Alternative power adapters for the X220

[Alexo]

As posted in other threads, there are problems using the "native" Lenovo power adapters with the X220:

- The 65W adapter does not supply enough power, which causes reduced performance.

- The 90W adapter is big and heavy.

- The Ultraslim 90W adapter causes erratic touchpad behaviour.

bender957 recommended the FSP NB L90 90W adapter that, according to his experience, does not suffer from any of the issues listed above.

Unfortunately, that post and others discussing that adapter were removed from the thread they were posted to as off topic, so I created this one to host the discussion.

[bender957]

i have tested two types of FSP adapters

FSP NB  L90 - slim

FSP NB 90 - big one

with both adapters i didn't noticed any issues with touchpad or throtling

[cybergibbons]

The Cooler Master SNA 95 claims to be the slimmest 95W adapter available. Reviews seem to be quite good.

http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6618

[tvmaniac36]

wow thanks for the SNA95, have you tried it?

[cybergibbons]

No, but one will arrive tomorrow so I'll soon know! No Thinkpad to use it with yet.

[bender957]

keep us posted pls

especially when you will get a chance test it with thinkpad

[Daisho]

Currently using an Anker 20V 90W Lenovo adapter and have had no problems with it.

http://www.amazon.com/Anker-Laptop-Adapter-Supply-ThinkPad/dp/B004764AIQ/ref=pd_cp_e_1

You guys sure about those FSP and Cooler Master adapters?  They all output 19V, but the X220 uses 20V... 

[bender957]

yes, i'm pretty sure about FSP

i using FSP slim for more than 2 weeks. no problems.

its compatible with any 18-20V notebooks. and IBM/Lenovo included into FSP compatibility list.

no problems with charging battery.

no problems with throtling.

no problems with thouch pad

[cybergibbons]

The SNA 95 has arrived. It's about the same size as the new 90W Dell adapters, so maybe not as small as I was hoping. The Dell adapters struggle to put out 90W without getting dangerously hot though.

The output voltage is 19.5V with no load, so only 0.5V below the rated input voltage of the x220. I've yet to encounter a laptop that can't deal with ±1V. I just can't see anyway they could design a DC-DC converter so badly that it could only take 20V.

[bender957]

i think 19.5V should be fine.