Inside a Bargain 600W Charger: The Uninvited Gooey Surprise

Labeling a device with 600W doesn't ensure it meets expectations.

Each year, I scrutinize numerous chargers. Some excel while others miss the mark. On ZDNET, I highlight only the top performers. Yet, readers often seek my input on various products.

Recently, a 600W GaN charger has been in the spotlight, so I took the plunge and purchased a few for evaluation. Priced at $99, they're more affordable compared to a $140 competitor, with the bonus of 8 ports compared to just 5 ports on the rival.

An 8-port charger sounds impressive, doesn't it? But unfortunately, that wasn't the case.

Warning Signs

The first cautionary sign was its unknown brand. How could it offer 600W chargers when reputable names like Anker and Belkin haven't? These brands have long established their reliability and quality.

Troubles began once the charger was connected. It proved unpredictable, managing 140W on one USB-C but only 65W on another claimed 140W port, with a 100W port outright nonfunctional.

Furthermore, connecting or disconnecting devices often rendered the charger inoperative, needing a full reset by unplugging the entire unit.

The unit needed constant resetting to attempt reaching its supposed 600W capacity. No success.

A Mysterious Lump

Curiosity led me to dismantle the charger, quickly revealing a mysterious, gooey mass inside. Appearing similar to thermal paste, its texture and smell likened more to window sealant. The substance, leaving behind a greasy film, seemed to artificially add weight to the otherwise lightweight device.

Not exactly what one anticipates discovering in a charger of supposed high capacity.

Potential Danger

Upon closer inspection, the charger's design flaws became evident. An insufficient separation exists between the high and low-voltage sections, posing risks of delivering a dangerous voltage output from faults. The components—transformers and regulators—hardly support the advertised power capacity.

Also troubling was how readily the charger opened, risking exposure of the high-voltage components during accidental desk falls, potentially leading to unsafe contact with live parts.

Conclusion

This charger fails to meet adequate standards, reinforcing the necessity of rigorous testing. Manufacturers can declare impressive capabilities on packaging but crafting products that genuinely fulfill these promises is a challenging endeavor.

For a reliable high-power charger, consider established brands with a reputation for quality products.