Power Supply compatibility?

[Davidc]

I have a laptop with a failed power supply. It's a Compaq one and it's supposed to have an 18.5v supply.

I have a spare Compaq power supply with identical plug, but 19v rated.

My thoughts are that a 2.7% increase in supply voltage will make no difference, but does anyone disagree?

(The working 19v unit is higher current rated so no problem there, it's also older and is bigger and heavier so will wear my shoulder out faster)

 

[Markymark]

I would check all the figures - voltage, current, power....

 

[rusky]

I would only use it if the voltage was the same & the current more.

 

[Alien8]

Given the likely tolerances in both the p/s and laptop I would think it will be fine.
> with identical plug
I assume you mean dimensions _and_ polarity.
Go on, plug it in, what's the worst that could happen ... oh, hold on a minute.
No, I'm sure it will be ok.

 

[defy-one]

I work for compaq/HP

Plug it in as long as the connector is exactly the same. Will be fine.

 

[Davidc]

Thanks.

My suspicion was that the connector probably said it all, but I'm not sure about tolerances for computer kit.

Alien8 isn't too far off. The laptop that's going to get the old PSU has a dodgy display, was bought 6 years ago, and is about to replace a 12 year old PC as a household print and file server. (At least it will when I find out why wake up on LAN isn't working all the time).

It does get taken out in its bag for a walk sometimes, but I don't think the extra weight will worry me too much.