When I tested the Sony version of this cell in 2018 and the Murata version in 2019 it performed a bit better than the Sony/Murata VTC5A. The two sets of cells from two sources I just tested performed a bit worse that the VTC5A now though. Perhaps some of the VTC5D’s that are available now are a lower grade? I don’t know.
The VTC5D is still a great performing cell but right now I personally wouldn’t pay more for them than what VTC5A’s cost. I don’t think you’ll notice any difference in performance between them.
All of the VTC5D’s I have seen have the secondary bottom venting ring. If your “VTC5D” cells do not have the ring I cannot guarantee that this means they are fake but I have never seen a VTC5D without the ring.
The bottom battery contact of a mod will press against the bottom venting ring of this cell. This could potentially interfere with venting of the cell if there was an accidental short circuit or incredibly rare internal defect. I don’t know how much of a safety issue this might be. As with all of the round cells we buy, use this cell at your own risk.
Murata gives this cell a temperature-limited rating of 35A. This means Murata says you can use it at up to 35A as long as the cell temperature does not go above 90°C., which is incredibly hot. There is no continuous current rating in the datasheet. I am giving it a 25A rating as that is as high as you can go before exceeding my 80°C temperature limit.
Using this cell at levels higher than this just accelerates its aging, shortens it overall life, increases the risks, and results in lower performance. If you are above 25A then I recommend using the Samsung 20S instead.
The capacity for the four Murata VTC5D’s I tested ranged from 2740mAh to 2745mAh at 540mA (0.2C) down to 2.5V. This is astoundingly good consistency and is typical for good cells from the big manufacturers. I am rating these cells at at 2700mAh.
Four cells were purchased for the purposes of testing by me.
Ratings graphic: https://imgur.com/a/PNGuXVg
Full Test report: https://bit.ly/2VTa3f4
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These tests only note the ESTIMATED ratings for these batteries at the time I tested them. Any battery that is not a genuine Samsung, Sony, Murata, LG, Panasonic, Molicel, or Sanyo can change at any time! This is one of the hazards of using “rewrapped” batteries or batteries from other manufacturers so carefully research any battery you are considering using before purchasing.
Misusing or mishandling lithium-ion batteries can pose a SERIOUS RISK of personal injury or property damage. They are not meant to be used outside of a protected battery pack. Never exceed the battery’s continuous current rating and keep the plastic wrap and top insulating ring in perfect condition.
Any rating in my ratings tables can change at any time as different grade cells appear on the market, we get swamped with fakes, or new information becomes available to me. Please, never assume that the ratings in the tables are permanent and will never change! Always download the latest version before considering any cell purchase.
To see how other cells have tested check out this link: https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blog-entry/list-of-battery-tests.7436/
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