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Which USB-C PD charger is compatible with my 15" Surface Book 3?

Anonymous
2024-02-20T19:42:35+00:00

I think the default charging port on my Surface Book 3 is dying. I have to attach the Surface Connector multiple times to the Surface Book 3 port, before the connector will light up and charge the laptop.

It is not a defective charger, because I have no issues with that charger in charging my Surface Book 1. So there would be no point in purchasing a new charger.

Also, my Surface Book 3 is out of warranty.

I read I could also charge the Surface Book 3 via the USB-C port, using a PD Charger with the same wattage (the writing on my Surface Book 3 charger indicates a wattage of 127 watts).

Could you suggest compatible USB-C chargers for my Surface Book 3?

The closest charger I could find in terms of wattage is this one from DELL:

Dell USB-C 130 W AC Adapter with 1meter Power Cord - United States | Dell Canada

Would that charger be compatible with my Surface Book 3?

Thanks so much!

Surface | Surface Book | Power and battery

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-02-24T05:44:59+00:00

    It is hard to find good USB PD chargers.

    the standard allows for 5V, 9V,15V and 20V so check labels close to be sure the desired power profiler is available

    extended power is added recently to 28V, 36V and 48V

    Appreciate your reply.

    I found USB-C PD chargers with 15V, but only 5 amps. The Surface Book 3 requires 8 amps.

    According to askleo.com:

       [https://askleo.com/same-voltage-but-different-amperage/](https://askleo.com/same-voltage-but-different-amperage/ "askleo.com")                                                                                                                                                 providing less amps than required could cause:

       Device to fail

       Device to run or charge slowly

       Power supply to overheat

    I worry most about the power supply overheating and fire.

    So at this time, I do not see USB-C as a viable option for charging the Surface Book 3.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-02-24T03:34:48+00:00

    Hi Sophie,

    A properly designed USB-C PD charger will negotiate the power with the device and supply it what it requires. However, if Dell advises otherwise, as the manufacturer of the charger, I would listen to them. It may not support Power Delivery (PD).

    100W+ USB-C PD charges do exist. You can search Amazon (or other site) for "usb c pd charger" and in the filter list on the left, pick 68W & above for Wattage.

    Hope this helps,

    Greg

    So I've been reading that the voltage of a 3rd party replacement charger must match exactly the voltage of the stock charger. The amperage should be equal to or higher than the amperage of the stock charger. The laptop could be damaged by incorrect voltage or insufficient amperage.

    In the case of the Surface Book 3, the voltage on the stock charger is 15 volts, and the amperage is 8 amps.

    I cannot find any USB-C charger that is 15 volts and supplies at least 8 amps of current.

    Could you please tell me if you are aware of any that meet those specifications?

    Thanks!

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-02-20T23:24:55+00:00

    Hi Sophie,

    A properly designed USB-C PD charger will negotiate the power with the device and supply it what it requires. However, if Dell advises otherwise, as the manufacturer of the charger, I would listen to them. It may not support Power Delivery (PD).

    100W+ USB-C PD charges do exist. You can search Amazon (or other site) for "usb c pd charger" and in the filter list on the left, pick 68W & above for Wattage.

    Hope this helps,

    Greg

    I did the search you suggested on Amazon, but some chargers come back without "PD" in the description or the specs. Does that mean a charger like that (without "PD" in the description) is one I should not choose?

    And I've been reading about PD 3.0; as you suggest, PD 3.0 is supposed to automatically adjust the wattage/voltage/current according to the needs of the device.

    So, despite what the salesperson told me, wouldn't you expect the DELL PD 3.0 130-watt charger to work (and be safe)?

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-02-20T23:07:53+00:00

    Hi Sophie,

    A properly designed USB-C PD charger will negotiate the power with the device and supply it what it requires. However, if Dell advises otherwise, as the manufacturer of the charger, I would listen to them. It may not support Power Delivery (PD).

    100W+ USB-C PD charges do exist. You can search Amazon (or other site) for "usb c pd charger" and in the filter list on the left, pick 68W & above for Wattage.

    Hope this helps,

    Greg

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