Will a 65W charger work on a 90W laptop?

Can You Use a 65W Charger on a 90W Laptop? A Closer Look

The question of whether a lower-wattage charger can power a higher-wattage laptop is a common one, particularly when faced with a lost or damaged power adapter. So, will a 65W charger work on a 90W laptop? The short answer is: yes, but with significant caveats.

While a 65W charger might provide enough power to keep your 90W laptop running, using it is far from ideal and could lead to several problems. Think of it like trying to fill a large bucket with a small watering can – it’ll eventually fill, but it’ll take significantly longer.

The wattage rating (e.g., 65W, 90W) indicates the maximum power output the charger can deliver. Your laptop’s 90W rating signifies its peak power demand, particularly under heavy loads like gaming or video editing. Using a 65W charger means your laptop might only receive 65W, even when it needs more. This will manifest in several ways:

• Slower Charging: Expect significantly longer charging times. Instead of a quick top-up, you might find your battery barely increasing its charge, or even draining slightly if the laptop’s power consumption exceeds the charger’s output.

• Performance Throttling: To prevent overheating and potential damage, your laptop might throttle its performance. This means it will reduce its processing power, leading to slower application speeds, lag, and reduced responsiveness. You’ll likely notice this most during demanding tasks.

• Increased Battery Wear: Constantly running the battery at a lower charge, while drawing maximum power from a weaker charger, can put additional strain on the battery cells, potentially leading to shorter battery lifespan.

• Inconsistent Operation: In some cases, the laptop might even refuse to charge at all or exhibit unpredictable behavior, constantly switching between charging and discharging.

In Conclusion:

While technically possible in some situations (perhaps for low-intensity tasks or simply keeping the laptop powered on without charging), using a 65W charger on a 90W laptop is strongly discouraged. The performance limitations, slower charging times, and potential damage to the battery significantly outweigh any perceived convenience. Sticking with the manufacturer’s recommended 90W charger ensures optimal performance, efficient charging, and the longevity of your laptop’s battery. Investing in a replacement 90W charger is always the safer and more effective option.