Which AC adapters/chargers work with D830 (and other Latitude models)

Dell make AC adapters in several different power ratings for different PCs.

My D830 would originally have come with a 90W charger, probably marked "PA-10 family". But other models can be rated 130W (PA-4E or PA-13), 150W (PA-15), 180W, 200W, 240W or even 300W. [The 150W+ chargers are for various Alienware laptops.]

I *think* all those have the same physical connector. But the Dell BIOS detects the AC adapter type and refuses to work at full speed if it's too low. That happens when connecting a 65W adapter to my laptop.

I'm just wondering, is there an upper limit on the recognised AC adapter type/power? So for example, would a 240W adapter work, or would the BIOS treat it as unrecognised?

 

As long as the PSU includes a Dell-compatible chip that indicates (using the centre pin on the DC plug) the power rating then it should work provided the power rating exceeds the 90W minimum programmed into the BIOS. The computer will only use the power that it needs.

However, higher rated PSUs tend to be more expensive as well as being bigger bricks to carry around so I wouldn't normally buy one.

John

 

Check out Throttlestop - My Latitude E6410 CPU was locked down to the minimum multiplier because the BIOS didn't like my power adapter. It's a bit of a faff to run it when you start Windows but it got the CPU back to normal functionality and it's free. If you mean from a hypothetical stance, then John's answer is terse and adequate, without need to be added to it.