PSU for ThinkPad W520

[balanga]

The PSU for my ThinkPad W520 suddenly stopped working yesterday and am wondering what to do about it. Are they repairable or do I need to find a replacement?

It's a really big heavy PSU, a genuine Lenovo 170W 20V. Every other PSU I have is about half the size of this one. So as long as my replacement has this power rating should it suffice?

Whilst looking for alternatives I came across various GAN chargers and wondered if one of these could be used as a replacement. Anyone know?

 

[balanga]

After some searching I'm told that I need something which has 'Lenovo barrel plug + ID pin handshake'.

What on earth is ID pin handshake?

 

[Maturin]

are they repairable

No!

do I need to find a replacement?

Yes.

 

[Maturin]

So as long as my replacement has this power rating should it suffice?

If the voltage fits exactly, rated power or current is >=, and the plug matches, which could be replaced with the one of the defective PSU (watch out to have correct polarity!), then yes. Except:

What on earth is ID pin handshake?

I guess it's something to avoid you're using anything but original Lenovo hardware, which does exactly same at the same quality than any third party product, but cost at least as twice as much.