Dell XPS 9510 detecting 130W charger as only 90W

Question

Hello, I have actually just bought this laptop, and when I plug it in it gives me a warning saying "slow charger" - The charger is MOST DEFINITELY 130W. I tried updating the BIOS with no luck. It keeps on reporting the charger as only 90W, and thus giving me a warning.

Please help. This model is equipped with an 3050Ti GPU and I want to be able to use all the performance the system has to offer, and not be constricted by power limits.

NoodleMaster · Accepted Answer

Hey,

Unfortunately, in my case, it ended up being the charger. I claimed warranty from the vendor, and they sent me a new charger (just a charger, not a new laptop) - and now it works fine, on all ports. The other charger is only ever picked up as 90W. Might be worth getting a new charger, then returning it if it doesn't fix the problem?

Funnily enough, the 90W "broken" charger has kind of been a blessing in disguise. I actually use it when i play videogames, because this way less power goes to the CPU and the laptop doesn't overheat, and gives more thermal headroom to the GPU (which is more important when playing games). Just a thought.

ejn63 · Answer

OEM charger, or third party?

NoodleMaster · Answer

@ejn63​ It's definitely an OEM authentic Dell charger. It's got the logo on it, and says it can do 20V @ 6.25A. (It came with the laptop)

ejn63 · Answer

Assuming you're connecting to the port(s) on the left side of the system, it means either the adapter is faulty, or the mainboard is. The charger negotiates with the system when it's connected. It's worth trying another OEM adapter to see if that solves the problem, as it's far less expensive than a replacement system board (which will be needed if the other adapter has the same issue).

NoodleMaster · Answer

@ejn63​ Thanks for the speedy reply. Yeah, I tried all the USB ports to no avail. I did buy this thing refurbished, so you're probably right that there's something faulty. I have 3 months of warranty from the seller, so I will contact them. Thank you!

NoodleMaster · Answer

@ejn63 I actually noticed, that once in a blue moon it detects the charger as 130W. (Verified this in BIOS). So far, has only happened on the upper port of the left side. Have you seen this before? After I plug it out and plug it back in a couple times, it goes back to saying its a slow charger.

In your experience is this a charger issue or a motherboard issue?

FBasilico · Answer

I have the exact same problem, only happening in the top left

XPS

Dell XPS 9510 detecting 130W charger as only 90W

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