In this digital age, laptops have become indispensable tools for work, communication, and entertainment. But when we think of keeping our laptops powered, we rarely consider the concept of 'wattage'.
How many watts does a laptop charger use? What does wattage even mean for your laptop charger and how does it impact your laptop's performance?
Let's dive into the amazing world of common wattages of laptop chargers, uncover why the wattage matters, and determine the ideal wattage for a laptop charger.
What Does Wattage Mean for Laptop Chargers?
Laptop charger wattage refers to the power rating that signifies how much power a charger can supply to a laptop. It is calculated by multiplying the voltage (V) a charger provides by the current (Amps) it can produce. A higher wattage charger generally means it can supply more power which can be useful for bigger, more demanding laptops or for fast-charging smaller devices.
However, while a charger with higher wattage won't necessarily harm your laptop — your laptop will only draw the amount of power it requires — using a lower wattage charger can cause issues. If the wattage is too low, the charger might not be able to sufficiently power your laptop, leading to slower performance or not charging at all.
Therefore, it's important to use a charger with the appropriate wattage as indicated by your laptop manufacturer.
How Many Watts Is Best for a Laptop Charger?
We have known that laptop chargers come in various wattages, typically ranging between 40 and 150 watts. For smaller batteries, a charger might draw around 60 watts, while gaming laptops could have higher wattage requirements.
To determine how many watts does a laptop use when charging, it's essential to check the wattage rating or specifications provided by the manufacturer in the user manual or on the laptop itself.
Using a charger with a significantly higher wattage than required may not necessarily harm the laptop, but it won't decrease charging time. On the other hand, using a charger with wattage lower than the originally supplied charger may lead to slower charging or potential damage to the battery.
Common Wattages of Laptop Chargers
Laptop chargers come in different wattages, which depend on the specific requirements of the laptop in terms of power. Here is a breakdown of the common wattages and their purposes:
Standard Wattage Chargers: 45-65W
- 45W Chargers: These chargers are commonly used for smaller and lighter laptops, such as ultrabooks and netbooks. They are designed to provide adequate power supply and battery charging for laptops with low power consumption. These chargers are often seen with laptops that use energy-efficient processors like Intel's Core-M series or some entry-level laptops with lower performance requirements.
- 65W Chargers:The 65W chargers are more common and are usually seen with mid-range laptops, which have moderate power consumption. These chargers can handle the power needs of laptops utilizing standard processors such as Intel's Core i3, i5, or i7 series, or AMD's Ryzen processors. Typically, these laptops will have integrated graphics or low-power discrete GPUs, enabling them to provide adequate performance without needing a high-wattage charger.
If you are looking for a 65W laptop charger, Anker laptop chargers have your back! Check out the Anker 735 Charger (GaNPrime 65W) today. This versatile charger allows simultaneous charging of three devices with its two USB-C and one USB-A ports, providing up to 65W when a single device is connected. It also offers faster charging with its PowerIQ 4.0 technology that automatically adjusts power for efficient charging. What’s more, Anker's ActiveShield 2.0 technology ensures device safety by regulating temperature millions of times each day and tweaking power output.
High Wattage Chargers: 90W or More
- 90W Chargers: Laptops that require 90W chargers are usually higher-performing machines, such as multimedia or gaming laptops. These laptops often come with powerful processors, dedicated graphics cards, and additional components like multiple storage drives or enhanced cooling systems. The 90W chargers are designed to support laptops that require more power for better performance and faster charging times.
- 120W, 150W, or even 200W Chargers: These chargers are specifically engineered for high-performance gaming laptops or mobile workstations with power-hungry components. Laptops in this category often feature high-end processors, powerful dedicated graphics cards, and multiple storage drives. Consequently, they require higher-wattage chargers to provide the necessary power and keep the device running smoothly. These chargers are essential to support demanding tasks such as 3D rendering, video editing, or running graphically-intensive games.
Need a high-wattage laptop charger? We have one for you! The Anker 736 Charger (Nano II 100W) is a CES 2022 Innovation Awards honoree in mobile devices and accessories. Offering ultra-fast charging through USB-C ports, it can charge up to three devices, such as a MacBook, iPhone, and AirPods simultaneously. Remarkably, it's 34% smaller than a standard 96W MacBook power brick, thanks to its efficient GaN II technology that enhances operation without compromising on power.
Conclusion
To sum up, in-depth knowledge of how many watts does a laptop charger use is crucial. Wattage is not just a number—it's the pulse of your device's performance. Whether you need the raw power of a higher wattage to support more intensive tasks, or a more modest wattage for everyday use, this decision can greatly influence the lifespan and functionality of your laptop. So, don't just settle for any charger, choose a power-tailored companion that transforms your laptop into a reliable and powerful workhorse!
FAQ
Is 60W Enough to Charge a Laptop?
Yes, 60W is generally sufficient to charge a laptop. Most standard laptops require a power output around this range for effective charging. However, it is important to note that the required wattage may vary significantly based on the specific model and manufacturer.
Can I Use a Higher Wattage Charger for My Laptop?
Yes, you can use a higher wattage charger for your laptop without causing damage. Your laptop will only draw the power it needs. However, it won't charge your laptop faster. For example, it's fine and safe to use 100w charger for 65w laptop. You can find more quality laptop chargers at Anker.
How to Check Laptop Charging Wattage?
To check your laptop's charging wattage, look at the original charger that came with the laptop. It will usually list its output in volts and amps. Multiply those two numbers together to get the wattage. Alternatively, you can check in the laptop's manual or the manufacturer's website if the charger is not available.
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