Will MacBook Pro power adapter work in MacBooks?

Question

MacBook Pro 15"

MacBook Pro models with a 15" display

8254 Questions View all

Bernie @bernie36975

Rep: 1.2k

8

30

Posted: Dec 25, 2011

Options

Will MacBook Pro power adapter work in MacBooks?

Just curious guys, but if I buy a Macbook Pro charger, will it work in my Macbooks? I reckon the increased capacity of the 'Pro charger will charge my Macbooks faster when I'm using the unit while in a hurry to get it fully charged.

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Yes No

Score -1

Add a comment

2 Answers

Chosen Solution

rdklinc @rdklinc

Rep: 32.4k

RDKL, Inc.

207

156

62

Posted: Dec 25, 2011

Options

I wouldn't count on it charging your battery faster, but there is definitely no problem with using an 85W MacBook Pro charger on a MacBook that only needs a 60W AC. There is no compatibility issue, and it absolutely will not "destroy your battery".

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No

Score 4

3 Comments:

Thanks rdklinc for your opinion. I know it won't destroy my battery because Macbooks and Macbook Pros have the same battery voltage - 10.8 volts. I was just thinking aloud that the larger capacity charger will be allowed by the Magsafe/DC-In board to push more juice and charger faster. It's kinda like if the laptop is turned off, it charges faster because all the output of the charger is sent to the battery. When the laptop is in use, the unit draws juice from the charger too. Maybe to the point of taxing the charger to provide its full capacity. That's why it charges the battery slower. But if the charger had an extra 25 watts, maybe the battery will charge faster?

Dec 25, 2011 by Bernie

I've been using 85W and 60W chargers interchangeably on hundreds of various MacBooks over the years, and I've never noticed a difference, so if there is a difference in charging time, it's very slight. That said, there's nothing wrong with having an 85W charger, because you'll be able to power any MacBook you come across.

Dec 25, 2011 by rdklinc

+ The 60w adapter produces 16.5v. The 85w adapter produces 18.5v. 16.5/18.5=0.891 or approximately 11% difference - mot enough to cause harm. The charging circuit is regulated to produce an end result. The battery connector pinout is :

1 +12V

2 +12V

3 +12V

4 SMBUS_SMC_BSA_SCL

5 SYS_DETECT_L

6 SMBUS_SMC_BSA_SDA

7 GND

8 GND

9 GND

Charging is not going to and can not change with the 2 adapters.

Dec 25, 2011 by ABCellars

Add a comment

Thanks rdklinc for your opinion. I know it won't destroy my battery because Macbooks and Macbook Pros have the same battery voltage - 10.8 volts. I was just thinking aloud that the larger capacity charger will be allowed by the Magsafe/DC-In board to push more juice and charger faster. It's kinda like if the laptop is turned off, it charges faster because all the output of the charger is sent to the battery. When the laptop is in use, the unit draws juice from the charger too. Maybe to the point of taxing the charger to provide its full capacity. That's why it charges the battery slower. But if the charger had an extra 25 watts, maybe the battery will charge faster? — Bernie
I've been using 85W and 60W chargers interchangeably on hundreds of various MacBooks over the years, and I've never noticed a difference, so if there is a difference in charging time, it's very slight. That said, there's nothing wrong with having an 85W charger, because you'll be able to power any MacBook you come across. — rdklinc
+ The 60w adapter produces 16.5v. The 85w adapter produces 18.5v. 16.5/18.5=0.891 or approximately 11% difference - mot enough to cause harm. The charging circuit is regulated to produce an end result. The battery connector pinout is :

1 +12V

2 +12V

3 +12V

4 SMBUS_SMC_BSA_SCL

5 SYS_DETECT_L

6 SMBUS_SMC_BSA_SDA

7 GND

8 GND

9 GND

Charging is not going to and can not change with the 2 adapters. — ABCellars