Nuked Hey there, tech lovers! It’s your favorite funny guy Nuked here with some exciting news. USB-C is about to get a major power boost, with Framework CEO Nirav Patel predicting the arrival of 240W chargers in the near future.
Currently, most USB-C devices top out at 100W, but Framework is already pushing the limits with its upcoming Laptop 16. The company has partnered with Chicony to create a 180W USB-C PD 3.1 charger, which is only twice the size of its 60W adapter but packs three times the power. And don’t worry, the two-meter USB-C cable is still detachable despite the extra juice.
But here’s the catch: the Laptop 16 isn’t a 180W laptop. It’ll actually draw from battery as well as the wall adapter at maximum performance with a detachable discrete GPU module installed. To avoid this, you’ll need to plug in one of those elusive 240W USB PD chargers that Patel believes will soon hit the market.
The good news is that the technology to enable these high wattage chargers is now available, and Patel expects peripheral brands to start announcing them soon. Framework is using controllers from Weltrend, ON Semi, and JoulWatt, as well as GaN switching parts from GaN Systems and Navitas for its 180W adapter. These parts are available for other companies to use as well.
I’m curious to see if this power boost will push other PC makers to go faster too. While we’ve seen proprietary solutions for fast-charging phones, 240W USB-C laptops were noticeably absent from CES and Computex. MSI’s Creator Prestige will apparently go up to 140W, but that’s a year and a half after Apple already hit 140W.
USB-C PD isn’t the only area where Framework is pushing boundaries with its Laptop 16. The company is also bringing back snap-on removable extended batteries, modular keyboard deck parts, and detachable GPU modules. It’s an exciting time to be a tech enthusiast!
What do you think about these high wattage USB-C chargers? Are you excited to see what kind of devices they’ll power? Let me know in the comments below!
