Minimum power requirement for Inspiron 5160

[puzzles]

I have a Dell Inspiron 5160 laptop, but don't have the original 130W power supply for it. I do have a 120W universal power supply and a 90W Dell power supply at the same voltage, but they don't power it up or appear to charge it. They just turn on the lights on the front of the laptop. If working properly, should this laptop be able to charge with a lower rated power supply at the correct voltage?

 

[G0AOZ]

Generally, PSUs have some small leeway as regards power requirements for the relevant computer. If the original PSU stated 130W, then you'd not expect it to be drawing 130W all the time. However, if there's a problem with the battery for example, then you could find that the power required exceeds the rating of the PSU.

You could try removing the battery and then see if the computer will turn on with either of your PSUs. I'd say you might be pushing it a bit with the 90W one in view of the original being a 130W...

Overrunning a PSU is never a good idea. The electronic components within the unit will be forced to work at the limit of, or above, their design tolerances. This can lead at best to overheating, and at worst to premature failure of the PSU. You might also end up damaging the computer if the unit failed catastrophically and suddenly put an over-voltage into the PC.

Proceed with caution...

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[wahnula]

More important is the output voltage. The wattage is {almost}irrelevant, as all that will do is mean the PC will be trying to draw more power than is there. Too little, the voltage might drop, this should be your worry. Having a battery in the machine at all times should prevent this.

BEFORE you plug in this new device make sure the voltage is *exactly* the same and the tip/sleeve polarity is the same. And not just at power-up, check the voltage after the PSU warms up. Best of luck to you.

Tony

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