this post was submitted on 17 Sep 2024
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Framework 16 power supply, 65 watt? (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 3 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
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Hi there, I've been wanting a framework for awhile now, just haven't pulled the trigger yet. I was perusing the website today, comparing the price and performance of different configurations, when I realized that the 16 needs a 100w power adapter, 180w if you've got the graphics card.

This is a dumb question, because obviously it would charge fine with the lid closed and idling or turned off. Or I could just upgrade my power adapters. But I have a lot of 65w USB C PD chargers in my house and cars, and I was wondering if anyone has tried using them, and if so how effective is it?

Like, 180w is a lot of power. If I'm just working on spreadsheets or something, I'm imagining it would charge just fine? Under a heavier load I would probably start to slip backwards? Where's the line? Movie watching? Light gaming?

Just food for discussion I guess, I still haven't pulled the trigger haha.

Thanks!

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[–] jqubed 13 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I can’t specifically speak to the Framework, but generally with laptops and USB-C charging you can still use them with lower wattage chargers. If you’re not using the machine at all it should still charge, just slower than it’s capable of. If you’re using the machine but not intensively it might still charge, but slowly. If you’re using more power than the charger will supply they’ll usually supplement from the battery. Depending on the workload it can be a momentary surge or continuous. If you’re continuously drawing power from the battery and charger you’ll run the computer longer than you would on battery alone but you’ll still eventually need to switch to an adequate charger or stop using the computer while it charges.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago (1 children)

That's fair. I figured as much. I'm still doing most of my couch computing on a 2016 Chromebook. It calls for a 45w charger, but I've used my 18w phone charger in the past. It complains about it, but it still slooowly charges.

I was hoping the framework would fare better on 65w.

Again, not a big deal, just a talking point. Easily solved problem. Just curious. Thanks!

[–] jqubed 7 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I would be shocked if 65w doesn’t work at all. How much you can do with it will be variable. It should be adequate for charging at the very least.

[–] pcn 4 points 3 months ago

A 65w or so PD supply works fine for driving dual 4k monitors and general programming etc. You only need the 180watt+ for using the external gpu