BiXPower CNT-C38 MagSafe 2-Compatible DC Power Connector for Apple MacBook
MagSafe 2-Compatible Laptop Connector to Standard 5.5 x 2.5mm Female DC Jack
The BiXPower CNT-C38 is a DC power connector adapter designed for select Apple MacBook Air and MacBook Pro computers that use the MagSafe 2 charging connector.
It allows a compatible power source with a standard 5.5 x 2.5mm male DC barrel connector to connect to a MacBook equipped with a MagSafe 2 power port.
This compact connector offers a convenient solution for using compatible external rechargeable batteries, universal laptop power supplies, and DC power systems with supported Apple laptops.
Important: CNT-C38 is a physical connector adapter only. It does not convert or regulate voltage or current.
BiXPower CNT-C38 MagSafe 2-compatible connector
Key Features
- MagSafe 2-compatible design: For select Apple MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops using the MagSafe 2 charging interface.
- Standard DC input: Features a 5.5 x 2.5mm female barrel jack for connecting a compatible DC power cable.
- Easy to connect: Adapts a standard DC barrel plug to a MagSafe 2-compatible connector without soldering or rewiring.
- Portable power applications: Suitable for use with properly matched external rechargeable batteries and DC power supplies.
- Compact connector assembly: Short flexible cable between the laptop connector and the female DC input.
- Passive connector: Does not increase, decrease, or stabilize DC voltage.
CNT-C38 side view showing the complete connector assembly
Technical Specifications
| Product Model |
BiXPower CNT-C38 |
| Product Type |
DC power connector adapter tip |
| Laptop-Side Connector |
MagSafe 2-compatible magnetic connector |
| Power-Supply-Side Connector |
5.5mm outer diameter x 2.5mm inner diameter female DC barrel jack |
| Voltage Conversion |
None — passive connector only |
| Voltage Regulation |
None |
| Primary Application |
Selected Apple MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops using MagSafe 2 |
| Package Contents |
1 x CNT-C38 connector adapter |
Two Connector Ends: MagSafe 2 and 5.5 x 2.5mm DC Jack
The CNT-C38 has two different connector ends:
- MagSafe 2-compatible end: Connects to the compatible Apple laptop power input.
- 5.5 x 2.5mm female end: Accepts a standard 5.5 x 2.5mm male DC barrel plug from a suitable battery or power adapter.
CNT-C38 connector ends: 5.5 x 2.5mm female DC input and MagSafe 2-compatible output
Important Connector Requirement
The CNT-C38 is designed to connect to a 5.5 x 2.5mm male DC barrel plug. Other connector sizes may not fit properly.
Confirm the power supply connector dimensions before purchasing.
Compatible Apple MacBook Models
CNT-C38 is intended for selected Apple laptop computers equipped with a MagSafe 2 charging port.
Apple MacBook Air
- MacBook Air 11-inch (Mid 2012)
- MacBook Air 11-inch (Mid 2013)
- MacBook Air 11-inch (Early 2014)
- MacBook Air 11-inch (Early 2015)
- MacBook Air 13-inch (Mid 2012)
- MacBook Air 13-inch (Mid 2013)
- MacBook Air 13-inch (Early 2014)
- MacBook Air 13-inch (Early 2015)
- MacBook Air 13-inch (2017)
Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display
- MacBook Pro Retina 13-inch (Late 2012)
- MacBook Pro Retina 13-inch (Early 2013)
- MacBook Pro Retina 13-inch (Late 2013)
- MacBook Pro Retina 13-inch (Mid 2014)
- MacBook Pro Retina 13-inch (Early 2015)
- MacBook Pro Retina 15-inch (Mid 2012)
- MacBook Pro Retina 15-inch (Early 2013)
- MacBook Pro Retina 15-inch (Late 2013)
- MacBook Pro Retina 15-inch (Mid 2014)
- MacBook Pro Retina 15-inch (Mid 2015)
Compatibility Notice
The above list identifies laptop families that use MagSafe 2. It does not guarantee that every computer will charge or operate with CNT-C38 and a particular third-party power source.
Always confirm the original connector type, voltage, wattage, and power source compatibility for your specific computer.
How to Connect CNT-C38 to a DC Power Source
The CNT-C38 allows a compatible 5.5 x 2.5mm DC power cable to connect to a MagSafe 2-equipped MacBook.
- Verify your laptop: Confirm that it uses MagSafe 2 rather than MagSafe 1, MagSafe 3, or USB-C charging.
- Check the power source: Make sure its voltage, polarity, and available power meet the laptop's requirements.
- Connect the DC cable: Insert the 5.5 x 2.5mm male DC plug into the CNT-C38 female jack.
- Attach the magnetic connector: Connect the MagSafe 2-compatible end to your laptop's charging port.
- Verify operation: Confirm that the laptop recognizes the connected power source and charges or operates as expected.
For a compatible double-ended 5.5 x 2.5mm DC cable, see the BiXPower Z6 DC Power Cable.
Using CNT-C38 with a BiXPower Rechargeable Battery
CNT-C38 can be used with compatible BiXPower external rechargeable battery systems that provide an appropriate DC output through a 5.5 x 2.5mm male connector.
This setup may provide an alternative power source for supported MacBook computers when a suitable battery system is available.
Example of CNT-C38 used with a BiXPower battery pack. Battery pack is not included.
Battery Sold Separately
The CNT-C38 package contains the connector adapter only. The battery pack, DC power cable, and laptop shown in connection examples are not included.
Important: This Connector Does Not Convert Voltage
CNT-C38 is a passive connector adapter only.
There are no voltage conversion or current regulation circuits inside the connector.
Different Apple MacBook models require different operating voltages and power levels. Before connecting your laptop, verify:
- Correct DC output voltage
- Correct polarity and connector wiring
- Sufficient output current
- Sufficient wattage for the laptop
- Correct MagSafe connector generation
- Compatibility of the power source with the laptop's charging requirements
Do not assume that a matching physical connector guarantees electrical compatibility.
Using an incompatible power source can damage the computer or connected equipment.
MagSafe 1 vs. MagSafe 2: Which Connector Do You Need?
Apple used different magnetic charging connector designs across various MacBook generations.
| Connector |
Typical Application |
CNT-C28
MagSafe 1-compatible |
Selected older MacBook models using the original MagSafe connector |
CNT-C38
MagSafe 2-compatible |
Selected MacBook Air and Retina MacBook Pro models introduced beginning in 2012 |
If your laptop uses the original MagSafe 1 connector, consider the BiXPower CNT-C28 instead.
Not for MagSafe 3 or USB-C
CNT-C38 is not intended for newer Apple MacBook models that require MagSafe 3 or USB-C Power Delivery charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BiXPower CNT-C38 used for?
It adapts a compatible 5.5 x 2.5mm male DC barrel connector to a MagSafe 2-compatible power connector for selected Apple MacBook laptops.
Does CNT-C38 convert voltage?
No. CNT-C38 is a passive connector. Your battery or power adapter must provide the correct voltage and sufficient power for the laptop.
Can I use CNT-C38 with an external rechargeable battery?
Yes, if the battery system has a compatible connector and provides the correct electrical output. Actual charging operation depends on the laptop and battery system.
Will CNT-C38 work with all MacBook Air models?
No. Some older MacBook Air models use MagSafe 1, while newer models may use USB-C or MagSafe 3. CNT-C38 is intended for MagSafe 2-equipped computers.
What size DC connector is required?
The power supply side requires a standard 5.5mm outer diameter x 2.5mm inner diameter male DC barrel plug.
Can I use CNT-C38 with a MacBook Pro that requires 85W?
Only if the complete power system is electrically compatible and can supply the laptop's required voltage and power. The connector alone does not increase the power available from the source.
Does CNT-C38 include a battery or AC adapter?
No. The product includes one CNT-C38 connector adapter only. Batteries, cables, and power adapters are sold separately.
Package Contents
- 1 x BiXPower CNT-C38 MagSafe 2-compatible DC power connector adapter
Not included: Rechargeable battery, AC power adapter, DC power cable, and laptop.
Related BiXPower Products
Why Choose BiXPower?
BiXPower specializes in rechargeable battery systems, DC power adapters, power converters, and power connection accessories for laptop computers and other electronic equipment.
The CNT-C38 provides a convenient way to connect a properly matched DC power source to selected Apple MacBook computers equipped with a MagSafe 2 charging port.
