30 W
Mobile first.
Phone, tablet and some small USB-C laptops.
AND A COMPUTER?
Yes, for some sober models, including MacBook Airs. Sometimes slow charging in use.
60 W cable sufficient
THE NOMAD NOTEBOOK · GUIDE 03 / 03
The right watts.
The right cable.
Pairing battery or charger, USB-C cable and computer: markers from 30 to 240 W, Power Delivery compatibility and power available per port.
Go to the markersTHE OBJECTS OF THE GUIDE
The right charging companions.
A small charger, a power supply for the desk and a cable: every piece counts.
- 30 W · LIGHT TRAVEL
Anker
Nano 30 W
A single USB-C port for the phone, the tablet or a sober compatible device.
Discover the object - 65 W · ONE PORT AT A TIME
Belkin
BoostCharge Pro 65 W
65 W on one port, or 45 W + 20 W when both ports are used.
Discover the object - 240 W · USB-C EPR CABLE
Belkin
BoostCharge 240 W cable
For charging beyond 100 W with compatible gear. USB 2.0 data.
Discover the object
03 / CONNECTING THE RIGHT OBJECTS
Power is
a team affair.
A battery or a charger. A cable. A device.
All three must speak the same language.
For USB-C Power Delivery (PD) charging, the number of watts is a ceiling. The device negotiates what it can receive. A 100 W charger can therefore power a phone without imposing 100 W on it.
65 W
The mobile desk.
A common marker for an ultraportable compatible with USB Power Delivery.
AND A COMPUTER?
Yes, if the model accepts this power supply. Compare with its recommended charger.
100 W or 240 W cable
100 W
A little headroom.
For laptops that ask for more, or a charger shared between devices.
AND A COMPUTER?
Yes, if 100 W are available on the port used and accepted by the computer.
100 W or 240 W cable
140+ W
Demanding needs.
140, 180 or 240 W: the extended USB PD EPR range, on compatible gear.
AND A COMPUTER?
To be checked by model and by port. A gaming laptop may still require its dedicated power supply.
240 W EPR cable
NOTE 03See this example
65 W on the box does not mean 65 W everywhere.
Look at the output power on a single port, then its distribution if several devices are plugged in. Example: the Belkin WCH013 goes from 65 W alone to 45 W + 20 W on two ports. Under-powered, a computer may charge slowly, lose battery in use or refuse to charge.
IN PRACTICE · TOTAL POWER
Belkin · BoostCharge Pro GaN 140 W · WCH014
This Belkin states 140 W in total, shared between three USB-C and one USB-A. It is the power available on the port used that counts for your computer, especially when other devices are plugged in.
See the pageTHE CABLE MATTERS TOO
Same plug.
Not the same possibilities.
USB-C describes the connector. Power, data throughput and video are three characteristics to check separately.
Everyday mobile
Up to 20 V × 3 A. Suited to 30 W charging. It caps at 60 W in a chain designed for 65 W.
The computer, up to 100 W
Up to 20 V × 5 A, with electronic identification ("e-marker"). An existing 100 W cable is suitable for 65 W or 100 W.
The extended power range
To go beyond 100 W, with a compatible USB PD EPR source and device. Also works at lower power; guarantees neither video nor fast transfer.
Current USB-IF markings distinguish 60 W and 240 W USB-C cables. An old 100 W cable does not become EPR-compatible.
THE WORKSHOP · INTERACTIVE TOOL
What is limiting your charge?
Pair a charger, a cable and a device. Visualise the power ceiling.
Understanding a little.
Carrying just enough.