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    Is it ok to use a power cord (AC adapter) from another notebook?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by moral hazard, Oct 3, 2009.

  1. moral hazard

    moral hazard Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Hi,

    I would like to know if it's ok to use an AC adapter from another notebook?
    I'm thinking of getting a dell notebook on ebay and fixing it, it doesn't come with a power cord.
    So I was thinking of useing the one from my toshiba.
    The notebooks are very simmilar, same chipset and CPU.
     
    moral hazard, Oct 3, 2009
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  2. iGrim

    iGrim Notebook Evangelist

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    Also long as the adapter has the same voltage and can output the required current then yes you can. I do it all the time. At some times I ran laptops off of some very strange power sources. It does not matter as long as you have the correct voltage and enough current and the voltage is regulated which all laptop adapters are.
     
    iGrim, Oct 3, 2009
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  3. ramgen

    ramgen -- Morgan Stanley --

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    A voltage difference of +/- 5% is OK.

    The new AC adapter's current supply should be greater or equal to what your laptop needs (the current output of your broken adapter).

    If both of these holds, you can run your laptop with any kind of power source.


    --
     
    ramgen, Oct 3, 2009
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  4. moral hazard

    moral hazard Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Thanks to the both of you, +rep.
     
    moral hazard, Oct 3, 2009
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  5. cyberfish

    cyberfish Notebook Enthusiast

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    And of course, it needs to physically fit, and I doubt it, since most brands use different connectors.

    Make sure the polarity is the same, too (positive inside or out).
     
    cyberfish, Oct 3, 2009
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