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You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Mac Notebooks > Macbook Air & Pro Power MagSafe Power Adapter

Macbook Air & Pro Power MagSafe Power Adapter
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pcryan5
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Apr 7, 2012, 02:57 PM
 
We have a variety of Macbook Pros 13" and Airs that move about the house / to-from work. Is it an issue to treat MagSafe Power Adapters as interchangeable - or should one always ensure your 45W is used on your Air and your 60W is used on your Pro?

my thanks

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Dex13
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Apr 7, 2012, 03:35 PM
 
     
Waragainstsleep
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Apr 7, 2012, 04:18 PM
 
Its not a problem to switch them around. A 17" MBP will charge pretty slowly from a 45W MBA PSU but it will charge. The MBA will draw only what it needs from a higher rated PSU.
I have plenty of more important things to do, if only I could bring myself to do them....
     
Spheric Harlot
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Apr 7, 2012, 04:47 PM
 
Running a MacBook Pro from a 45W MacBook Air power supply WILL overload and overheat the power supply, causing it to eventually shut off.

Just charging it while asleep should be okay, though.

Using a bigger supply for a computer that requires less power is no problem.

I really don't understand why Apple even sells the 60W power supplies anymore.
     
Dex13
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Apr 8, 2012, 12:29 AM
 
Power adapters for Intel-based Apple portables are available in 45W, 60W, and 85W varieties. Although you should always use the proper wattage adapter for your Apple portable, you can use an adapter of a higher wattage without issue.
From Apple KB
     
Waragainstsleep
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Apr 8, 2012, 08:08 AM
 
Originally Posted by Spheric Harlot View Post
Running a MacBook Pro from a 45W MacBook Air power supply WILL overload and overheat the power supply, causing it to eventually shut off.
I did this last week, it didn't shut off.
I have plenty of more important things to do, if only I could bring myself to do them....
     
PB2K
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Apr 9, 2012, 07:47 AM
 
i switch from 85 to 45w models regularly , i own several macbook variants, and except for charging times I don't notice any difference.
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euphras
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Apr 9, 2012, 02:18 PM
 
I used my two Tibooks (which have 65 W power bricks out of factory) with an 45 W YoYo power adaptor several times, no problems, no overheating. As others mentioned before, using a higher rated power brick with a less demanding `Book should also be no problem.


Macintosh Quadra 950, Centris 610, Powermac 6100, iBook dual USB, Powerbook 667 DVI, Powerbook 867 DVI, MacBook Pro early 2011
     
jinnydor632
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Apr 9, 2012, 05:00 PM
 
I haven't noticed any problems interchanging them either.

I was disappointed that when I got my Air that it had the 45w. I own one of the Quirky Mag Safe cord management things and it wouldn't fit with my new adapter. I had already sold my MBP with its charger.
     
   
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