The End of Gaming Laptop Brick Power Adapters! Unboxing and Hands-On with the SlimQ F330W GaN Charger

Gaming laptops today are striving for higher power consumption, which inevitably brings a demand for higher power supply. For instance, a dual-stress-tested 180W laptop requires a standard 280W power adapter to ensure it operates at full capacity without drawing power from the battery. However, laptop power adapters are generally bulky. A 280W adapter (including the cables) weighs around 900g, while a 330W adapter exceeds 1.2kg, earning the nickname "brick" for a reason.

Weight of the HP 280W power adapter and cable

 

Weight of the Acer 330W power adapter and cable

Recently, SlimQ introduced the F330W GaN charger, designed specifically for the high-performance gaming laptop market. It offers an impressive 330W output power but is much smaller than traditional 330W and 280W adapters. In fact, its actual weight is only 585g, making it outstanding in terms of size and weight.

This product comes with a black carrying case featuring the SlimQ logo on the front. Inside, you’ll find the F330W GaN charger, an AC cable, a DC cable, a wrist strap, and a product instruction card.

The main body of the charger is made of high flame-retardant material in a gray finish. The upper part has a matte texture with the model label and a power indicator. The lower part incorporates several linear grills, which not only add visual appeal but also increase heat dissipation and improve grip to prevent slipping.

Both sides of the charger feature woven fabric decorations, enhancing the premium feel while providing better grip during handling to avoid accidental drops.

The bottom of the charger has a label with specifications, including the output details for each port.

The AC input port is located on the left side, using a standard C6 cloverleaf connector.

On the right side is the DC XT60 output port, with a dustproof and waterproof rubber plug. Adjacent to it are two USB Type-C ports.

The XT60 is a connector designed for high current, with a rated current of no less than 30A, low resistance, flame resistance, a compact design, and easy plug-and-play functionality. This port supports 20V/16.5A, providing up to 330W output when used alone. The two Type-C ports support PD3.0, PPS, QC2.0-4.0, as well as Apple, FCP, SCP, AFC, and other fast-charging protocols, with a maximum output of 100W.

When using the DC port and one Type-C port simultaneously, the F330W prioritizes the DC port, providing 230W and 100W output respectively. If all three ports are used at the same time, the power is distributed as 130W + 100W + 100W.

Both the AC and DC cables are made of high-quality silicone and braided material, offering superior flexibility and durability. They can withstand bending and folding during storage without cracking. Additionally, a silicone strap is included for convenient cable management.

With its robust build, the combined weight of the F330W and cables is 883g, comparable to the 280W power adapter (including cables) that comes with HP’s Omen 10 gaming laptop.

The SlimQ F330W is straightforward to use. The XT60 DC cable connects to high-power devices like laptops, while the two Type-C ports can charge phones, tablets, mini PCs, speakers, shavers, and any other devices supporting the PD protocol. For laptops like Lenovo's, which use non-standard rectangular power connectors, an additional adapter is needed.

A minor suggestion: if both the AC and DC ports were located on the same side, it would improve the aesthetic when using it with just a laptop, as the current design with thick cables on either side looks less tidy.

In summary, if you find the default brick power adapters of gaming laptops unsightly and want to minimize their footprint, the SlimQ F330W is undoubtedly their "terminator." Its 330W maximum output is sufficient for even top-tier gaming laptops with i9 and RTX 4090 configurations. The additional two Type-C ports can power other PD-compatible devices, saving you the hassle of carrying multiple chargers. The included carrying case makes it even more convenient for long-distance travel.