I have an MSI GS75 Stealth 9SF with an Intel i7-9750H, 16 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD, and an RTX 2070 Max-Q. For a while, games would briefly lag every few seconds, and Chrome would occasionally switch into energy-saving mode. Event Viewer showed a "power source change" message whenever this happened. The issue has now become constant.
The original power adapter was about six years old, smelled unusual, and became extremely hot, so I replaced it. The laptop worked normally for a short time, but the battery now refuses to charge to 100% and remains at one percentage. I have already tried a power reset, reinstalling the battery-related Windows drivers, checking the cables and charging port, and using different outlets. I also ordered a replacement battery because the current one is six years old.
The replacement power brick still gets very hot, as do the charging plug and the laptop's DC jack. The connector does not appear bent, and the port looks clean. Previously, moving or jiggling the plug could sometimes restore charging and stop the power-source switching, but that no longer works reliably. Could this still be a software or battery problem, or is the charging jack likely damaged? Should I stop using it and have the laptop inspected?
3 Answers
Reinstalling the Microsoft AC Adapter and ACPI battery entries only refreshes Windows’ device records; it does not repair the charging hardware. Since the problem occurs alongside physical heat and an intermittent connection, additional software troubleshooting is unlikely to solve it. Have the battery, adapter, DC jack, and motherboard charging circuit tested together, and stop using the system if you notice burning smells, discoloration, crackling, or rapidly increasing heat.
A charging jack that becomes very hot and only works when the plug is moved is strongly suggestive of a worn or damaged DC jack, a loose internal connection, or heat damage around the connector. I would avoid gaming or putting heavy load on the laptop until it is inspected, since a poor connection can worsen or potentially damage the board. The battery may also be worn out, but replacing it probably will not fix an intermittent connection at the jack.
The adapter should be rated for the laptop’s required output. The original was 230 W, and a properly compatible 240 W replacement should normally be sufficient, but verify its voltage, connector size, polarity, and manufacturer compatibility rather than relying only on the wattage. A weak or incompatible adapter can cause power switching under load, although it would not fully explain a jack that gets hot and responds to jiggling.
The replacement is rated at 240 W, while the previous one was 230 W. I’ll double-check the voltage and connector specifications, but the physical jack still seems like the main concern.
I was hoping it might just be the battery, but the heat and the fact that moving the plug used to help make the jack seem more likely. I’ll have it checked rather than keep forcing the connector.