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April 30th, 2025 23:16
Mobile Workstation 7750 Support USB C Car charging?
Greetings,
I have a Dell Mobile Workstation 7750 and ordered it custom in 2021. It has two 3.1 USB C (I think they could be Thunderbolt) lightning bolt next to them. 3 USB A ports.
My questions are:
Are these Thunderbolt ports, if so which version?
Can I charge my laptop via a USB C Car charger?
I ran HDWINFO and I can't find anything about thunderbolt but I do have a thunderbolt controller in Device Manager.
Thank you,
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Chino de Oro
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April 30th, 2025 23:59
Your system has USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C and USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A.
Charging through thunderbolt ports are limited by technology and Dell BIOS firmware settings. Most of travel and car chargers are supporting up to 90w https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/auto-air-travel/ar/5851
You can also get car charger which has 7.4mm adapter for your laptop power port https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptop-car-and-airplane-90w-dc-power-adapter-74mm/apd/330-8105/pc-accessories
Those should work when travel for charging while the system is off.
Chino de Oro
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April 30th, 2025 23:29
Yes, they are thunderbolt 3 ports. See picture below.
Unfortunately, there is no USB-C car charger that can provide up to 240w of operating power. Whichever you find, it can be trickle charge while the system is shutdown only.
Muzikman777
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April 30th, 2025 23:31
I have seen car charges that say 240 watts but I am not sure if they really mean it or how it works. They have cables that support 240w.
Even a trickle charge would be ok. Would I use USB C 240 Watt cables and PD 3.0 or PD 3.1?
Muzikman777
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April 30th, 2025 23:38
@Chino de Oro I just checked and no chargers are available for 240 Watts from a single port. It supports a few combination ports at 240W. So, you're correct.
I think I have USB 3.1 USB C ports? In system info, it says "Intel USB 3.1 Extensible Host Controller" for both ports.
ejn63
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April 30th, 2025 23:55
Try with a phone charger first -- if it charges the battery, you can likely use a small capacity (100W or less) charger. I would not use anything higher in power than that -- if you do, you'll at best blow a fuse in the car, or at worst damage the electrical system itself.
There's no way a car's electrical system can handle a 240W adapter.
Muzikman777
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April 30th, 2025 23:57
@ejn63
Actually, it would probably work with a car charger with an AC to plug the Dell's plug from the charger directly in it, correct?
Muzikman777
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May 1st, 2025 00:18
@Chino de Oro So, I couldn't use an AC lighter adapter that supports 240 watts? Something that I can use with my normal plug like in the wall?
Chino de Oro
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May 1st, 2025 00:45
Afraid not! DC to DC adapter and USB-C thunderbolt 3 port on 7750 are not capable of 240w charging.
Muzikman777
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May 1st, 2025 00:52
@Chino de Oro I am sure glad I asked because I probably would have done it. I will be purchasing that item pronto!
Thanks again,
Muzikman777
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May 1st, 2025 00:53
@Chino de Oro But I can also use the other one that goes into my thunderbolt port as well, the 65watt one, correct?
Chino de Oro
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May 1st, 2025 01:15
From a few that I have tested and used:
If you get 90w car charger from Dell, it will be recognized fully, up to 90w.
If you get 90w or higher car charger from others, it may recognized at a lower rate, up to 60w.
Either cases, it will trickle charge (slow charge) while the laptop is OFF.
Inverter and power pack are other options for travel and camping.
zarakhan09
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May 7th, 2025 22:40
Good question! The Mobile Workstation 7750 does have USB-C ports, but whether it supports car charging depends on the power output and compatibility of the car charger. It’s essential to check the wattage requirements of the workstation, as it typically requires a higher power output than standard USB-C car chargers provide. Using a certified high-wattage USB-C car charger or a dedicated power inverter may be necessary. Has anyone successfully charged their 7750 on the go? Would love to hear what worked best!