Hot AC adapter on DELL 8200

Quidam · December 18th, 2002, 12:07 PM

The AC adapter with my 8200 gets very hot when connected during use. DELL mentions disabling the SMART function for CPU speed regulation.

Has anyone else experienced this problem? Thnaks

osprey4 · December 18th, 2002, 12:13 PM

I know the bottom of my Lat C600 gets hot when plugged in and isn't quite so hot when unplugged (and running at the slower speed). But my AC adapter doesn't feel too warm (I've checking the one I've got my docking station hooked to). I'm sure it's not more than 50°.

I don't understand how disabling the SpeedStep function would affect the AC adapter.

Quidam · December 18th, 2002, 12:17 PM

The explanation was that the CPU does not slow down to save power and this balances the power drain on the battery with the charging rate.

Sounds bogus to me also. Unfortunately, I haven't found any other info yet.

osprey4 · December 18th, 2002, 12:38 PM

I remember a machanic who tried to convince me that running the A/C in my car would improve my gas mileage, since it slows down the engine slightly.

I wonder if that guy now works for Dell?

Did you post in Dell|Talk about this? If nothing else, you'll get sympathy from other Inspiron owners.

osprey4 · December 18th, 2002, 12:46 PM

Ok, I found this:
http://www.geocities.com/thebithead/I8200FAQ.htm#Power

Q: My PA-9 A/C adapter is too hot to handle. Is something wrong with it?

Yes! Your A/C adapter can get quite warm, under heavy electrical load, but should never get so hot that it is too hot to handle with your bare hands. A few Insprion 8200 owner have run into this problem and Dell has replaced their A/C adapters. If you have this problem, call Dell support to get your A/C adapter replaced.

Quidam · December 18th, 2002, 01:51 PM

Many thanks os.

I will start the campaign with (against) DELL immediately.

woodbutcher · December 18th, 2002, 02:03 PM

osprey4
I remember a machanic who tried to convince me that running the A/C in my car would improve my gas mileage, since it slows down the engine slightly.

That is funny.

WB

osprey4 · December 18th, 2002, 02:20 PM

Needless to say, I politely excused myself and went to another mechanic. I even heard a guy call in to CarTalk asking the same question. It made for a pretty funny exchange.

In case you're not familiar....
http://cartalk.cars.com/

dunbar · December 18th, 2002, 02:25 PM

I remember a used car salesman back in 81 or 82 who told me that 400 cubic inches of 1971 Pontiac V8 with a 4 barrell carburetor would get slightly better gas mileage than any 350 cubic inch Chevy, because it had to work less hard to drive the same car. Took nearly 1/4 tank of gas to go for a 6 mile round trip test drive (in town). That car was still on their lot a couple months later.

Anyway, the SMART function is a hard disk thing right? Why would that help the power supply cool down?

kieran · December 22nd, 2002, 03:19 PM

how much is "hot" exactly?
how long does your inspiron run on battery?
when does it get so hot?-when recharging a depleted battery or on idle?

mine has a temperature of about 35C on the outside of the case.

as to the car:

THE MECHANIC IS RIGHT!!!

you can't generate energy out of nothing...
i would assume that a car engine should require VERY roughly 300g of fuel per kWh. if you plug in, let's say, a laptop which needs, let's say, 100W, your car should consume roughly 30g more an hour.
whether or not you are going to notice that syringe-full of extra fuel or not, is of course questionable:-)))