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m15 R5, charge via USB Type-C?
I have recently purchased the alienware m15 R5. Whilst I wasn't expecting great battery life and am fine with that, and have found ways to increase the battery life, I am still only getting a predicted 4 hours battery life. I was wondering if it can be charged via the USB Type-C port on the back via a portable charger? Even if that was just a trickle, or to charge whilst turned off in a break. I have tried with a 25W charger, however it didn't even detect it. I am wondering if that is because of the low power, or the fact it doesn't support USB Type-C charging?
DELL-Chris M
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July 28th, 2021 05:00
The online m15 R5 Setup and Specifications PDF shows =
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port with DisplayPort
Connect devices such as external storage devices, printers, and external displays. Provides data transfer rate of up to 10 Gbps. Supports DisplayPort 1.4 and also enables you to connect an external display using a display adapter. NOTE: A USB Type-C to DisplayPort adapter (sold separately) is required to connect a DisplayPort device.
It never mentions "charging".
ppina85
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August 1st, 2021 10:00
The USB Type C port on the back of the m15 R5 Ryzen edition laptop is a Gen 3.2 port with ALT mode support. Meaning it can output video. Which is why there is a display port symbol labeled next to the port since it has effectively replaced the mini display port that we typically see on the backs of these Alienware laptops. It does not, however, also support power delivery, so you cannot charge the laptop through this port unfortunately.
MicroEngineering
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April 21st, 2023 15:00
Located on the back of r3, r5 and r7 as early as 2017, you will notice a USB-C port with two symbols above it:
A Plug and a Lightning bolt.
This port is intended for charging your Alienware laptop. In fact, we have invested a large amount of time and research into creating this port as it can both be used to charge your laptop (Power In) and charge devices such as a phone (Power Out). This requires special engineering and bi-directional charge controller, that also forms a bridge with the standard charger. It is quite a feat, and is not yet ready to be a standalone charging system. In coming models, the standard charger will be removed and only the USB-C port coupled with a 240w USB-C brick charger (Almost identical to the current charger) will be used to replace it.
A USB-C Charger with a PD as low as 100W will maintain the charge in your laptop.
However, should you play games, or do any medium to high performance activities you will need a more powerful charger. Also ensure when buying high powered usb c chargers, that the cable also supports the amount of power being delivered.
Should you start your laptop with a USB-C power adapter that will not provide enough power during medium to high performance activities, the system will halt the boot and inform you that your USB-C charger is insufficient. You may bypass this, but will have to do it every time.
irreverend
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June 17th, 2023 01:00
It's worth noting that I routinely charge my mobile phone with that port, my charging cable tells me I get 10W so it must be putting out 2A. However I can't charge a battery bank which can also output power from the USB-C input port. I've always assumed that in that instance the laptop is trying to draw power from the bank. You probably can offset some of the power use by attaching one, but I wouldn't think you could charge it, given the laptop itself draws up to 240W under load and 40W idling.
EDIT: Just realised this is about the R5 and mine is an R3. May still be relevant though.