Dell xps smells burnt

[Dominik.V]

Hi guys!
I've purchased a dell xps m1330 notebook without charger,battery,hdd. It was just 8$ including shipping, and was advertised as untested. I pluged in my hp g62's 65w 18.5V/3.5A(since i haven't owned a dell laptop yet) charger and successfully turned on the device, i used it for 5minutes(to konw its specs from bios) then i turned it off. After that i started takeing apart the laptop, when i noticed that it smells burnt( i guess it was the smell of "electric smoke", which i have experienced once, when my pentium III config's 15yrs old psu started smokeing because of a faulty condenser), so i started smelling the laptop's parts and i found out that the battery's connector was the stinky one. Btw the laptop's interior was full of dust and cobweb so i cleaned it out, even i fully take apart the cooler, and give it a clean too. Now i'm afraid to turn on the laptop.
So i would like to ask for advice, that can the wrong charger be the problem, because this laptop's genuine charger is a 65W 19.5V/3.34A one. I would appreciate every answer.

 

[hang-the-9]

Yes using the wrong charger can cause issues, but considering you got a laptop for $8 I would expect it to have issues in the first place. Get a dell charger for your model and see if the smell goes away.

 

[punkncat]

$8, yeah...find the correct rated charger for this thing.

 

[Dominik.V]

Despite its cost, the laptop is in pretty good shape, almost as a new, it only has some scuffs on the screen's silver colored bazels and some scratches on the surface around the power button. One of my friends has the same dell power cord that this laptop needs, so i may barrow it for further testing.

 

[punkncat]

^ Be SURE to check that the "other" charger is the specific one that your laptop needs. Not all Dell systems use the same charger by default.

This doesn't mean you can't use a generic charger but you MUST match it's proper voltage and amperage ratings as well as having the proper plug end.

 

[Dominik.V]

I'm aware of the right charger's specs, its specs are printed onto the laptop's bottom. My friend's charger is the exact same 65W 19.5V/3.34A one that this device needs.
And thank you for your advice.

 

[ex_bubblehead]

You must use the proper power adapter or you will let the magic smoke out.

The correct adapter is:

Model DA90PS2-00
Dell Part Number UU572
Ref. No. ADP-90AH FA
Output: 19.5v, 4.62a.


You can also use any Dell adapter with the correct power jack as Dell has used the same 19.5VDC output for several years now. Just ensure that it outputs no less than 4.6A