16-Inch M3 MacBook Pro Can Fast Charge Over USB-C With 240W Cable

[DEMinSoCAL]

It really kills me that it’s limited to USB 2.0 speeds though 🤣. I guess that’s why it’s so cheap (for Apple).

SOOPII USB4 Cable with LED Display,Supports 8K Video,Max 40Gbps Data Transfer,240W USB C to USB C Charging Cable,Compatible with lPhone 16,MacBook,Thunderbolt 3,Monitor,Docking Stations(3.3ft)

SooPii USB4 Cable with LED display, Supports 8K Video, Max 40 Gbps Data Transfer, 240W USB C to USB C Charging Cable, Compatible with lPhone 16,Galaxy S23,Thunderbolt 3 ,Monitor, Docking Stations, MacBook and More（3.3ft）

a.co

Cheap and functional. I've used this brand for over a year and not a single issue with their cables.

EDIT: Seemingly same cable even more affordable but branded differently.

BRIMFORD USB4 Cable with LED Display, 3.3ft 240W USB C to USB C Charging Cable Support 8K@60Hz, 40Gbps Transfer Thunderbolt3 Cable Compatible with MacBook,lPhone15,Galaxy S25+,Monitor

BRIMFORD USB4 Cable with LED Display, 3.3ft 240W USB C to USB C Charging Cable Support 8K@60Hz, 40Gbps Transfer Thunderbolt3 Cable Compatible with MacBook,lPhone15,Galaxy S25+,Monitor

a.co

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

Why is the cable 240 if it can only charge at 140

Because 240W is the new spec. 240W maximum. Apple's biggest charger is only 140W. Maybe one day they will sell a 240W charger. Some Windows gaming laptops can charge 240W with proper USB-C charger and cable.

I've not been able to find a 240W USB-C charger, yet, though (except for possibly an OEM charger from some laptop manufacturer).

 

[darngooddesign]

I hate this USB-C cable situation.

It’s like a box of chocolates.

That's life.

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

Starting to realize that now. Not used to usb-c being ahead of Thunderbolt.

USB-C is a connector. Thunderbolt is a transfer protocol. Two different things. There are various flavors of USB that are used with a USB-C port/connector/cable, up to USB4 (40Gbps). Thunderbolt 3/4 also use the USB-C connector.

 

[CarAnalogy]

USB-C is a connector. Thunderbolt is a transfer protocol. Two different things. There are various flavors of USB that are used with a USB-C port/connector/cable, up to USB4 (40Gbps). Thunderbolt 3/4 also use the USB-C connector.

Yes to be technical that is true. But as you say there are also USB specifications about what that cable is supposed to do. But those seem to be very badly labeled and/or ignored the vast majority of the time. That’s the real problem. Even discussing it clearly is difficult.

USB-C turned into a monkey’s paw wish.
“I want one standard connector.”

“You got it. One connector, thousands of different unlabeled cables.”

 

[Ho Tai]

so why is the new 16" m3 able to fast change if the port is the same? what makes that usb c port able to do it

Here's an article I ran across with lots of interesting USB info. https://tripplite.eaton.com/products/usb-connectivity-types-standards. This paragraph may be relevant here.

The USB-C Type 2.1 specification (announced May, 2021) increases the power capacity of cables and connectors from 100W to 240W, making it possible to power and charge larger, power-hungry devices such as 4K monitors, e-bikes and gaming laptops.

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

Yes to be technical that is true. But as you say there are also USB specifications about what that cable is supposed to do. But those seem to be very badly labeled and/or ignored the vast majority of the time. That’s the real problem. Even discussing it clearly is difficult.

USB-C turned into a monkey’s paw wish.
“I want one standard connector.”

“You got it. One connector, thousands of different unlabeled cables.”

I won't disagree it's a confusing mess. My reply to you was to your comparison of usb-c being ahead of thunderbolt. Two different things was my point.

 

[CarAnalogy]

I won't disagree it's a confusing mess. My reply to you was to your comparison of usb-c being ahead of thunderbolt. Two different things was my point.

Good point, I always like to use the correct terms. USB4 then, as opposed to Thunderbolt 4, both of which have the same connector in the form of USB-C.

 

[anson42]

I've not been able to find a 240W USB-C charger, yet, though (except for possibly an OEM charger from some laptop manufacturer).

Definitely OEM. Alienware gaming laptops come with a 240W charger though whether they can take that much power I have no idea. When I first started seeing 240W capable cables hit the market my first thought was what the heck are those used for? First google search lead me to Alienware.

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

Definitely OEM. Alienware gaming laptops come with a 240W charger though whether they can take that much power I have no idea. When I first started seeing 240W capable cables hit the market my first thought was what the heck are those used for? First google search lead me to Alienware.

I've got an Alienware with a 240W charger and it's not a USB charger -- it's barrel connector. My AW does, though, charge through the USB-C port on the back, but I'm not sure what the max wattage is.

 

[constantsnags!]

20%-80% range is what in try to keep my old laptop at. Same with my EV actually.

Al Dente app I recently purchased does this automatically.

It would be great to see Apple bake this option into macOS, just like they have done with the iPhone 15 series.

Optional toggle on/off of course.

My M1 Pro MBP 16" auto-stops charging at 80%.

 

[ellsworth]

I thought Thunderbolt 4 had slightly different standards than USB-C.

 

[ellsworth]

My M1 Pro MBP 16" auto-stops charging at 80%.

Pro Chip or Max chip? Mine charges all the way to 100% unless you're using a piece of software that regulates that.

 

[constantsnags!]

Pro Chip or Max chip? Mine charges all the way to 100% unless you're using a piece of software that regulates that.

Pro.