Accessories - Chargerlab

Review of Minisforum DEG1 eGPU Dock

Rusell — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 01:00:00 +0000

If you wanna buy the tester of ChargerLAB POWER-Z, you can visit our Amazon store:
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Deutschland: Click here
United Kingdom: Click here
France: Click here

Introduction
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Nowadays, in pursuit of high performance and portability, external GPU docks have become the preferred device for many users of thin and light laptops and mini PCs to improve graphics performance. This time we got a Minisforum DEG1 eGPU Dock.

Review of AOOSTAR GEM12 Pro Mini PC

Rusell — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 01:34:14 +0000

You can buy it on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gMXTo1f

If you wanna buy the tester of POWER-Z, you can visit our Amazon store:
USA: Click here
Germany: Click here

Introduction
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Mini PCs cannot be equipped with independent graphics cards due to size limitations, so their graphics processing capabilities are slightly weaker. However, with the promotion and application of OCuLink technology, more and more mini PCs have begun to support OCuLink. Today, we are going to test the GEM12 Pro mini PC from AOOSTAR.

Review of SlimQ 260W DC to USB Power Extender

Rusell — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 01:00:00 +0000

Introduction

Recently, ChargerLAB got a 260W DC to USB Power Extender from SlimQ. It has two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and one DC socket. It has a maximum output power of 260W. Next, let's do some tests to see its charging performance.

Product Appearance

The SlimQ 260W DC to USB Power Extender comes in simple black paper packaging.

The box contains the power extender, a silicone protective case, and some documents.

Its shell is made of blue-black aluminum alloy and uses an anodizing process to ensure excellent heat dissipation performance and a smooth feel. There are two USB-C output ports on one side, two USB-A outputs, and a DC input port on the other.

Each USB-C port has a maximum output of 100W, and the plastic sheets are black.

The maximum output power is marked on the back.

The other side has a DC output port in the middle (input voltage range is 5-24V) and USB-A output interfaces on both sides, with a maximum output of 30W and orange plastic sheets.

The output power is also marked on the back.

The width is about 48.42 mm (1.91 inches).

The length is about 71.93 mm (2.83 inches).

The thickness is about 19.85 mm (0.78 inches).

And the weight is about 65.3 g (2.3 oz).

The weight including the silicone protective case is 77.7 g (2.74 oz).

That's how big it is in the hand.

Protocol Test

The DC power output port specification is 5.5mm * 2.5mm (input voltage range is 5-24V). Next, we use the SlimQ 330W charger to power the extender for the protocol test.

USB-C1/C2

ChargerLAB POWER-Z KM003C shows the USB-C1/C2 port can support QC3+, FCP, AFC, PD3.0, PPS, QC5, DCP, and Apple 2.4A charging protocols.

And it has five fixed PDOs of 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/5A, and two sets of PPS, which are 3.3-11V/3A and 3.3-21V/3A.

USB-A1/A2

ChargerLAB POWER-Z KM003C shows the USB-A1/A2 port can support QC3.0, FCP, SCP, AFC, DCP, and Apple 2.4A charging protocols.

Compatibility Test

USB-C1/C2

Use it to charge the iPhone 16, the power is about 14.88V 1.53A 22.72W.

Use it to charge the MacBook Pro 16 M1 Max, the power is about 19.76V 4.64A 91.71W.

As you can see, there is no compatibility issue. Most phones can reach about 9V. Some phones with good compatibility can reach a voltage of more than 15V.

We have compiled the test results into a bar chart. Most phones can maintain a power of 11-27W. Some phones that support PD or PPS protocols can reach a power of 30-54W.

USB-A1/A2

There is no compatibility issue. Most phones, except Apple and Red Magic phones, can reach a voltage of 9V.

The highest charging power is 20.81W of Huawei Pura70 Pro+, followed by 19.18W of Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Multi-port Simultaneous Output Test

Use the two USB-C ports of the power extender to charge two laptops at the same time, with charging power of 92.05W and 95.22W, respectively.

Use the power extender's two USB-C ports and one USB-A port to charge two laptops and a phone at the same time, with charging power of 92.09W, 88.47W, and 22.89W, respectively.

Use the two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports of the power extender to charge two laptops and two mobile phones at the same time. The charging power is 92.20W, 95.49W, 7.29W, and 7.27W respectively.

Full Charging Test

Next, we'll use the USB-C port of the SlimQ 260W DC to USB Power Extender to fully charge the MacBook Pro 16 M1 Max.

The power extender and the MacBook will be put into a 25°C (77℉) thermotank throughout the test. Here is the charging curve made by the PC software of KM003C.

The voltage is always around 20V. The charging curve can be divided into four parts. In the first part, the peak power stayed at 93W for the first 39 minutes. Then, the power gradually drops to 67W and 43W in turn. The final part begins at one hour and 6 minutes, the power slowly drops to almost zero. It takes 2 hours and 3 mins to be fully charged.

We also turn it into another curve. The power extender can charge the MacBook Pro 16 M1 Max to 50% in 32 mins. And it can reach 80% in 56 mins, 100% in 2 hours and 3 mins.

Temperature Test

Then, we are going to the temperature test. We put the power extender into a 25°C (75℉) thermotank. And recorded the highest temperature on the front and back under the load of 20V5A after one hour.

After one hour, the maximum temperature on the front is about 51.2℃ (124.16 ℉).

The maximum temperature on the back is about 51.4℃ (124.52 ℉). The temperature on both sides is almost the same. The silicone protective cover it comes with can reduce the perceived temperature when you touch it.

Summary of ChargerLAB

SlimQ 260W DC to USB Power Extender is made of aluminum alloy. It has two USB-C and two USB-A ports with independent output. It supports 5-24V DC input and is compatible with more power devices. It has a maximum output power of 100W + 100W + 30W + 30W.

The USB-C1/C2 port can support QC3+, FCP, AFC, PD3.0, PPS, QC5, DCP, and Apple 2.4A charging protocols. And it has two sets of PPS, which are 3.3-11V/3A and 3.3-21V/3A. It has good compatibility and can charge most phones, tablets, thin and light laptops, and other devices. In the full charging test, it took 32 minutes to charge the MacBook Pro 16 M1 Max to 50%, and it fully charged in about 2 hours and 3 minutes. Overall, the SlimQ 260W DC to USB Power Extender is very good in terms of portability and practicality.

Review of SlimQ USB Power Extender

Rusell — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 01:17:31 +0000

If you wanna buy the tester of POWER-Z, you can visit our Amazon store:
USA: Click here
Germany: Click here

Introduction
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Recently, ChargerLAB got a 260W DC to USB Power Extender from SlimQ. It has two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and one DC socket. It has a maximum output power of 260W. Next, let's do some tests to see its charging performance.

Review of Huntkey EasyCombo 6S Power Strip: A Unique Power Strip with Detachable Cord

Rusell — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 01:26:38 +0000

Preface

Today, we will introduce to you the Huntkey EasyCombo series power strip, a product that embodies both design and development excellence. By splitting the traditional power strip into two parts – "detachable cord and board, easy combination" – it successfully allows for flexible pairing of different length cables and outlet strips, achieving simplicity, practicality, and ease of portability. Follow along with Chargelab's review to see how this power strip stands out from the rest.

EasyCombo Design

"Easy Combo" can be understood as "simple combination", where "Easy" signifies ease and simplicity, while "Combo" conveys the meaning of combining or integrating. Huntkey has successfully achieved a flexible and practical integration of different cables and outlet strips, resulting in a modular power strip.

Currently, the majority of power strips available in the market share similar appearances and internal designs. Relying on their simple yet reliable structures, they have undergone minimal changes since their inception, resulting in remarkably consistent issues. These issues can be summarized into 4 points:

1. Ordinary power strips are typically bulky, unsuitable for travel or business trips.

2. Maintenance costs are high, and sometimes even a small component damage may necessitate the replacement of the entire power strip.

3. Lack of personalization. In terms of appearance and design, ordinary power strips may be relatively monotonous, failing to meet the personalized needs of some consumers.

4. Fixed capacity. The internal space of ordinary power strips is fixed, limiting the number of outlets and the amount of plugs and cables they can accommodate.

EasyCombo 6S Power Strip &3S travel Power Strip

This time, Huntkey has released two EasyCombo series power strips: the 6S Power Strip and the 3S Travel Power Strip. Despite differences in appearance size and some configurations, they share a consistent core design philosophy.

The front of the Huntkey EasyCombo 6S Power Strip is equipped with six US-standard AC outlets, while the EasyCombo 3S Travel Power Strip features fewer AC outlets, making it more compact and portable.

Additionally, the EasyCombo 3S Travel Power Strip comes with a sturdy velvet storage bag, which allows for easy packing and carrying of the power strip.

Both the EasyCombo 6S Power Strip and the EasyCombo 3S Travel Power Strip are equipped with four USB output ports, including a USB-C port that supports PD15W, with blue-colored collets for the female connectors. The USB sockets are gold-plated, ensuring more stable current transmission and longer service life.

Compared to the EasyCombo 3S Travel Power Strip, the EasyCombo 6S Power Strip features an additional reset switch on one side. When the total power of the electrical devices connected to the power strip exceeds its rated power, the reset switch will automatically disconnect the power to prevent overloading, which could lead to overheating of the wires or even fires. Additionally, it is equipped with internal lightning protection to effectively guard against lightning strikes and safeguard the safety of connected devices.

This time, the Huntkey EasyCombo 6S Power Strip utilizes flat AC outlets.

EasyCombo Extension Cord

The detachable cables HEC001/002/003 measure approximately 120cm, 300cm, and 500cm in length, respectively, meeting the length requirements for most household scenarios. Additionally, large-sized magic tape straps are included to cater to users' storage needs.

The internal AC wire cores and outlet copper strips of Huntkey's EasyCombo series power strips are made of high-quality copper. The AC plugs are US-standard three-pronged flat plugs with a 45° angled design, saving space and not interfering with adjacent outlets. They allow for easy plugging and unplugging even in tight spaces. Furthermore, they are imprinted with the US "ETL" certification and line identification for neutral, ground, and live wires.

The plug on the other end is secured with a press-fit latch to prevent detachment, achieving a perfect connection with a satisfying "click" sound, making it effortlessly suitable for electrical use scenarios during travel.

Usage scenarios

How does the Huntkey EasyCombo 6S Power Strip perform in practical use, given its revolutionary design?

When using the Huntkey EasyCombo 6S Power Strip on a desk, the 2C2A ports reserved on one side allow users to better manage cables and plug in/unplug devices, keeping the desk neat and organized.

The EasyCombo 3S Travel Power Strip also boasts multi-port cable management capabilities, and its white-gray color scheme complements any desk setup. Even when all outlets are occupied, users can easily plug in and unplug devices without interference.

Summary of ChargeLAB

The Huntkey EasyCombo Power Strip revolutionizes traditional power strips by separating the board from the cord and enabling easy combination, successfully allowing for flexible pairing of different cord lengths and outlet boards, achieving simplicity, practicality, and portability.

At the same time, the Huntkey EasyCombo series addresses issues such as the large size, high maintenance costs, lack of personalization, limited outlet count, and restricted cable length of conventional power strips. In contrast, the EasyCombo series offers greater flexibility, allowing users to choose different cables and outlet boards based on their needs, eliminating the need to purchase an entirely new power strip due to insufficient cable length or outlet space, which can lead to a waste of money and resources. In this regard, Huntkey consistently adheres to the concept of green, low-carbon, and environmental protection, creating its own desktop aesthetics.

Charging Test of the New MagSafe Charger with iPhone 16 Pro Max

Rusell — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 06:30:02 +0000

If you wanna buy the tester of POWER-Z, you can visit our Amazon store:
USA: Click here
Germany: Click here

Introduction
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Today we will use the iPhone 16 Pro Max, paired with the latest 25W MagSafe charger, to conduct a magnetic wireless charging test. Apple's official website claims that when it is paired with a 30W charger, it can provide 25W of wireless output power, which can charge the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro to half capacity in 30 minutes.

Wireless Charging Test of New MagSafe Charger with iPhone 16 Pro Max

Rusell — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 01:00:00 +0000

Introduction

Apple launched a new MagSafe charger to replace the old MagSafe charger launched four years ago. The appearance has not changed much, except that the cable has been changed to a woven one, which is more durable.

Today, ChargerLAB will use this new charger with the iPhone 16 Pro Max to conduct a wireless charging test to see what the actual charging power can reach.

Product Appearance

Apple's official website claims that when it is paired with a 30W charger, it can provide 25W of wireless output power, which can charge the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro to half capacity in 30 minutes.

It comes in a white box with the Apple logo and product appearance.

The specs info is posted on the bottom of the box: length 1m, model: A2580.

The box contains the MagSafe charger and some documents. It uses a woven cable, and the magnetic module is smaller and thinner.

It can support input of 5V3A, 9V3A, and 15V3A.

We will use an iPhone 16 Pro Max for testing, with iOS version 18.0.

Wireless Charging Test

In addition to supporting 25W MagSafe charging, the iPhone 16 Pro Max also supports Qi2 15W wireless charging and Qi 7.5W wireless charging.

Using an Apple 30W charger and the new MagSafe Charger to charge the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the measured input power is about 14.96V 1.94A 29.03W. Excluding losses, the wireless charging power is about 25W.

Full Charging Test

Next, we'll use the MagSafe Charger with an Apple 30W charger to fully charge the iPhone 16 Pro Max. And put them into a 25°C (77℉) thermotank throughout the test.

The voltage is around 15V at first, and the charging curve can be divided into five parts. In the first part, the peak power stays at 29W for the first 5 minutes. Then, the power gradually drops to 21W, 10W, and 4W in turn. At 39 minutes, the voltage drops from 15 V to 9 V briefly and then increases to 15 V. At 55 minutes, the voltage drops from 15 V to 9 V. The final part begins at one hour and 16 minutes, the power slowly drops to almost zero. During this process, the voltage drops to 5V. It takes 2 hours and 23 minutes to be fully charged.

We also turn it into another curve. The new MagSafe Charger can charge the iPhone 16 Pro Max to 50% in 34 minutes. And it can reach 80% in 1 hour and 10 minutes, 100% in 2 hours and 23 minutes.

Temperature Test

Since wireless charging generates a lot of heat, temperature is something everyone is concerned about. So, we recorded the highest temperature on the front and back after charging for 15 mins, 30 mins, and 50 mins.

After 15 mins of charging, the maximum temperature of the contact surface between the phone and the wireless charger is 41.2℃ (106.16 ℉). At this time, the charging power is about 21W.

After 30 mins of charging, the maximum temperature is 39.4℃ (102.92 ℉).

After 50 mins of charging, the maximum temperature is 39.3℃ (102.74 ℉). At this time, the charging power is about 10W. Compared with the temperature at the 15th minute, the temperature dropped by about 1.9°C, but it was still relatively high.

Summary of ChargerLAB

Within 31 minutes, the new MagSafe Charger can maintain a charging power of 21 to 29W. The full charging time is 2 hours and 23 minutes, which is similar to the previous generation. As for the temperature, it was maintained at 39.3-41.2°C within 50 minutes. It’s similar to other magnetic wireless chargers, but it has higher power, so it performs well.

OCuLink | Review of AOOSTAR AG01 OCuLink GPU Dock

Rusell — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 01:00:00 +0000

Introduction

Nowadays, in pursuit of high performance and portability, external GPU docks have become the preferred device for many users of thin and light laptops and mini PCs to improve graphics performance. Compared with the Thunderbolt GPU Dock, the GPU Dock with OCuLink interface has a significant advantage in bandwidth and transmission loss.

AOOSTAR AG01 OCuLink GPU Dock adopts an open design that is compatible with graphics cards of various lengths and is also more conducive to heat dissipation. It has a built-in customized Huntkey 400W power supply and is compatible with graphics cards such as AMD/Intel/NVIDIA. Next, let’s look at how the AOOSTAR AG01 OCuLink GPU Dock performs.

What is OCuLink?

OCuLink, short for "Optical-Copper Link," is a peripheral connection standard that allows you to connect PCIe devices using an external cable rather than an internal slot.

The interface was developed by the PCI-SIG, the Body for standardization and norming of the PCI interface (Peripheral Component Interconnect Special Interest Group). It is designed to provide a smaller, more flexible, and more efficient PCIe expansion solution.

OCuLink delivered PCIe 3.0 and PCIe 4.0 bandwidth. It also supports SATA and SAS. The common OCuLink interface on the market uses two different connectors, SFF-8611 and SFF-8612, which are used for the host side and the device side respectively. It provides 4 PCIe lanes, each with a bandwidth of 8GT/s (PCIe 3.0) or 16GT/s (PCIe 4.0), for a total bandwidth of up to 64Gbps.

OCuLink is a connection system for the PCI Express area. The interface has a Small-Form-factor which is optimized for internal and external enclosure usage. OCuLink cables are a cost-effective possibility for an external PCIe extension.

Compared to Thunderbolt which integrates DisplayPort and PCI-Express, OCuLink is a pure PCIe channel and does not include a DP channel. Its transmission loss is relatively low when connecting an external graphics card dock. OCuLink of PCIe 3.0×4 can reach a bandwidth of 32Gbps, while PCIe 4.0×4 can reach a bandwidth of 64Gbps, which is more advantageous than the maximum bandwidth of 22Gbps of Thunderbolt 3 and the maximum bandwidth of 32Gbps of Thunderbolt 4.

However, OCuLink may be slightly inferior to Thunderbolt in terms of compatibility, integrity, and completeness, but it has the characteristics of relatively lower price and better performance.

Product Appearance

The box contains the AOOSTAR AG01 OCuLink GPU Dock, AC power cord, two 8-pin graphics card power cables, and OCuLink cable.

The GPU dock is made of aluminum alloy, which not only has the high-end texture of metal but also has excellent thermal conductivity and heat absorption, which comprehensively improves the heat dissipation efficiency.

It is equipped with a power switch and OCuLink interface on the front. The OCuLink interface supports PCle direct connection and the interface has a safety lock to prevent it from falling off.

There is a note on the power switch. Since most laptops and mini PCs with OCuLink interfaces do not support hot plugging, you need to open the GPU dock before starting the computer.

This is the OCuLink interface, which is similar in overall shape to the DP (DisplayPort) interface but is not compatible.

The words "AOOSTAR" and "Designed By TIANBEI" are printed on the lower right corner.

It is equipped with a customized Huntkey 400W power supply, eliminating the need for a large external power supply.

These are two 8-pin graphics card power supply interfaces.

Both sides are hollowed out, and the right side is equipped with an AC power interface.

A knob for fixing the graphics card has been added above the AC power interface.

There is a reminder pasted on the interface on the top of it: Please be sure to use a graphics card below 250W. The official recommendation is to use NVIDIA RTX 4070 and AMD 7700XT and lower models.

It is equipped with a PCIe x16 graphics card interface.

There is a foot pad on each of the four bottom corners and ventilation on the left.

The specs info are posted on the bottom right. Model is AG01.

These are the two 8-pin graphics card power cables that come with it.

This is the included OCuLink cable.

This is the AC power cord, with 250V~10A printed in the middle.

The length of the 8-pin graphics card power cable is about 34 cm (13.39 inches).

The length of the OCuLink cable is about 41 cm (16.14 inches).

The length of the AC power cord is about 150 cm (59.055 inches).

The length of the GPU dock is about 22 cm (8.66 inches).

The width is about 11.05 cm (4.35 inches).

The thickness is about 5.99 cm (2.36 inches).

The weight of it is about 1410 g (49.74 oz).

GPU Expansion Test

Since the AOOSTAR AG01 OCuLink GPU Dock comes with its power supply, 8-pin graphics card cable, and OCuLink cable, we only need to install the Lenovo RTX 4060Ti 8GB graphics card into it and connect the cables to start testing.

It should be noted that since neither the AOOSTAR GEM12 Pro mini PC nor the AG01 GPU dock supports hot plugging, we need to connect the cables and turn on the switch on the front of the graphics dock before you turn on the mini PC.

Use GPU-Z to view various information about the graphics card. The graphics card is NVIDIA RTX 4060 Ti, with 48 ROPs, 136 TMUs, 4352 shaders, a default clock of 2310 MHz, a boost clock of 2535 MHz, memory type: GDDR6, memory size: 8GB, and a bus width of 128bit. The driver version is 31.0.15.5152 DCH/Win11 64.

Using 3D Mark to conduct PCI Express functional testing can verify whether the actual data transfer rate of the channel complies with the standard and ensure that the graphics card can fully exert its performance. After testing, the transmission bandwidth reached 5.23GB/s, which is lower than that of the similar OCuLink mini PC and GPU dock.

In the 3DMark TimeSpy (DX12 1440p) test, the Lenovo RTX 4060 Ti 8GB graphics card paired with the AOOSTAR AG01 OCuLink GPU Dock only achieved a graphics score of nearly 3190 points.

Under the AMD R7 5800X + MSI X570S + TEAMGROUP 8GB×2 3600MHz platform, the Lenovo 4060 Ti 8GB can achieve a score of 13330 points in the 3DMark TimeSpy (DX12 1440p) test.

Subsequently, we tried to connect the AOOSTAR AG01 GPU Dock to the Lenovo ThinkBook14+ 2024 that supports OCuLink, used different OCuLink cables, and replaced different versions of graphics card drivers, but incompatibility issues occurred and further testing could not be performed.

Summary of ChargerLAB

AOOSTAR AG01 OCuLink GPU Dock provides users with a solution to efficiently improve graphics performance with its efficient heat dissipation design, powerful power supply capability, and convenient connection method. However, during the test, perhaps due to the graphics card driver and compatibility issues between devices, the performance was average, and compatibility and stability still need to be strengthened. We will wait for optimization and further debugging before retesting.

Review of AOOSTAR AG01 OCuLink GPU Dock

Rusell — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 01:00:00 +0000

Today, we are going to introduce an OCuLink GPU Dock from AOOSTAR. Nowadays, in pursuit of high performance and portability, external GPU docks have become the preferred device for many users of thin and light laptops and mini PCs to improve graphics performance. Compared with the Thunderbolt GPU Dock, the GPU Dock with OCuLink interface has a significant advantage in bandwidth and transmission loss.

OCuLink | Review of AOOSTAR GEM12 Pro Mini PC

Rusell — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 01:22:25 +0000

Introduction

Mini PCs cannot be equipped with independent graphics cards due to size limitations, so their graphics processing capabilities are slightly weaker. However, with the promotion and application of OCuLink technology, more and more mini PCs have begun to support OCuLink. With its pure PCIe channel and a transfer rate of up to 64Gbps, OCuLink greatly improves the efficiency and response speed of external graphics cards, bringing stronger graphics computing capabilities to mini PCs.

AOOSTAR GEM12 Pro Mini PC is one of the first mini hosts equipped with an OCuLink interface, providing users with a wider range of expansion possibilities. In addition, it is equipped with an AMD R7 8845HS processor, which provides powerful computing power and smooth multitasking performance. It also has a display and a fingerprint recognition module, which adds more convenience.

What is OCuLink?

OCuLink, short for "Optical-Copper Link," is a peripheral connection standard that allows you to connect PCIe devices using an external cable rather than an internal slot.

However, OCuLink may be slightly inferior to Thunderbolt in terms of compatibility, integrity, and completeness, but it has the characteristics of relatively lower price and better performance.

Product Appearance

The box is black with GEM SERIES and PROFESSIONAL MINI PC printed on the front.

The specs info are pasted on the back. Model is GEM12 PRO. Processor: AMD 8845HS. Memory: 16GB. Storage: 1T. Graphics: Integrated. Network: WiFi+RJ45.

The box contains the AOOSTAR GEM12 Pro Mini PC, power adapter, accessories, and some documents.

The accessories include brackets, screws, hard drive heat sinks, rubber booster pads, etc.

AOOSTAR GEM12 Pro Mini PC is made of aluminum alloy and is made through multiple processes. The front is designed with ventilation and the word "GEM" is formed to improve the heat dissipation performance.

A TFT screen is added to the lower left of the front of the AOOSTAR GEM12 Pro Mini PC, which will have a unique animation when it is turned on. With the official software, it can also display information such as temperature, time, and frequency, and can even be customized.

From left to right on the top are the power button, 3.5mm headphone jack, two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, one USB4 port, and an independent OCuLink interface. The OcuLink interface is the PCIE 4.0*4 and can be connected to an external graphics card dock.

On the opposite side, from left to right, there is a full-function USB-C power port, two dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, one DP2.0 port, one HDMI2.1 port, and two USB 2.0 ports.

The side has a large area of hollowing out to enhance heat dissipation.

There is a cooling fan built into the bottom, and grooves are reserved at the four corners for installing height-enhancing foot pads. The two screw holes on the top are used to install the mounting bracket.

The included USB-C power adapter has a non-detachable cable.

The specs info are printed below the prongs. Model is HKA12019063-0A1. It can support input of 200-240V 50-60Hz 0.8A. It can support an output of 19V 6.32A.

The length of the cable is about 200 cm (78.74 inches).

The weight of the power adapter is about 272 g (9.59 oz).

The length of the AOOSTAR GEM12 Pro Mini PC is about 132 mm (5.2 inches).

The width is about 130 mm (5.12 inches).

The thickness is about 56.84 mm (2.24 inches).

This is a comparison with 200ml of Coca-Cola, and it can be seen that the mini PC is compact and small.

The weight of it is about 656 g (23.14 oz).

The ChargerLAB POWER-Z KM003C shows that the input power is about 57.91W when using the original power adapter to power the mini PC.

Different from other mini PCs, the AOOSTAR GEM12 Pro Mini PC has a customizable digital display and fingerprint recognition module.

GPU Expansion Test

We will connect the AOOSTAR GEM12 Pro Mini PC to the Minisforum DEG1 GPU Dock for testing.

Since the Minisforum DEG1 eGPU Dock does not come with a power supply, we used FSP's 350W power supply (model: FSP350-60AGBAK). The graphics card chosen is a Lenovo RTX 4060Ti 8GB.

Using 3D Mark to conduct PCI Express functional testing can verify whether the actual data transfer rate of the channel complies with the standard and ensure that the graphics card can fully exert its performance. After testing, the transmission bandwidth reached 6.7GB/s, which meets the bandwidth rate and loss of the OCuLink interface.

In the 3DMark TimeSpy (DX12 1440p) test, the Lenovo RTX 4060 Ti 8GB graphics card paired with the Minisforum DEG1 eGPU Dock can achieve a graphics score of nearly 13469 points.

Under the AMD R7 5800X + MSI X570S + TEAMGROUP 8GB×2 3600MHz platform, the Lenovo 4060 Ti 8GB can achieve a score of 13330 points in the 3DMark TimeSpy (DX12 1440p) test.

Finally, the game test shows that in Counter-Strike 2, at the default high-definition setting, the fps can reach 138 when connected directly to an external monitor and graphics card with OCuLink.

The AOOSTAR GEM12 Pro Mini PC was tested with the Minisforum DEG1 eGPU Dock. In the 3D Mark PCI Express functional test, it achieved a score of 6.7GB/s and in the 3DMark TimeSpy (DX12 1440p) it achieved a graphics score of nearly 13469 points, which is even higher than the performance on the desktop host platform. It can be seen that the overall performance loss is relatively small.

Summary of ChargerLAB

AOOSTAR GEM12 Pro Mini PC has a compact appearance, powerful performance, and rich interfaces, especially the OCuLink interface, making it a highly competitive product. Whether it is used for office, entertainment, or professional applications, it can do the job. In addition, it also has a display and fingerprint recognition module, which provides convenience.

In the 3D Mark TimeSpy test after connecting the GPU dock, the graphics card performance of the AOOSTAR GEM12 Pro Mini PC is comparable to that of the desktop platform, with less performance loss, and can provide relatively strong graphics processing capabilities. It also ran Counter-Strike 2 at a high frame rate. For users who pursue performance and portability, the AOOSTAR GEM12 Pro Mini PC is undoubtedly an option worth considering.

OCuLink | Review of Minisforum DEG1 eGPU Dock

Rusell — Sat, 31 Aug 2024 01:00:00 +0000

Introduction

Next, let’s take a look at how the Minisforum DEG1 eGPU Dock performs.

What is OCuLink?

OCuLink, short for "Optical-Copper Link," is a peripheral connection standard that allows you to connect PCIe devices using an external cable rather than an internal slot.

However, OCuLink may be slightly inferior to Thunderbolt in terms of compatibility, integrity, and completeness, but it has the characteristics of relatively lower price and better performance.

Product Appearance

The box adopts a simple design, with the outline of the GPU Dock, "MINISFORUM", model "DEG1" and its interface printed on the front.

The specs info are printed on the box.

The box contains the Minisforum DEG1 eGPU Dock, an OCuLink cable, the matching bracket, screws, and other small accessories.

The Minisforum DEG1 eGPU Dock has a minimalist design and is made of metal. Due to its open design, there is no limit on the length of the graphics card, and it supports up to NVIDIA Geforce RTX 4090 and AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX.

It provides a PCIe 4.0x4 expansion interface, which can provide a data transmission bandwidth of up to 64Gbps.

There is a 24-pin external power supply interface next to the base, which requires an independent power supply and is compatible with ATX/STX standard power supplies. In addition, it has a built-in signal amplification chip, which can achieve a more stable high-speed transmission.

There is a power switch button on the side and an indicator light next to it.

There is an OCuLink interface on the other side for connecting laptops, mini PCs, and other devices.

There are anti-slip silicone pads on the four corners of the bottom.

The included OCuLink cable has a press-on buckle design to prevent damage to the graphics card and GPU Dock due to pulling and accidental plugging and unplugging (The GPU Dock does not support hot plugging and can only be hot-plugged when paired with specific models such as Lenovo ThinkBook 14/16+ 2024 Core Edition).

The length of the OCuLink cable is about 66 cm (25.98 inches).

The length of the Minisforum DEG1 eGPU Dock is about 27 cm (10.63 inches).

The width is about 18 cm (7.087 inches).

The thickness is about 2.89 cm (1.14 inches).

The weight is about 880 g (31.041 oz).

GPU Expansion Test

We will connect the Minisforum DEG1 eGPU Dock to the Lenovo ThinkBook 14+ 2024 Core Edition and the AOOSTAR GEM12 Pro Mini PC respectively for testing. Since device compatibility, graphics card drivers, connecting cables, etc. may affect the performance of the graphics card after connection, the test results are for reference only.

Tested with Lenovo ThinkBook 14+ 2024

Since the Minisforum DEG1 eGPU Dock does not come with a power supply, we used FSP's 350W power supply (model: FSP350-60AGBAK). The graphics card chosen is a Lenovo RTX 4060Ti 8GB.

Using 3D Mark to conduct PCI Express functional testing can verify whether the actual data transfer rate of the channel complies with the standard and ensure that the graphics card can fully exert its performance. After testing, the transmission bandwidth reached 6GB/s, which basically meets the bandwidth rate and loss of the OCuLink interface.

In the 3DMark TimeSpy (DX12 1440p) test, the Lenovo RTX 4060 Ti 8GB graphics card paired with the Minisforum DEG1 eGPU Dock can achieve a graphics score of nearly 9634 points.

Under the AMD R7 5800X + MSI X570S + TEAMGROUP 8GB×2 3600MHz platform, the Lenovo 4060 Ti 8GB can achieve a score of 13330 points in the 3DMark TimeSpy (DX12 1440p) test.

Finally, the game test shows that in Counter-Strike 2, at the default high-definition setting, the fps can reach 123 when connected directly to an external monitor and graphics card with OCuLink.

The Lenovo ThinkBook14+ 2024 Core Edition was tested with the Minisforum DEG1 eGPU Dock. Although it achieved relatively good results in the PCI Express function test, it may be due to graphics card driver or compatibility issues. There is still a certain degree of loss in the actual 3D Mark TimeSpy running score compared with the running score under the direct connection to the PCI-E x16 slot.

Tested with AOOSTAR GEM12 Pro Mini PC

Since the Minisforum DEG1 eGPU Dock does not come with a power supply, we used FSP's 350W power supply (model: FSP350-60AGBAK). The graphics card chosen is a Lenovo RTX 4060Ti 8GB.

Using 3D Mark to conduct PCI Express functional testing can verify whether the actual data transfer rate of the channel complies with the standard and ensure that the graphics card can fully exert its performance. After testing, the transmission bandwidth reached 6.7GB/s, which basically meets the bandwidth rate and loss of the OCuLink interface.

In the 3DMark TimeSpy (DX12 1440p) test, the Lenovo RTX 4060 Ti 8GB graphics card paired with the Minisforum DEG1 eGPU Dock can achieve a graphics score of nearly 13469 points.

Under the AMD R7 5800X + MSI X570S + TEAMGROUP 8GB×2 3600MHz platform, the Lenovo 4060 Ti 8GB can achieve a score of 13330 points in the 3DMark TimeSpy (DX12 1440p) test.

Finally, the game test shows that in Counter-Strike 2, at the default high-definition setting, the fps can reach 137 when connected directly to an external monitor and graphics card with OCuLink.

In the 3D Mark PCI Express functional test, it achieved a score of 6.7GB/s and in the 3DMark TimeSpy (DX12 1440p) it achieved a graphics score of nearly 13469 points, which is even higher than the performance on the desktop host platform. It can be seen that the overall performance loss is relatively small.

Summary of ChargerLAB

Minisforum DEG1 eGPU Dock provides an ideal external graphics card solution for users of thin and light notebooks and mini PCs through its open design and high-bandwidth transmission brought by the OCuLink interface.

We used the Lenovo ThinkBook 14+ 2024 Core Edition and the AOOSTAR GEM12 Pro Mini PC for testing, and they performed well overall in terms of compatibility and graphics performance. For users who want a balance between portability, performance, and expandability, the Minisforum DEG1 eGPU Dock is a good choice.

Huntkey Charge Station F20 Review: Six-In-One Fast Charging Power Strip of Cat Claw-Shaped

Rusell — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 01:00:00 +0000

Introduction

As an indispensable part of life, power strips have attracted much attention for their quality and performance. Today, we will introduce to you a Huntkey Charge Station F20 with great features and advantages. Let’s follow the review of ChargeLAB and let’s take a look at how this power strip is different.

Product Unboxing

The appearance of Huntkey Charge Station F20 is designed in the shape of a cat's paw, which is cute and creative. Different from the "brick" sockets on the market, Charge Station F20 looks more simple with gray and white color matching. It is made of high flame-retardant PC material casing and is safer for home use. The surface of the shell is treated with a fine-grained frosting process and feels smooth.

The bottom of the front panel of Huntkey Charge Station F20 is the power switch button, with the Huntkey brand logo printed in the middle. The lightning protection indicator light and power-on indicator light are integrated below the button.

There are 3 USB output ports configured in the left area. USB-C supports PD20W. The USB socket is gold-plated, which makes the current transmission more stable and has a longer service life.

The three AC outlets can be adapted to various plugs, including standard plugs in different countries or regions, such as American, European, British, etc. In addition to the ground wire hole, there is a safety door inside the interface to reduce the risk of electric shock. You don’t have to worry about children accidentally plugging it in, and you can use electricity with confidence.

Huntkey Charge Station F20 also comes with a large velcro to meet the storage needs of users.

The relevant parameter information of the socket is also printed in the middle area of the bottom panel.

Model: SZN307C

Name: Power Strip (referred to as Huntkey Charge Station F20)

Technical parameters: MAX2500W-MAX10A, 100-250V~50/60Hz

Single port output: USB-Output: 5V⎓3A or 9V⎓2.22A or 12V⎓1.67A

USB-A1/A2 output: 5V⎓3A or 9V⎓2A or 12V⎓1.5A

Dual port output: USB-A1 + USB-A2 Output: 5V⎓3A (15W MAX)

USB-A1+USB-C output: 5V⎓1.5A+5V⎓1.5A (15W MAX)

USB-A2+USB-C output: 5V-1.5A+5V⎓1.5A (15W MAX)

Three-port output: USB-A1 + USB-A2 + USB-C output:

A1+A2: 5V=1.5A+C: 5V=1.5A (15W MAX)

Internal Structure

The AC wire core and copper bar inside the Huntkey Charge Station F20 are made of high-quality copper. Using sockets made of high-quality copper materials can improve conductivity, enhance safety, extend service life, reduce power loss, improve performance stability, adapt to different environments, reduce electromagnetic interference, improve aesthetics, support environmental protection, and meet high standards of electrical safety and performance requirements.

Scenes

When using Huntkey Charge Station F20 on the desktop, thanks to the wrap-around jack design and large spacing between the jacks, there is plenty of space between each hole and the plugs are not crowded. Users can better manage cables and plug and unplug. The desktop is more concise and organized. Even if all the jacks are fully plugged in, devices can be easily plugged in and out without interfering with each other.

Summary of ChargerLAB

The new design of Huntkey Charge Station F20 cleverly integrates the cat claw shape design with the surrounding large-spaced jack design, making the plugs no longer crowded. The configuration of the six-in-one multifunctional fast charging socket integrates desktop practicality and aesthetics, perfectly solving the problem of plugging and unplugging at the same time on the desktop, and comes with Velcro to prevent the cables from being messy.

In terms of performance, the USB-C port output supports up to 20W fast charging. In addition to smart devices such as mobile phones, headphones, and watches, it can also provide power to low-power desktop objects such as desk lamps and alarm clocks at the same time.

In terms of safety, it has built-in dual indicator lights, including overvoltage protection, overcurrent protection, overload protection, short circuit protection, undervoltage protection, surge protection, and over-temperature protection. The multiple protections allow users to use it with confidence.

If you need a power strip that is both beautiful and powerful, then this Charge Station F20 is undoubtedly one of your choices.

A Simple Guide to ChargerLAB POWER-Z KT002's Protocol Detection Feature

Joey — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 00:54:00 +0000

Introduction

It's been a while since we launched our ChargerLAB POWER-Z KT002. While it's been a favorite among tech enthusiasts, we realized we haven't provided detailed tutorials. Let's jump in by introducing the protocol detection feature.

Since it has only one button - MultiKey, the operation is a bit complex, and we already divided it down into three sections in our pervious article of unboxing of the ChargerLAB POWER-Z KT002, you can go check it out.

First, when testing a USB-A charger, like this Huawei charger, simply connect its male plug directly to the tester.

Of course, you can also use a USB-A to USB-C cable to connect the KT002's USB-C port to the charger. This is more convenient because you don't have to tilt your head to see the test data.

You can also use a cable to connect a USB-C charger, but it has to be a dual USB-C cable.

Test

Once the KT002 and charger are connected, press the MultiKey to the left, select "Fastcharge Auto Enum," and press it again.

Then, you will get this note. It means you need to disconnect any device connected to other ports, because the high voltage may ruin your device.

After a short wait, it will end with a beep, and the results will be presented in the form of a checklist. Specifically, the supported protocols will be displayed in green, while the unsupported ones will be in red, making it very intuitive.

Now, let's switch to a USB-C charger. You can see this 1A2C GaN charger supports many protocols, covering most fast charging needs of current phones.

Here are the test results for a Nubia GaN USB-A charger.

Since it's a phone's original charger, this OnePlus WARP charger supports fewer protocols, making it less suitable for other devices.

Realme, a subsidiary of OPPO, has a SuperDart charger with similar support to OnePlus, but with an additional 65W SuperVOOC protocol.

Furthermore, it can detect less common protocols, like the PE+/PE+2.0 protocol of this Meizu charger.

Finally, let's test it on a power bank. Take this all-protocol power bank for example. Its USB-A port supports VOOC series protocols.

Summary of ChargerLAB

The ChargerLAB POWER-Z KT002 is a versatile USB tester that allows you to measure voltage, current, power, and capacity. It also has a protocol detection feature that can identify the fast charging protocols supported by a charger or power bank, just like our KM003C!

Review of The Boring Lamp 3-in-1 Smart Lamp

Rusell — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 01:08:30 +0000

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Introduction

In recent years, smart homes have brought convenience and comfort to people's lives, so the demand for smart furniture is expanding rapidly. In the midst of constant innovation and competition, The Boring Lamp launches a multi-functional smart lamp. Its biggest feature is its modular design, which allows users to flexibly assemble and adjust the functions of the lamp according to their own needs and preferences.

The Boring Lamp 3-in-1 Smart Lamp has multiple uses such as wireless charging, desk lamp, ambient light, screen monitor hanging light, lightsaber, etc., and there are more usage scenarios waiting to be explored. Whether you are a child or an adult, you can find suitable functions. Next, we’ll put it to the test to see what makes it unique in terms of design and functionality.

Product Appearance

The box is overall black. "The Boring Lamp" and "World's First Versatile 3-in-1 Smart Lamp" are printed on the left side. The bottom shows its four main usage scenarios: desk lamp, ambient light, light sword, and screen light bar. The three-dimensional appearance of the product is printed on the right side.

The specs info are printed on the back of the box. Model is BZ0001. The color is silver/space grey. It can support wireless charging power of 5~15W. The total power is 24W. And the battery capacity is 2000mAh.

The box contains a retractable lamp stand, a wireless charging base, an LED light bar, a magnetic bracket of the screen light, a battery, a portable charging base, a dual USB-C cable, and a DC adapter.

The one-piece shell of the wireless charging base is made of fire-retardant material. There are two slots at the top. One slot is used to install the retractable lamp stand, and the other is used to charge the battery or power the LED light bar. Below is the magnetic wireless charging panel.

The bottom of the base is equipped with two silicone pads. And there are the specs info of the base. Model is BZ0001 / BZ0002. It can support an input power of 12V 2.25A 30W. The maximum output power is 9V 1.12A 10W. The charging power of wireless charging is 7.5-15W. The battery capacity is 1800-3000mAh. The number of lamp beads is 89.

The back of the wireless charging base is the DC input port. The brand's logo and "The Boring Lamp" are on the side.

The retractable lamp stand is made of aluminum alloy with a matte surface. The front end is retractable, allowing users to adjust it to a suitable height in desk lamp mode.

Here is the magnetic contact used to connect the LED light bar.

It has four contacts on the back end for connecting to the wireless charging base.

The magnetic bracket of the screen light supports multiple angle adjustments. Fix it on the monitor, then fix the LED light bar to turn it into a screen light.

The portable charging base can be connected to the LED light bar through the special contact. It also has a USB-C port, which can be used with the included dual USB-C cable to charge the lamp or battery.

The two ends of the LED light bar are made of aluminum alloy and adopt a matte design.

The LED light bar integrates 60 LED beads and 29 RGB beads. You can switch the color of light by touching the top.

There is also a brightness adjustment knob on the side of the switch of the LED light bar.

The other end of it also has four contacts inside, which can be connected to the battery, the retractable stand, the wireless charging base, and the portable charging base. Corresponding to four different usage scenarios: light sword, desk lamp, ambient light, and screen light bar.

The design of the battery is similar to that of the LED light bar. It can also be connected to the LED light bar, portable charging base, and wireless charging base through special contacts.

Here is the included dual USB-C cable.

The connectors and cable body are made of PC material, and the "5A" is printed on it.

The length of it is about 2 m (6' 6.74'').

The logo is printed on the front of the DC adapter. It is made of fire-retardant material.

The specs info are printed on the back of it. It has passed FC and VI certifications. Model is AS024M-1202500U. It can support input of 100-240V~50/60Hz 0.8A. The maximum output is 30W.

Function Experience

It has many functions. Now, let us experience its various functions separately.

LED Desk Lamp

Connect the wireless charging base to the DC adapter and fix the light bar. Press and hold the switch on the LED light bar, the light bar will light up, and it can be used as an LED desk lamp.

The tester shows the power at this time is close to 4.5W.

Put the iPhone 15 Pro on the wireless charging panel, and the phone can be charged normally.

At this time, the power is about 14.8W. The power of wireless charging is about 10W.

In desk lamp mode, the desk lamp can be adjusted to a suitable height or direction through the retractable lamp stand.

Ambient Light

You can install the LED light bar on the slot with special contacts on the wireless charging base to turn it into a desktop ambient light.

It integrates 60 LED beads and 29 RGB beads, allowing the ambient light to switch freely between multiple colors.

Furthermore, it has an integrated microphone. When playing music or watching movies, the smart lamp will pick up and analyze sounds and follow the rhythm of the music.

The light bar can also be powered by the portable charging base.

Screen Light Bar

The light bar can be fixed on the monitor through the magnetic bracket, turning it into the screen light bar.

It can be fixed to the monitor stably, even with a curved case like the iMac.

A screen light bar can balance the ambient light and relieve eyestrain.

Lightsaber

It can also be turned into an interesting portable lightsaber with the battery module, just like Jedi in Star Wars.

The connection between the light bar and the battery is secure and does not come loose during use. The brightness and color of the LED light bar are adjustable, greatly improving the playability of the lightsaber.

Charging Test

Full Charging Test

We charge the battery with the original charger and record the data with the PA300 power meter.

We plot the data into a curve to see how fast it can be charged. The battery can be charged to 50% in 37 mins, 80% in 1 hour and 4 mins, and 100% in 1 hour and 40 mins.

Wireless Charging Test

We charge the iPhone 15 with the wireless charging panel. Put them into a 25°C (77℉) thermotank throughout the test and record the data with the PA300 power meter.

From this chart, we know the iPhone 15 can be charged to 50% in 1 hour and 3 mins and 80% in 1 hour and 47 mins. It can also be charged to 100% in 3 hours.

After 60 mins of charging, the maximum temperature on the contact point between the phone and the base is 38.2 °C (100.76 ℉).

Summary of ChargerLAB

The Boring Lamp 3-in-1 Smart Lamp is different from most similar products in design and functionality. It features a simple design and high-quality materials. It can adjust brightness and color and charge your phone wirelessly. The built-in microphone can analyze external sounds and let the ambient light follow the rhythm of the music.

It stands out on the market with its modular design and multi-functional. Whether it is used as a desk lamp, lightsaber, ambient light, or screen light, it can meet the different needs of users and bring fun and convenience.

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Multi-Functional | Review of The Boring Lamp 3-in-1 Smart Lamp

Rusell — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 01:09:22 +0000

If you wanna buy the tester of POWER-Z, you can visit our Amazon store: Click here.

Introduction
---------------------------------------------------------------
This time, ChargerLAB got a 3-in-1 Smart Lamp from The Boring Lamp. It has multiple uses such as wireless charging, desk lamp, ambient light, screen monitor hanging light, lightsaber, etc., and there are more usage scenarios waiting to be explored.
Next, we’ll put it to the test to see what makes it unique in terms of design and functionality.

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DC to Dual USB-C | Simple Test of PDLink Convertor

Joey — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 11:09:18 +0000

Introduction

Whether it's the high-power AC/DC adapters left over from obsolete laptops or the power adapters from decommissioned routers, most of us have these items lying around in our homes to some extent. However, with the majority of modern smart devices now equipped with the mainstream and universal USB-C port, these "antiques" are left gathering dust in the corners.

Today, we'll provide a brief introduction and review of a product similar to the HP USB-C to 3.0mm & 4.5mm Adapter we mentioned before. Its name is PDLink, well, kind of; because this project is still in its early stages, hence the bare PCB, but no worries, it will look much better when officially launched. This remarkable product can convert DC power adapters into a universal USB-C port for charging. Let's take a look!

Product Appearance

The PCB of PDLink is equipped with a 220uf/12V, a 110uf/35V filtering capacitor, an inductor wrapped in heat-shrinkable tubing, MLC capacitors, USB-C sockets, and other components, all neatly laid out.

Additionally, its backside hosts a protocol chip responsible for protocol conversion.

Looking from the side, the DC socket has full copper-nickel plated pin, more resistant to oxidation and wear, with a specification of DC 5520.

At the other end of the PCB are two USB-C sockets, with a black plastic sheet inside.

Moreover, there are two power-on LED indicators between the USB ports; the corresponding light will illuminate blue during charging.

The length of the PCB is about 30mm (1.18 inches).

The width is about 28mm (1.10 inches).

And the weight is about 8.5g (0.30 oz).

Protocol Test

Next, we selected a random DC power adapter for protocol testing; according to our tests, both USB-C ports have consistent charging protocols, so we'll only elaborate on one.

ChargerLAB POWER-Z KM003C shows that it can support FCP, AFC, QC3.1, SFCP, PD3.0, PPS, QC4+, DCP and Apple 2.4A protocols.

And it supports three fixed PDOs of 5V3A, 9V3A, 12V/2.5A, and a set of PPS, 3.3-11V/3A.

Charging Test

The maximum output power of this one is 30W; considering conversion efficiency, it needs to be greater than 35.294W, suggesting power adapters within the 12V-28V range, preferably 12V3A or higher, with power greater than 36W for the test.

In other words, if the input power is below 36W, the power adapter may overload, so special attention is needed.

Connecting PDLink via a DC power adapter, ChargerLAB POWER-Z KM003C measured MacBook's input power as 11.09V 2.42A 26.84W when using a hundred-watt USB-C to USB-C charging cable to connect PDLink and MacBook.

Switching to iPad Air, the input power at the tablet end was measured as 11.09V 2.43A 26.98W, almost identical to the MacBook.

For the iPhone 15 Pro, which originally had a maximum charging power of around 20W, the charging power reached 24W, perfectly meeting charging needs.

Next is the Mate 60 Pro, with a slightly lower input power of 9.07V 1.89A 17.14W.

While the Xiaomi 13 Ultra can reach nearly 25W, which is quite good.

The result for iQOO 12 Pro was 9.08V 1.92A 17.38W.

Finally, the Meizu 20 Pro, currently only sold in China, performed the best, with a measured input power of 8.64V 3.31A 28.61W.

Let's see how dual-port charging performs. When simultaneously charging the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Huawei Mate 60 Pro, the power outputs were 7.09W and 9.35W respectively.

In conclusion, the performance of PDLink's two USB-C ports is the same, with a maximum single-port charging power of 30W; when both ports are outputting simultaneously, the total output power is 5V3.4A.

Summary of ChargerLAB

Based on the above test results, PDLink's USB-C ports provide output power equivalent to the original adapter, offering efficient charging conversion, and can charge two devices simultaneously. Users can repurpose idle DC power adapters for routers, desk lamps, speakers, and more, compatible with mainstream charging methods, not only environmentally friendly but also saving money.

Teardown of Rophie 200W Folding Solar Charger (SC020)

Rusell — Fri, 24 May 2024 01:00:00 +0000

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Introduction

For users of power supplies, charging is a problem when they are outdoors for a long time. Some power supplies are not equipped with solar charging panels and are not compatible with other brands of solar panels. This creates opportunities for third-party solar panels.

ChargerLAB this time get a 200W solar charger from Rophie. It adopts a lightweight design and is 40% lighter than similar products. It comes with an adapter with six connectors that can charge different devices. Next, let’s take this solar charger apart and take a look at its design.

Product Appearance

The front of the box is printed with Rophie's logo, product model: SC020, product appearance, and selling points.

The specs info are printed on the back, we'll talk about later.

The Rophie 200W Folding Solar Charger is designed with magnetic handles on both sides, making it easy to store and carry.

The surface and edges of the solar panels have no thread and have fine workmanship.

There are also metal rings on the edges to reinforce it, making it more durable.

It has an integrated storage bag on the back and comes with a bracket.

One end of the bracket is connected and fixed with the solar panel through screws.

The other end has black cloth straps for supporting and fixing

After the bracket is assembled, the solar panel can be held stably.

The storage bag is printed with the Rophie's logo.

The output cable and adapter are in the storage bag.

Here is the included adapter.

The output cable and adapter both adopt the MC-4 connector.

The other end of the adapter has a variety of types of connectors, making it easy to adapt to many devices.

The specs info are also printed inside the storage bag.

Model is SC020. The output power is 200W. The open circuit voltage is 24.48V. The working voltage is 19.44V. The working current is 10.8A. And the short circuit current 11.66A.

This is what it looks like when unfolded.

Its width is about 61 cm (24.02 inches) when folded.

The height is about 59.5 cm (23.43 inches).

The thickness of the handles is about 42 mm (1.65 inches).

The thickness of a single-layer solar panel is 3 mm (0.12 inches).

The weight is about 6.13 kg (13.51 lbs).

Teardown

Next, let's start to take it apart.

First, unscrew the screws inside the storage bag.

The handles are also fixed with screws.

Remove the screws of the handles, and take off the cover.

There are magnets inside the cover of the handle.

There is also fixed with screws.

Take off the handel.

The wires that connect the solar panel and the output cable are waterproofing through glue.

Summary of ChargerLAB

The Rophie 200W Folding Solar Charger can support an output of 200W. The open circuit voltage is 24.48V. The working voltage is 19.44V. The working current is 10.8A. And the short circuit current 11.66A. Its length and width are about 60 cm (23.62 inches), and its thickness is about 42 mm (1.65 inches), after folding. And it weighs about 6.13 kg (13.51 lbs). It comes with a 2 m (6'56'') output cable. The adapter has six connectors that can charge different devices.

The handles and the storage bag are fixed with screws. And the storage bag is used to store the output cable and adapter. The wires connecting the solar panel to the output cable are set in a sealed housing and waterproofed with glue.

Buy Now

Turning Waste into Wealth | Simple Test of HP USB-C to 3.0mm & 4.5mm Adapter

Joey — Sun, 05 May 2024 00:53:00 +0000

Introduction

Not long ago, we conducted teardowns and simple tests on an HP 4.5mm and USB Dock Adapter; essentially, this is a converter that allows older laptops with only outdated DC charging ports to utilize the most versatile PD charging.

However, in practical life, due to inevitable hardware aging and the increasingly powerful performance of electronic devices, the vast majority of older laptops are completely unable to meet the needs of modern users, and can only collect dust or be completely phased out.

On the other hand, the dedicated high-current DC chargers for these laptops still have many uses because, in terms of performance, they are far from being obsolete.

That's why today we will briefly review an HP USB-C to 3.0mm & 4.5mm adapter, which enables the conversion of DC chargers to PD fast charging output, with a tested maximum output power of 20V 4.25A 85W; Let's take a look.

Product Appearance

Similar to the previous Dock Adapter, the HP USB-C to 3.0mm & 4.5mm Adapter still uses a high flame-retardant PC material shell with a matte surface treatment, making the main body more three-dimensional and sharply angular, similar to a regular hub.

The bottom is marked with a power input icon.

The input end is equipped with two DC barrel jacks, one for 4.5mm and the other for 3mm.

The integrated USB-C cable connection with the body has a common protective sleeve, making it more resistant to bending.

The USB-C connector's shell is embossed with a lightning symbol, and there is also a protective sleeve at the connection point with the cable itself.

Special pin design is adopted internally for the USB-C.

ChargerLAB POWER-Z KM003C indicates that it does not have an E-marker chip.

Connecting a 100W DC power adapter, the USB-C fast charging protocol is read, supporting charging protocols such as DCP and PD2.0.

It has only one fixed PDO of 5V3A.

The length of the HP USB-C to 3.0mm & 4.5mm Adapter is about 67mm (2.64 inches).

The width is also about 48mm (1.89 inches).

And the thickness is about 19mm (0.75 inches).

The length is about 9cm (3.54 inches)

And the weight is about 53g (1.87 oz).

This is how it looks like on my hand, just like a regular hub.

Simple Test

Next, let's see how the HP USB-C to 3.0mm & 4.5mm Adapter performs in actual DC conversion test.

It supports 65W/20W output; for this test, we will use an HP 65W DC power adapter connected to the 4.5mm DC jack.

First, charging a Samsung phone using this setup, we measured an input power of 5.11V 2.78A 14.2W at the phone end.

Switching to a Xiaomi phone, the input power at the phone end decreased to 5.28V 0.95A 5.02W. This is a normal result due to Xiaomi phone's poor PD protocol compatibility.

Finally, charging a Huawei phone, the input power at the phone end was measured at 5.18V 1.98A 10.26W, which is better than Xiaomi.

Summary of ChargerLAB

In conclusion, the HP USB-C to 3.0mm & 4.5mm Adapter injects new vitality into aging laptop power adapters, revitalizing their functionality for modern usage. By facilitating the conversion to PD fast charging output, this adapter offers a practical solution for extending the usability of older laptop accessories.

Looking ahead, ChargerLAB has exciting plans for the coming months. We are thrilled to announce that we will be launching a mysterious device similar to this product, yet with vastly improved performance, port types, and affordability. Stay tuned for the unveiling of this innovative solution, which promises to revolutionize the way we power our devices with older power adapter.

PD 65W | Charging Review of DeWalt USB Charging Kit

Joey — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 00:49:00 +0000

Introduction

Half a year ago, we introduced a tool by DeWalt that charges via USB-C - the DeWalt USB Charging Kit. It simplifies the process of charging power tool batteries more than ever before and allows these same batteries to function as power banks for your iOS, Android phones, or tablets.

Today, we finally got our hands on one, so let's dive into testing the charging performance of the included charger and charging kit.

Product Appearance

The packaging box continues DeWalt's signature black and yellow industrial style, with simple usage illustrations and warning instructions for the charging kit below.

Specs info is printed on the side of the packaging box.

Upon opening the box, you'll find the USB charging kit, charger, charging cable, instruction manual, and others.

The DeWalt 65W charger features a black PC casing with bright yellow "DEWALT" and "65W" power markings on the front. It has a matte finish and a square shape.

The output utilizes a USB-C port with a black plastic sheet.

Its output plug is designed to be fixed for added stability.

The specs info of the 65W charger is located underneath the plug.

The model number is 2AEK0655. It supports an input of 100-240V~50/60Hz 1.7A and an output of up to 20V3.25A, 65W.

The DeWalt USB charging kit adopts a similar design style with rounded edges for a comfortable grip.

And the specs info for the DeWalt USB charging kit is on its side. The USB-C input/output can go up to 20V5A DC, while with battery input/output, it can reach up to 20V/6A DC.

Its bottom features USB-A+USB-C ports, with the USB-C port supporting input/output as expected.

At the bottom is the battery charging compartment, adorned with warning stickers.

Upon closer inspection, you can see the specially designed blade-style charging pins inside, designed for use with their own batteries.

Its top is thoughtfully equipped with power indicator lights for indicating charging states and hot/cold delay.

The included charging cable is a black and yellow braided design, offering high-density weaving.

The connectors are imprinted with "DEWALT" and are relatively soft, providing better flexibility.

The USB-C connector utilizes a specially designed pin configuration, possibly enabling different functionalities.

ChargerLAB POWER-Z KM003C indicates that it supports 20V5A power transmission and USB 2.0.

The cable length is approximately 1m (3' 34'').

The length of the DeWalt 65W Charger is about 62mm (2.44 inches).

The width is also about 62mm (2.44 inches).

And the thickness is about 28mm (1.10 inches). So the volume is approximately 109.05cm³, with a power density of about 0.6W/cm³.

And the weight is about 136g (4.80 oz).

The weight of the DeWalt USB charging kit is about 115g (4.06 oz).

It's noticeably smaller than the Apple 67W charger.

Protocol Test

KM003C shows that it supports FCP, QC3.0, MTK, PD3.0, DCP, SAM 2A and Apple 2.4A protocols.

It supports five fixed PDOs of 5V3A, 9V3A, 12V3A, 15V/3A, and 20V3.25A.

Charging Test

Next, we will comprehensively evaluate this charger from the aspects of compatibility, full charging process, and standby power consumption.

Firstly, charging the original battery with the charging kit allows you to check the battery status via the charging indicator lights. At this point, KM003C measured the USB-C input power at 20.14V 3.29V 66.23W.

Additionally, since its USB-C port supports bidirectional charging, you can use the battery as a power bank for other devices under circumstances. As you can see, it can provide around 30W of charging power for an iPad Pro.

When switched to a 16-inch MacBook Pro M1 Max, its charging power reaches 88.87W, very close to the theoretical maximum power.

After fully charging the original battery, you can load it into a power drill for wireless operation.

Charging Compatibility Test

Next, ChargerLAB will conduct a comprehensive test on the compatibility of the charger's USB-C port. We will evaluating its performance with a selection of several products, aiming to cover the majority of users' charging scenarios.

For example, the DeWalt 65W Charger can provide about 14W of charging power for the Samsung Galaxy S23+.

When switched to the OPPO Find X6 Pro, the power slightly increases to 17W.

Summarizing all the data into a table, most tested smartphones can trigger a 9V voltage value, gaming consoles and tablets trigger 15V, and laptops trigger 20V.

Drawing a bar chart, the highest charging power is 63.88W for the 16-inch MacBook Pro M1 Max. From the chart, it's evident that the DeWalt 65W charger's charging power for the Apple Watch Ultra is noticeably lower than the original charger, and the realme GT Neo5 SE exhibits an abnormal charging power below 5W. Overall, its charging performance for Apple products is relatively excellent, with charging power for high-power devices like laptops exceeding 60W.

Full Charging Test

Next, we'll use the USB-C port of the 65W charger to fully charge the MacBook Pro M2.

The voltage is basically stay at 20V, and the charging curve can be divided into four parts. In the first part, the peak power stayed around 56W for the first 3 mins. Then, the power gradually drops to 37W, and 25W in turn. Finally, the final part begins at one hour and 30 mins, the power slowly drops to almost zero. It takes two hour and 36 mins to be fully charged.

We also turn it into another curve. The charger can charge the MacBook Pro M2 to 50% in 45 mins. And it can reach 80% in one hour and 28 mins, 100% in two hours and 36 mins. This is actually pretty fast for a third-party charger.

Standby Power Test

As for the standby power part. The power consumption at 220V 50Hz is 0.104W, and 0.023W at 110V 60Hz, which is about 0.911 and 0.201KW·h in one year, respectively. The result is pretty god, so you won't feel an increase in your electricity bill at all.

Conversion Efficiency Test

Next, we will conduct test on this product to assess its conversion efficiency under two different AC input voltages: 220V 50Hz and 110V 60Hz. The following chart outlines our test results.

The conversion efficiency varies from 83.75% to 90.77% at 220V 50Hz. The conversion efficiency varies from 85.91% to 88.77% at 110V 60Hz.

The conversion efficiency reaches the average among all chargers we tested.

Ripple Test

Chargers often rely on switch-mode power supplies, which means that the output from the transformer's secondary winding is not direct current and must be rectified and filtered by capacitors before being outputted. As a result, ripples can exist in the output signal. To evaluate the quality of the output, ChargerLAB employs an oscilloscope to test the ripple value of the charger's output. In general, the lower the ripple, the higher the output quality.

Firstly, let's check out its ripple without load. When the output is 12V 0A, the lowest ripple is 24 mVp-p. When the output is 5V 0A, the highest ripple is 55.2 mVp-p.

Then, move to the ripple test when loaded. The overall ripple is opposite to the ripple without load. When the output is 20V 3.25A, the highest ripple is 71.2 mVp-p. When the output is 5V 3A, the lowest ripple is 19.2 mVp-p. So, its ripple is not that good.

Temperature Test

We also put it into a 25°C (77℉) thermotank throughout the test. After an hour of 20V3.25A output, we got the maximum temperature.

Under 220V 50Hz, this side is 61.3°C (142.34℉).

And the other side is 56.6°C (133.88 ℉).

Moving on to the 110V 60Hz. The maximum temperature on this side is 66.7°C (152.06℉).

And the maximum temperature on the back is 70.7°C (159.26℉).

As you can see, it's lower than the IEC 62368 standard, but not by much.

Summary of ChargerLAB

After the test, it was found that the standby power consumption of the DeWalt 65W charger is around 0.104W, with measured conversion efficiency ranging from 83% to 91%. In a full charge test conducted on the MacBook Pro M2 2022, it took approximately 2 hours and 36 minutes, which is not significantly different from the experience with the Apple original 67W charger.

Overall, the DeWalt 65W charging kit, whether in terms of the charger or the USB charging kit, can efficiently store energy for batteries and other devices. For users who already own other DeWalt toolkits, it is a relatively good choice.

Simple Test of HP 4.5mm and USB Dock Adapter

Joey — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 01:30:36 +0000

Introduction

Just a short while ago, USB-A to USB-C cables were the most commonly used cables among ordinary consumers. However, with the powerful performance and smaller size of USB-C ports, they are becoming increasingly popular. This means that if you only carry dual USB-C cables and have an old laptop without USB-C ports, you won't be able to transfer files via cable.

However, recently, ChargerLAB published a teardown article for the HP 4.5mm and USB Dock Adapter (HSA-B006), which conveniently addresses the aforementioned issue by converting the USB-A port on your computer to USB-C. Next, let's give it a simple test.

Product Appearance

This adapter is compact and flat, with a short USB and 4.5mm DC extension cable.

One of the extension cables terminates in a USB-A port, featuring an independent 9-pin design. It is officially stated to support the USB 3.0 transmission.

The other extension cable terminates in an HP-style old-fashioned 4.5mm port, which is now rarely seen on modern devices and is primarily used as a power supply port.

And the big HP logo is engraved on the adapter.

All the specs info are printed on the back. Model is HSA-B006, it can support input of 20V3A, and the output can be up to 20V2.5A. It has passed CE, FCC, CP, VCCI, EAC, RCM, UL, KC certification.

The USB-C port with 24 pins is located at the bottom, as advertised by the official promotion, it can be used to connect to a docking station to achieve functions such as network sharing and display expansion.

The extension cable lengths are approximately 16cm (6.30 inches) and 9cm (3.54 inches) respectively.

And the weighs is just about 24g (0.85 oz).

Simple Test

Next, let's conduct a simple test, setting aside all the complex data.

When connected to an old PC and a Redmi K50, using this adapter, the phone can be recognized normally, and a pop-up window appears with options for charging, file transfer, and photo access.

It also works well when connecting to an SSD enclosure for data transfer. Additionally, it can be used to connect to a docking station for network sharing, expanding displays (although it doesn't support high-resolution or high-refresh-rate displays), and accessing TF cards, among other functions.

Summary of ChargerLAB

While HP's adapter is designed to support charging ports on older laptops, it performs impressively in the current era, with the tested USB-A port exhibiting USB 3.0 transfer capabilities and performing well in file transfers.

Currently discontinued, this product is becoming increasingly rare in the market. Despite its limitations in port compatibility, it serves as a standout product, enabling features like video expansion and network sharing through docking stations, making it a standout in the previous era.