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    M11x - Dead power supply

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by avillabon, Jan 2, 2012.

  1. avillabon

    avillabon Notebook Evangelist

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    About two weeks ago my power supply started failing randomly. A few days later it would only work in one specific outlet and finally two days ago it just doesnt work anymore...

    Couple questions...

    Is there a way of fixing it? (im out of a warranty)
    Should I just buy a new one? If so, any specific you'd recommend.


    Found these on amazon but im not really sure they look "good enough".

    http://www.amazon.com/Precision-Alienware-Arrandale-331-0536-310-8814/dp/B004HGJ9NM
    http://www.amazon.com/Notebook-Adapter-Battery-compatible-Inspiron/dp/B001MQ8C1U
    Amazon.com: Dell 65W Replacement AC Power Adapter for Dell Studio: 1457,1458,14z,1537,1555,1557,1558,XPS13,Alienware M11x,Alienware M11x Arrandale,Dell M109S,100% Compatible with PA-12 Family: Electronics

    Btw I'd really like to buy via amazon since i have some giftcard money on there.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    Alex
     
    avillabon, Jan 2, 2012
    #1
  2. un4tural

    un4tural Notebook Evangelist

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    The thing is, from what i read on the forums, that 3rd party chargers don't quite work for alienware, they supply the power, but it doesn't charge battery.

    Haven't tried any 3rd party ones myself, but you should be aware of that.

    Also, what i do with my old power bricks is that i strip the male plug and cut a bit of the cable off, re-solder and hot glue and/or tape it... that usually works for half a year or so, then rinse repeat...

    http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=electronics&field-keywords=DELL+90w&x=0&y=0

    some of these are probably more likely to work. OEM ones are probably most likely, but i couldn't guarantee that. If you got time to waste call dell up to see if they can give some insight on that.
     
    un4tural, Jan 2, 2012
    #2
  3. first_leviathan

    first_leviathan Notebook Consultant

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    My dad has a really old Dell Latitude model with Windows XP and 256 MB of RAM and all, and its charger works on my M11x. It supplies power and charges the battery. I keep the Alienware charger in my backpack and use the Dell charger at home.

    I think you can use any 90W Dell charger (65W also works, but your battery charges slower and won't charge at all when gaming), so if you have an older Dell, you could just use its charger.

    Otherwise, I really recommend shelling out the $65 for a charger straight from Dell, plus shipping. I don't like it either, but most of those Amazon chargers have mixed reviews at best. :/
     
    first_leviathan, Jan 2, 2012
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  4. GNandGS

    GNandGS Notebook Deity

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    So far you know that:
    original charger will work
    Dell Latitude 90W (model?) will work
    Dell E1705 90W will work (what I have)

    This means when searching for replacement you can ref varied models - as the price will vary.
     
    GNandGS, Jan 2, 2012
    #4
  5. avillabon

    avillabon Notebook Evangelist

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    Thanks for all the helpful tips!

    One question though, is the plug that goes in the back of the laptop the same size on all 90 w chargers? I'd hate to order one to find out it doesnt fit.

    Thanks

    Alex
     
    avillabon, Jan 3, 2012
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  6. first_leviathan

    first_leviathan Notebook Consultant

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    Under "Tech Specs" for each charger on the Dell website, it lists which chargers work for which models. :/ So either I'm wrong on my previous post, or Dell wants people buying different chargers so they don't get the idea of using their other Dell laptops' chargers. D:

    On the Dell website, the difference in price among the 90W chargers is $5 at most, so... no significant savings there.
     
    first_leviathan, Jan 4, 2012
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  7. avillabon

    avillabon Notebook Evangelist

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    Would you mind posting a link? Thanks

    Alex
     
    avillabon, Jan 4, 2012
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  8. first_leviathan

    first_leviathan Notebook Consultant

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    first_leviathan, Jan 4, 2012
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  9. avillabon

    avillabon Notebook Evangelist

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    Thanks for the link!
     
    avillabon, Jan 4, 2012
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  10. avillabon

    avillabon Notebook Evangelist

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    @un4tural I have one final question... Why does your link take me to 90w adapters instead of 65w adapters which seems to be what the original m11x adapter is?

    For example this one...

    Thanks again.

    Alex
     
    avillabon, Jan 5, 2012
    #10
  11. un4tural

    un4tural Notebook Evangelist

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    i assumed your m11x came with a 90w one, same as my R3. If the price difference is small, just get the 90w one, it won't hurt, and if you upgrade you can use it with a latter m11x.

    Also it is because if your m11x came with a 90w one, 65w charger wouldn't be enough for charging battery and gaming at the same time.
     
    un4tural, Jan 6, 2012
    #11
  12. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    katalin_2003, Jan 6, 2012
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