Can a 90w adapter be used instead of a 65w on a laptop

pgriffin

Honorable
Jun 10, 2013
3
0
10,510
Hello,

Please forgive me for asking what is probably a very simple question.

I have a Gateway W350i (also known as T6330u). My ac adapter stopped working and I bought a new one. On the bottom of the laptop, it states input 19V=3.42A. The new adapter states output 19V=4.74A. I understand that 3.42A=65W and 4.74A=90W. The plug to connect the adapter to the laptop is identical on both my old adapter and my new one.

I want to make sure the 90W adapter will not damage my laptop since it is larger then what is indicated on the laptop label.

The old adapter has the following information on the label:
Input: 100-240V 1.3A
50/60 Hz
Output: 19V=3.42A

The new adapter has the following information on the label:
Input: 100-240V~2.5A
50/60Hz
Output: 19V=4.74A

Any responses to let me know if I can use the 90W adapter without damaging my laptop would be very much appreciated!

Thank you.
 
Solution
Hello, after doing a bit of looking, and thinking, it seems it should be fine.
The 90W is what the adapter can supply, it's not pushing that amount in, the laptop draws it out.

On this post there is the same question. There are actually a lot of posts around the internet and Toms about a similar issue. I understand not wanting to burn out an expensive (or even inexpensive) computer.

If the plugs fit, you should be fine, but don't force things in. It either fits or it doesn't.

Oh, and to be clear, I'm not an expert on the matter, just another forum browser.

Robert Pankiw

Honorable
Mar 26, 2012
13
0
10,590
Hello, after doing a bit of looking, and thinking, it seems it should be fine.
The 90W is what the adapter can supply, it's not pushing that amount in, the laptop draws it out.

On this post there is the same question. There are actually a lot of posts around the internet and Toms about a similar issue. I understand not wanting to burn out an expensive (or even inexpensive) computer.

If the plugs fit, you should be fine, but don't force things in. It either fits or it doesn't.

Oh, and to be clear, I'm not an expert on the matter, just another forum browser.
 
Solution

Rawice

Estimable
Aug 18, 2015
1
0
4,510
I have found HP laptops that will run on 65w power supplies but do not have enough power left over to charge the battery. I would spring for the 90w since the computer only uses what it needs, If it needs 75w it draws only the 75 w from the available 90w.
I don't think there is a bad side except for more power you get more heat. More power id usually needed for bigger graphic cards and battery charging.