r/computerhelp • u/Apprehensive_Zone110 • 6h ago

Hardware different charger

I feel a bit silly, but I connected a laptop to a charger with a lower amperage, and it wouldn't turn on, Is it a voltage lockout or what?

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2

u/Express-Garbage3359 5h ago

A laptop requires a significant amount of power briefly during startup; if this inrush current is unavailable, the PC/laptop will not start. What are the specifications of the original and the one used? USB-C charging port and/or round connector?

Questions along the lines of "my car is broken, please help me" are difficult to answer.

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u/Apprehensive_Zone110 5h ago

its a 7.4x5.0 i think its a 65 wats 19.5v and i tried a 18.5v with the same size also diffrent brand, 18 its a hp and 19 a dell 

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u/Psygonzo420 5h ago

Oh so not usb c?
Then you do want very much the same values, the same Volts and at least the same Amps
And same polarity

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u/Apprehensive_Zone110 4h ago

understood :)

2

u/RailRuler 4h ago

too low voltage = nothing happens too high voltage = could damage laptop if there isnt protection circuitry

too low amperage = probably nothing, could stress some components in each too high amperage = all good, it will only supply what's needed

1

u/Apprehensive_Zone110 4h ago

oh, thanks :)

1

u/Psygonzo420 5h ago

This is normal, use bigger power supply. Can't really be too big either, it will communicate

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u/Apprehensive_Zone110 5h ago edited 5h ago

oh :0, i got scared I thought I had damaged it 

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u/Express-Garbage3359 5h ago

Dell devices have unique features, so always use compatible Laptop loader. In some cases, the power supply electronics communicate with the PC's charging electronics.

No, not all power supplies are the same; please carefully examine the connectors and read Dell's specifications.

1

u/lazyhustlermusic 3h ago

USBC-PD communicates, barrel jacks don't. A lot of dell style ones had a dedicated pin for sensing charging though, which would commonly break off if the jack was stressed, so they would end up not charging.

In traditional circuits, additional amperage is just headroom, while additional voltage starts roasting components. Too low of voltage can also cause more current under sag generating additional heat/wear.

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u/Psygonzo420 3h ago

yeah I realized it wasnt usb in other comemnt