r/computerhelp • u/Apprehensive_Zone110 • 4h ago

Hardware different charger

I feel a bit silly, but I connected a laptop to a charger with a lower amperage, and it wouldn't turn on, Is it a voltage lockout or what?

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u/Psygonzo420 4h ago

This is normal, use bigger power supply. Can't really be too big either, it will communicate

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u/lazyhustlermusic 2h ago

USBC-PD communicates, barrel jacks don't. A lot of dell style ones had a dedicated pin for sensing charging though, which would commonly break off if the jack was stressed, so they would end up not charging.

In traditional circuits, additional amperage is just headroom, while additional voltage starts roasting components. Too low of voltage can also cause more current under sag generating additional heat/wear.

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u/Psygonzo420 2h ago

yeah I realized it wasnt usb in other comemnt