Hey everyone, I recently misplaced my laptop power adapter that's rated for 19V and 2.37A (about 45W). Right now, I'm in a pinch and found a power supply that outputs 12V and 4A (around 48W). I'm wondering if it's safe to directly connect this 12V supply or if I need to use a buck converter to step down the voltage. I just need to use my laptop for a quick emergency task. Any advice?
2 Answers
It’s generally safe to try plugging it in. Laptops are designed to manage voltages well, and connecting a lower voltage usually won’t cause damage. The worst that happens is your laptop won’t run if the 12V isn’t sufficient to power it. That said, it may not charge the battery, so it’s better to hunt down a proper 19V charger when you can.
Using a 12V adapter on your 19V laptop is a bit risky, but it might work. Laptop voltages are pretty critical, and while undervolting may not damage it, your laptop might not power on properly or could run slowly. I once charged a laptop using a mobile charger, but it took forever. If it’s just for a quick file transfer, you might be okay. Still, be careful as there’s no guarantee it won’t fry anything!
Yeah, but I'd recommend getting a buck converter to make sure you get the right voltage.
So, for just a quick emergency, it’s worth a shot? I really just need to grab some files fast.