Power adapter voltages (random question)

[Jimmy_Lemon]

We have some smart people on here who know about electrics and stuff so thought I will probably get a better answer than a good long google.

I am trying to power up an old laptop, I cant find its power adapter (if that is the right word, the mains lead basically). Have tons of them lying around but none seem to be the one for this laptop, the closes I have in terms of voltage and ampage is one for a newer laptop.

Old laptop says 19v 3.16a (on the base of the laptop) / New laptops 'power adapter' says 19v 4.7a

Now the question is, will using the new laptops power lead in the old laptop damage it? are those number the exact power it produces or are they the maximum, or what?

Any help much appreciated

 

[EdBray]

They are the maximum.

Using the higher powered adapter will just mean it runs with less stress on it, so would probably run cooler too.

 

[Borats Baby]

4.7amp will be ok to use on an item marked 3.16amp.

Its prolly the limit though and I wouldn't go any higher as the current may cook some internal componants of the lappy.

 

[mrgubby]

4.7amp will be ok to use on an item marked 3.16amp.

Its prolly the limit though and I wouldn't go any higher as the current may cook some internal componants of the lappy.

The Laptop will just use the power it needs , the PSU doesn't shove amps down its throat

 

[ChrisMClark]

The Laptop will just use the power it needs , the PSU doesn't shove amps down its throat

The unit should only pull the current it needs. The power unit can supply up to 4.7 amps, but won't push that current into the laptop.

 

[Borats Baby]

The Laptop will just use the power it needs , the PSU doesn't shove amps down its throat

Furry nuff.

I'm not particularly familiar with the inards of lappy's, more used to bits of hi fi.

 

[Jimmy_Lemon]

Cheers guys, knew you wouldn't let me down

Had a go with newer power adapters and sods law none of them have the right fitting for this laptop, so just spent the last hour searching for the right one and think I have found it

Usefull info to the remember though, so thanks!

 

[Jimmy_Lemon]

haha knew that was going too well, laptop now just randomly keeps turning itself off and doesnt seem to wanna turn on now, think this proper power adapter is a little iffy :| grrrr!

 

[russdaz]

The unit should only pull the current it needs. The power unit can supply up to 4.7 amps, but won't push that current into the laptop.

I'll add to the agreeing, the only potentail issue chould arise if theres a fault with the lap top and it starts wanting to pull those extra amps, menaing it could overheat. But usually these days theres a inline fuse within the device (in this case laptop) that would blow.

Is your laptop getting 'overly warm' before cutting out on the 'new' lead?

 

[Jimmy_Lemon]

Is your laptop getting 'overly warm' before cutting out on the 'new' lead?

Didn't seem to be, but I am leaning that way as it wont boot for a good 15 mins after it turns off, like there is some sort of over heating going on This is with its proper power lead though, which is annoying! grrr

Teach me to try and use an 8 year old laptop.

 

[ChrisMClark]

Teach me to try and use an 8 year old laptop.

Sounds like you're a candidate for my 'Laptop Tenis' league. It's a great game, just like tenis, but with laptops instead of rackets and a cricket ball instead of a tenis ball.

 

[russdaz]

Didn't seem to be, but I am leaning that way as it wont boot for a good 15 mins after it turns off, like there is some sort of over heating going on This is with its proper power lead though, which is annoying! grrr

Teach me to try and use an 8 year old laptop.

Could be heat issue, as its doing it on the original psu, id be inclined to check that the fans are working.

 

[ekso]

They are the maximum.

Using the higher powered adapter will just mean it runs with less stress on it, so would probably run cooler too.

Ditto.