Thinkpads Forum

I just got a new T530 and noticed that the AC Adapter appears to be very similar to the one I have from my old T60. Does anyone know whether the old adapter will work (safely of course) with my new computer? Thanks.

yes, they should fit..
to be sure check the output voltage..
both should be 20 volts DC

welcome to the forum..

I'd have to say that it all depends on the T60 model you had and the new T530. Both systems were spec'ed with either a 65W or 90W adapter. The difference is due to the graphics system that's on the motherboard. If your T60 has/had the ATI graphics, then the system should have come with the 90W adapter. However, if the T60 used an Intel graphics chip, then a 65W adapter was standard equipment. The T530 is setup similarly; Nvidia chip = 90W, Intel chip = 65W.

Look carefully at the labels on both adapters. Both should say 20V. They should also have a 65W or 90W stamped on it somewhere. It's perfectly fine to use a 90W adapter on a system that only requires the 65W. However, the reverse is not true. You should not use a 65W adapter on a system that is spec'ed at 90W. At best case, the laptop should recognize that you have the lower-wattage adapter connected and will probably throttle down the speed and/or charge your battery slower. At worst case, you run the risk of overworking the adapter which could potentially cause it to run hotter than normal.