[Product Information] Power Adaptor Specifications and Safety Precautions
Answer
This article explains how to check the wattage specification of the AC power adaptor for an MSI notebook, describes where to find the types of power connectors used across MSI notebooks, and outlines safety precautions for using and storing the power adaptor and cable. Refer to this article if you need to confirm your adaptor's wattage before purchasing a replacement, or want guidance on handling the power adaptor and cable safely.
This article applies to all MSI notebooks.
Check the Power Adaptor Specification
Method A:
- Visit the MSI website, and search for the laptop model in the right-top corner.
- Select “SPECIFICATIONS” page.
- Find “AC Adaptor” and check the adaptor wattage.
*Note: MSI recommends using the original adaptor bundled with the laptop or purchasing a compatible part from MSI. The adaptors with the same wattage may have different voltage specifications.
Method B:
- Find the label on the power adaptor.
- Find “Power Output” and multiply Voltage with Current to get power output wattage.
Types of power connectors:
Safety Precautions for Using the Power Adaptor
- Always use the power adaptor and power cord that came with the notebook, or a compatible part purchased from MSI.
- When the adaptor is plugged in during use, avoid moving the notebook — this can loosen the adaptor and cause damage.
- Place the power cord and adaptor on a flat, stable surface, away from walkways, to avoid potential damage.
- Do not place any object on top of the adaptor or power cord.
- Do not wrap the cable while the charger is plugged into the notebook.
- If the power cord has a 3-prong plug, always plug it into a properly grounded (earthed) AC outlet. Do not remove the grounding pin from the plug.
- Wrap the cable properly and do not over-bend it, to avoid the risk of damage.
The correct way to wrap the cable:
Common Questions (Q&A)
What happens if I use an adaptor with a different wattage than the original?
Using an adaptor with lower wattage than required may cause the notebook to charge slowly, fail to charge under heavy load, or in some cases fail to power on. MSI recommends matching the original adaptor's wattage, or using a higher-wattage MSI-compatible replacement.
Why can two adaptors with the same wattage still be incompatible?
Wattage is the product of voltage and current, so two adaptors can share the same wattage rating while using different voltage and current combinations. A notebook that expects a specific voltage may not function correctly, or could be damaged, if supplied with the wrong voltage even at the same total wattage. Always confirm both the required wattage and voltage from the notebook's specification page.