Does it actually need 20 volts?

[terannotterran]

This applies to more Thinkpads than just the X200 and such.

Has anyone tried to power their Thinkpad with a different voltage than 20 volts? I assume there's a range it can handle. I'm thinking it has a buck converter to lower the voltage for internal use.

[axur-delmeria]

From the charging port or docking connector? Yes 20 volts.

Internally? Check the battery's max voltage.

[terannotterran]

Thanks for your reply! Yes, I meant the charging port.

Have you tested other voltages? I know it calls for 20V, just wondering if it's actually more accepting than that.

[DC69]

I have never tried it on mine but I have done a bit of research since I am looking to add a PD adapter in order to run it from a "universal" GAN charger in order to save weight when traveling.

In practice, yes, you need a 20 volts power supply. There is a small error margin for power fluctuations but that basically means a range between aproximately 19-21 volts, or even less than that. It's supposed to be a manufacturing tolerance and not a compatibility feature so you can't use, say, 12 volts or 50 volts. It's 20 with a little margin.

[axur-delmeria]

Some of the Hardware Maintenance Manuals specify a minimum voltage of 19.5 volts an a max of 21 volts.