Dead laptop power brick

JustinChar99

I typically have my laptop plugged in when I use it at home, and when I plugged it in today, I noticed that the neither indicator came on, on the power brick or my computer. I've done a ton of google searching to no avail. Is there a way to troubleshoot this outside of buying a new power brick and cord?

I'm not sure what type of information would be useful for diagnosing something like this, so if there's anything I should post, please let me know.

Lukin

Have you tried multiple power outlets? Some laptop power bricks separate into a cord that plugs into the wall, and the brick which plugs into the laptop. If you have access to an identical power brick, try swapping the cord.

JustinChar99

I've tried two sockets in the same outlet. They both have worked fine for the laptop until now, and I just tried my DS charger in them and they worked. I have access to another power brick, but not of the same kind. Because the indicator on the brick is out, I'm assuming that the problem is either in the brick itself or in the cord to the wall, but I have no way to be sure.

Paladin

Probably the brick, get a new one. Even if it's not connected to the laptop, the transformer should still work.


Also, if you can access exposed ends on the cord that leads from the wall to just before the transformer, try running that by a voltometer - no wait, I think that might be dangerous.

In any case, do NOT use the second transformer until you are sure it's of the correct voltage. That's the easiest way to waste a computer.

JustinChar99

God dammit, this fucking sucks. I just bought this like last month. I wonder if my warranty covers this... Oh shit, 13% power. Thanks for the help, I'll be able to check back on my desktop later in the day.

Gdiguy

If you bought it that recently (from a reputable place), it would definitely be under warranty

I had the power adapter on my dell xps die a few months ago... luckily I knew someone in a nearby lab who had an identical power adapter so I could confirm it was actually the adapter and not my motherboard or some such problem (which I discovered would have been fairly insanely expensive to fix). I think it may have something to do with carrying it around in my backpack all the time, as I think the cord got bent/messed up at the spot where the cord enters the brick (probably fixable if you know what you're doing, which I definitely don't)

JustinChar99

Looking at the power brick for my brother's laptop right now, and holy fuck is it tiny compared to mine. It's a lower voltage, so I'm not going to try it. The cord that plugs it into the wall looks like it has the same plug, so should I try that on mine to see whether its the brick or the cord that needs replacing?

JustinChar99

Well, I tried the other cord, and I guess that confirms that it's the brick thats borked. Does anyone have experience with CyberPower's customer support? I need to give them a call after school today.