Re: ac adapter and wattage for notebook computer

It's unlikely to be dangerous.  The power supply should shut down if an 
attempt is made to draw too much power (the alternative would be to 
overheat to the point of being a fire hazard, but I'll assume it's a UL 
certified supply).  However, the only time the laptop would draw it's 
max load would be if it was doing EVERYTHING at once .... charging the 
battery, running a worst case CPU load, burning an optical media, 
running a max load peripheral on every USB ****t, accessing the hard 
drive with a worst case seek pattern .... all at once.  The reality is 
that most laptops draw far less than their rated power requirement (like 
half), AND most power supplies can put out more than their rated load 
(at least 10% to 25% more).  So while it's not a good idea ... the 
supply may run hot ... it's not truly dangerous, either.


Drew wrote:
> Hi Gang:
> 
> On a friend's Compaq notebook that calls for a 90W power adapter (the
> AC Adapter connector has 90W labeled above it), he is using an HP AC
> Adapter that is 75W.
> 
> Is this safe to do or could it damage the notebook?  I wasn't sure
> since the wattage on the power supply is lower than what the notebook
> wants?
> 
> Is this safe or a big no no?
> 
> Drew