three characteristics - outer and inner diameter, as well as polarity (i.e. where on which side of the cylinder, inner or outer, is the plus, and which one is a minus). All these characteristics must match, otherwise the plug will not fit into the connector, will dangle there, or will be connected with reverse polarity, which is very dangerous.
For those sold in our store, these dimensions are usually indicated for all attached detachable plugs. You only need to measure the plug of the original power supply from your laptop with a caliper or other suitable tool. ATTENTION! A discrepancy of even a tenth of a millimeter may mean that the plug is completely incompatible with the connector of your laptop. Therefore, if you decide to measure the dimensions of the plug yourself, be extremely careful.Please note that some laptops or netbooks may come with unpopular sized power supply connectors. In this case, independent selection of a power supply becomes very complicated.
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