The USB-C standard saw a major upgrade in 2021, enabling charging up to 240W, but larger gaming laptops still prefer proprietary ports due to safety and design challenges. While increasing voltage is necessary for higher power, most laptops are built for 20V, requiring significant redesigns. Additionally, having a single USB-C port for 240W could confuse users expecting all ports to charge. EU regulations mainly apply to devices under 100W, leaving high-performance laptops unaffected.
Understanding the USB-C Evolution in Laptops
In 2021, the USB-C standard underwent a significant upgrade, allowing for a charging capacity of up to 240W, surpassing the power requirements of even the most demanding laptops. However, as we look to 2024, the trend of ultraportable laptops offering USB-C charging is evident, while larger gaming laptops still primarily rely on proprietary charging ports.
The Challenges of Adopting Higher Charging Standards
To comprehend why gaming laptops continue to use their unique charging solutions, we must delve into the technical aspects of power. Power is calculated as the product of voltage (in volts) and current intensity (in amperes). To achieve the increased charging capabilities of 240W, manufacturers can either enhance the voltage or the current.
Increasing the current intensity is not a viable option due to safety concerns, including risks of electric arcs and fire hazards, as noted by representatives from Asus. Instead, the USB-C standard suggests raising the voltage, transitioning from the current 20V to higher levels—28V for 140W, 36V for 180W, and finally 48V for 240W.
However, most laptops are built to operate at 20V, necessitating a comprehensive redesign of internal components to accommodate these new voltage levels. This adjustment would require substantial investment and adaptation across the entire industry, a shift that seems slow to materialize.
Additionally, Asus highlights a critical user experience issue: if a laptop is equipped with a 240W USB-C charging port, it would likely be restricted to just one port. This limitation could lead to confusion, as users might expect all USB-C ports to support charging, which is not the case. Therefore, maintaining a dedicated charging port can prevent potential misunderstandings and enhance usability.
Lastly, regarding regulatory influences, particularly within the European Union, the push for USB-C as a universal charger applies primarily to devices that draw less than 100W. Consequently, gaming laptops that exceed this threshold are not affected by these regulations, allowing manufacturers to continue developing proprietary solutions for their high-performance devices.