Mar 02, 2017 A 15-inch laptop typically consumes 65 Watts of power. Consumption varies based on the components, their efficiency and manufacturers design but the industry standard is 65 Watts. A 15-inch laptop typically consumes 65 Watts of power. Consumption varies based on the components, their efficiency and manufacturers design but the industry standard is 65 Watts.
- A typical desktop computer uses about 65 to 250 watts. To find the figure for your particular computer you can contact the manufacturer (not me), or see my section on measuring electrical use. Add another 20-40 watts for an LCD monitor, or about 80 watts if you have an old-school 17' CRT. And don't forget related devices.
- If the first three characters of the serial number are C4M or FL4, the cable is for use with an Apple USB-C Power Adapter up to 61W. If the first three characters of the serial number are DLC, CTC, FTL, or G0J, the cable is for use with an Apple USB-C Power Adapter up to 100W. If the cable says 'Designed by Apple in California.
- Fill in the RUNNING WATTS and ADDITIONAL STARTING WATTS requirements in the “Your Power Needs” Section. Total the RUNNING WATTS of the items you wish to power at one time. Enter this number in the TOTAL RUNNING WATTS box. Identify the ONE INDIVIDUAL ITEM on your list with the highest number of additional starting watts.
Power adapters for Mac notebooks are available in 29W, 30W, 45W, 60W, 61W, 85W, 87W, and 96W varieties. You should use the appropriate wattage power adapter for your Mac notebook. You can use a compatible higher wattage power adapter without issue, but it won't make your computer charge faster or operate differently. If you use a power adapter that is lower in wattage than the adapter that came with your Mac, it won't provide enough power to your computer.
Mac notebooks that charge via USB-C come with an Apple USB-C Power Adapter with detachable AC plug (or 'duckhead'), and a USB-C Charge Cable.
Mac notebooks that charge via MagSafe come with an AC adapter with MagSafe connector and detachable AC plug, and an AC cable.
The images below show the style of adapter that comes with each MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. If you're not sure which model Mac you have, use these articles:
USB-C
Apple 29W or 30W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable
- MacBook models introduced in 2015 or later
Apple 30W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable
- MacBook Air models introduced in 2018 or later
Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable
- 13-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2016 or later
Apple 87W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable
- 15-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2016 or later
Apple 96W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable
- 16-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2019
Make sure you're using the correct USB-C charge cable
For the best charging experience, you should use the USB-C charge cable that comes with your Mac notebook. If you use a higher wattage USB-C cable, your Mac will still charge normally. USB-C cables rated for 29W or 30W will work with any USB-C power adapter, but won't provide enough power when connected to a power adapter that is more than 61W, such as the 96W USB-C Power Adapter.
You can verify that you're using the correct version of the Apple USB-C Charge Cable with your Mac notebook and its USB-C AC Adapter. The cable's serial number is printed on its external housing, next to the words 'Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China.'
- If the first three characters of the serial number are C4M or FL4, the cable is for use with an Apple USB-C Power Adapter up to 61W.
- If the first three characters of the serial number are DLC, CTC, FTL, or G0J, the cable is for use with an Apple USB-C Power Adapter up to 100W.
- If the cable says 'Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China' but has no serial number, you might be eligible for a replacement USB-C charge cable.
MagSafe 2
85W MagSafe power adapter with MagSafe 2 style connector
- 15-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2012 through 2015
60W MagSafe power adapter with MagSafe 2 style connector
- 13-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2012 through 2015
45W MagSafe power adapter with MagSafe 2 style connector
- MacBook Air models introduced in 2012 through 2017
About the MagSafe to MagSafe 2 Converter
If you have an older MagSafe adapter, you can use it with newer Mac computers that have MagSafe 2 ports using a MagSafe to MagSafe 2 Converter (shown).
MagSafe 'L' and 'T' shaped adapters
60W MagSafe power adapter with 'T' style connector
- 13-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2009
- MacBook models introduced in 2006 through mid 2009
60W MagSafe power adapter with 'L' style connector
- 13-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2010 through 2012
- MacBook models introduced in late 2009 through 2010
85W MagSafe power adapter with 'T' style connector
- 15-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2006 through 2009
- 17-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2006 through 2009
85W MagSafe power adapter with 'L' style connector
- 15-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2010 through 2012
- 17-inch MacBook Pro models introduced in 2010 through 2011
45W MagSafe power adapter with 'L' style connector
- 13-inch MacBook Air models introduced in 2008 through 2011*
- 11-inch MacBook Air models introduced in 2010 through 2011
* Adapters that shipped with the MacBook Air (Original), MacBook Air (Late 2008), and MacBook Air (Mid 2009) are not recommended for use with MacBook Air (Late 2010) models. When possible, use your computer's original adapter or a newer adapter.
Learn more
You can get extra or replacement adapters with AC cord and plug at the Apple Online Store, an Apple Reseller, or an Apple Store.
Whatsapp For Laptop Video Call
A replacement adapter might not be the same size, color, shape, or wattage as the original adapter that came with your computer. But it should power and charge your Mac like the adapter that originally came with your computer.
If you need help using your MagSafe adapter, see Apple Portables: Troubleshooting power adapters.
180 Watt Laptop Charger
If you're looking for a PowerPC-based power adapter, see PowerPC-based Apple Portables: Identifying the right power adapter and power cord.