19v on 18.5v input rail

[stevo1210]

Ive been getting a batch of various HP and Compaq laptops here for refurbishing. They are usually rated at 18.5v 3.5A or sometimes 4A.
Now im not in the mood to buy chargers for every laptop that goes through here, would it be okay to use a 19v adjustable universal laptop psu by seasonic to power these units, install OS and do burn in tests? I havent had a problem using 19v on 18.5v laptops, but just wanted to be sure

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: 19v on 18.5v input rail

Nope, no problem. The difference is insignificant. As long as it supplies the required current (4A) it'll be fine.

[b700029]

Re: 19v on 18.5v input rail

Agreed, a 2.7% higher voltage isn't going to do much.

Probably all laptops these days have an internal DC-DC converter that takes a pretty wide input voltage range (from battery voltage, which is usually in the 14v range, up to ~20v.) The upper limit isn't going to be the converter itself since that's rated for ~30v, but things like 25v caps in the circuit.

[PCBONEZ]

Re: 19v on 18.5v input rail

You're fine.
A half volt is no problem there as long as the amps are good too.

A whole volt probably wouldn't be a problem either.
If you could get your hands on the Engineering docs....
... That 19v is probably actually something like 19 +/-1 volts.
... That 18.5v is probably actually something like 18.5 +/-1 volts.
.

[stevo1210]

Re: 19v on 18.5v input rail

You're fine.
A half volt is no problem there as long as the amps are good too.

A whole volt probably wouldn't be a problem either.
If you could get your hands on the Engineering docs....
... That 19v is probably actually something like 19 +/-1 volts.
... That 18.5v is probably actually something like 18.5 +/-1 volts.
.

Okay, cool. Looks like I won't need to spend some extra cash on a new power brick designated for 18.5V then :P

[japlytic]

Re: 19v on 18.5v input rail

I got away with 19V on a Compaq Armada with an 18.5V input, and I don't know of any universal notebook adaptors which have a "half volt" option.

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: 19v on 18.5v input rail

I don't know of any universal notebook adaptors which have a "half volt" option.

I have one that does. Although, it does go from 16v straight up to 18.5v, and then 19v. Also, since a lot of the laptops coming in ask for 18.5v, i'm too lazy to flip the switch so i run my old Fujitsu on 18.5v too, and that thing is rated for 16v. It hasn't complained yet and it's been more than an year.