85W To Replace 60W?

[Marrk]

Can I replace a 60W power adaptor with an 85W power adaptor?

Thanks.

 

[MacInWin]

Does the magsafe connector fit? If so, the larger adaptor will function just fine.

 

[Marrk]

@MacInWin: It looks the same in the picture. But maybe it's not.

MacBook Pro: Model A1278 (There is a copyright date of 2010 on the back.)

Old Power Adaptor: Model A1344

New Power Adaptor: Model MC556LL. Says it's compatible with 15- or 17-inch MacBook Pro. Mine is a 13-inch.

This page says that I need 60W MagSafe Power Adapter with "L" style connector (I think).

 

[Marrk]

Does the magsafe connector fit? If so, the larger adaptor will function just fine.

I haven't bought it yet.

 

[ferrarr]

If you have a Mac older than 5 years old, then a new power adapter will not work.

 

[MacInWin]

If you have a Mac older than 5 years old, then a new power adapter will not work.

Why do you say that? A new power adapter, from Apple, that is appropriate to the Mac will work.

 

[ferrarr]

Appropriate to the model year of the Mac. Is that better?

 

[MacInWin]

Appropriate to the model year of the Mac. Is that better?

I'm not sure what that actually means. If you mean that a power supply from Apple, which has the correct MagSafe connector or an appropriate adaptor from Apple will work, then yes, that's better. But technically the model year of the Mac doesn't matter that much, either.

The power rating that the OP asked about is basically immaterial, as long as the minimum wattage is provided for the Mac. More capability is not prohibited, so an 85W supply, as long as the connector fits, will work just fine on a machine that originally came with a 60W supply, again as long as the connector fits. Similarly, if the connection is USB-C, then any wattage will basically work, again as long as it meets minimums.

 

[Marrk]

Does anyone happen to know if there is more than one L style connector? Did they update or modify these over the years, or are they all the same?

 

[MacInWin]

Does anyone happen to know if there is more than one L style connector? Did they update or modify these over the years, or are they all the same?

I believe they are the same. There are two types of "straight in" plugs, of slightly different size. What Mac are you looking to power up? We can better advise if we know that. The information you provided was not sufficient to determine, sorry. The A1278 was used for five models. And having a date on the back really doesn't show the exact details, either. Click on the Apple Icon, then "About This Mac" and tell us what it says for the Model. It shoudl be something like "Mid 2010," or "Early 2011," for example. If it is a 2010, it will be "Mid 2010." That model has the MagSafe1 style connector. More recently, Apple has MagSafe2 connections, which are a slightly different size. However, Apple still sells the original charger for that model, so you can get a good replacement from them.

Using a higher capacity charger will NOT affect charging times, if that is what you are seeking. The original 60W charger provides all the power the Mac can use for charging. Getting the 85W will be overkill.

 

[Marrk]

What Mac are you looking to power up?

MacBook Pro
13-inch. Mid 2010
OS X 10.9.5 (13F1911)
Processor 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory 8 GB 1067 MHz DDR3
Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 320M 256 MB

 

[MacInWin]

Finding a charger for that unit is going to be difficult. It's 15 years old. The L-shaped connectors were all the same, AFAIK, so maybe the 85W unit, if you can find one, will work. Everywhere I looked had none available and no idea when they might become available.

Good luck with it. You might check Ebay, even if it is a bit risky. Use a vendor with good reputation.

 

[ferrarr]

@MacInWin, I knew by the way they phrased their inquiry, that they were looking for an older power brick and cord.

@Marrk, sorry, I didn't look at the link you posted to the Power adapter. That says it fits 15 or 17 MBP, so the MagSafe is the same as yours, since Apple stopped making 15 & 17 MBP models.

 

[PGB1]

If it is helpful, I have a MacBook Pro that is a senior citizen. It uses the "L" mag safe connector.
I have one 60 watt power adapter and one 85.

Testing shows that both take the same amount of time to charge from 10% to 100%. (+/- ca. 3 minutes)

How Tested:
Sent battery to 10%, turned off apps & turned screen brightness low. Timed charge to 100%. Repeated twice on each power adapter.

The computer must limit how much current is "shoved" into the battery, possibly to protect it.

Keep in mind that that computer is a 2007 A1226 MAcBook Pro. A newer one possibly will be able to take advantage of the higher wattage charger. Maybe try both on yours and return one charger if there is no difference in charge time.

Or, check the advertising for the computer when it was new. Perhaps it shows a choice of power adapters. I would assume the highest one to pick will be the highest one you would want. (On some of the new ones, there is a choice in wattage. Don't know about the older ones.)

Paul

 

[Marrk]

@PGB1 Thanks, Paul. My understanding is that the computer will draw only the power that it needs. If it needs 60W, it draws 60W only, even if the power adaptor has an 85W capacity.

Good to know that the L-fittings are the same.

 

[PGB1]

@PGB1 Thanks, Paul. My understanding is that the computer will draw only the power that it needs. If it needs 60W, it draws 60W only, even if the power adaptor has an 85W capacity.

Good to know that the L-fittings are the same.

I don't know if you would consider it wise, but aftermarket chargers are available for lower prices than Apple. (If Apple still sells the charger)
I'd be certain, however, that the device is UL or ETL listed & meets FCC rules for interference.

My wife uses one daily called MagTech, model W-100Q. It's 2,000 watt split between 2 USB charging ports, plus the L cord's port. It cost 12.99 USD in 2019. (I don't know what is the output of the L-connector's port. It may be limited.)

Paul