Posts: 10,409
Threads: 1,069
Joined: May 2025
Number Two Son Nathan writes:
Howdy, need a new charger for the MacBook 2017. Usb c 61watt. The pc 65w charger I have works. But need a new one for this computer. Any reason why I can’t just get a $20 pc 65w charger that charges the MacBook rather than the $70 Apple charger?
I don't know the answer. Anyone?
/Mr Lynn
Posts: 7,575
Threads: 123
Joined: May 2025
Reputation:
2
That's the beauty of USB-C, you should be able to use any charger that meets the (USB-C) spec.
Posts: 27,160
Threads: 2,805
Joined: May 2025
No reason to pay the Apple Premium. Any quality USB-C charger will work.
While you are at it, think about a longer braided cable
Posts: 10,409
Threads: 1,069
Joined: May 2025
I guess the question is whether the 61W is a requirement, or whether or values (more or less) are OK.
/Mr Lynn
Posts: 52,142
Threads: 2,792
Joined: May 2025
Reputation:
1
'Less than' is a bad idea.
Posts: 31,861
Threads: 708
Joined: Jun 2024
Reputation:
0
Any USB-C 3.0 Gen 2 charger rated for over 60 Watts should work well, with the proper cable. I just wish more computers/devices had the option to float the charge level between 60% to 98%.
Posts: 7,575
Threads: 123
Joined: May 2025
Reputation:
2
Benefit of a 60/65W charger is that it will be smaller than a larger wattage charger. But you can certainly use a 85/100W charger. The computer will only draw what it needs.
You can even use a 45W, and maybe 30W in a pinch... It will of course, charge slower and might actually drain the battery (while plugged in) during high CPU/GPU demands. I've been using a 65W charger with a 15 MBP (85W) for years.
