Exploring Basis of Laptop Chargers: Volts, Amps and Watts
When you buy a new laptop, it comes bundled with a charger specifically designed for the needs of that device. Each laptop charger is uniquely configured, based on three vital parameters – Volts, Amps, and Watts. Understanding these terminologies and the role they play in the overall functioning of your laptop is significant to answer the question at hand- ‘Can we use a 65W charger for a 90W laptop?’
For the uninitiated, ‘Voltage’ (V) is the pressure from an electrical circuit’s power supply that pushes charged electrons, ‘Current’ (I) measured in Ampere (A), is the quantity of electrons, and ‘Power’ (P) is the output, measured in Watts (W). Power, in essence is the product of voltage and current (P=V*I).
Implications of Using a Different Charger for Your Laptop
Venturing into the debate of ‘Can we use a 65W charger for a 90W laptop?’, several factors come into play. Although many believe that a laptop will only draw power it needs, irrespective of the charger, there’s more to this conundrum than meets the eye.
The Danger of Underpowering
When you use a 65W charger for a 90W laptop, the charger might try to work at full capacity to compensate for the difference in power demand of the laptop, leading to overheating and failing eventually. The constant strain can damage both the charger and laptop over time.
Effect on Battery Lifespan
Using a low power charger for a high power laptop can negatively impact the laptop’s battery lifespan. The slower charging process can cause the battery to be in a constant charging state, which leads to excessive heat and wearing out the battery over time.
Slower Charging
If your laptop is turned off, then using a lower wattage charger might not be an immediate issue. However, charging time will be considerably slower. Yet, when using the laptop while charging it with a lower power charger, the laptop might drain the battery faster than the charger can replenish it.
Concluding Thoughts on Using a 65W Charger for a 90W Laptop
While in pressing times, using a 65W charger for a 90W laptop could provide a stop-gap solution, it’s not recommended on a regular basis. The difference in wattage will lead to slower charging, strain on the battery, potential overheating, and long-term harm to both the battery and the laptop. For a device like a laptop, such a risk should not be taken lightly.
Understanding the Compatibility Aspect
Paying careful attention to technical details, such as voltage, current, and power, is crucial to ensure that your laptop functions optimally and lives out its full lifespan. Additionally, physical compatibility, in terms of the shape and size of the plug connector, plays a huge role as well. Not all laptop chargers are designed the same way, and a mismatched charger may not fit the laptop input, leading to potential damage.
In summary, use a charger designed for your laptop’s power needs. If your original charger fails or gets lost, it’s recommended that you buy a new one that matches the original specifications, or a universal laptop charger designed to adapt to different power needs. It is not about whether you can use a 65W charger for a 90W laptop, but about whether you should- and the recommended answer is a resolute “no” for long-term and safe use.
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