MBA M1 Thunderbird 3 Cable

[Han1]

I bought a replacement TB3 cable for my MBA M1 (to connect to my StarTech TB3 dock).

I know I've probably not bought wisely. My dock will not detect my MBA if it's already powered on, so no monitor, no external drives etc. The only solution is to reboot the MBA once connected. It's a bit of a faff. I'll probably have to send the cable back https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D8PMQRPR.

Are there any suggestions about good Thunderbird 3 cables for M1 (ideally that perform / behave identically to the Apple cables)?

Thanks!

 

[weckart]

There's a couple here, which might do the trick.

 

[PaulD-UK]

@Han1 "Are there any suggestions about good Thunderbird 3 cables..."

According to the Thunderbolt4 specification, cables over 0.8m in length need to be Active, with retiming and ID chips in the plug ends.
They should meet Intel's TB certification process, and will carry the lightening bolt TB logo.

So if you check a good brand, like Cable Matters, on Amaz.uk you will find certified TB3/4 cables that are 0.8m for under £20ish, and longer cables are all another price tier up.

The problem with that AngusPlay cable is probably its ID chip (or lack of one) doesn't initialise the connection with the dock when it is hot plugged.
Rebooting the Mac allows the dock to handshake with the Mac without problem, as the cable is already in place.

 

[Han1]

@Han1 "Are there any suggestions about good Thunderbird 3 cables..."

According to the Thunderbolt4 specification, cables over 0.8m in length need to be Active, with retiming and ID chips in the plug ends.
They should meet Intel's TB certification process, and will carry the lightening bolt TB logo.

So if you check a good brand, like Cable Matters, on Amaz.uk you will find certified TB3/4 cables that are 0.8m for under £20ish, and longer cables are all another price tier up.

The problem with that AngusPlay cable is probably its ID chip (or lack of one) doesn't initialise the connection with the dock when it is hot plugged.
Rebooting the Mac allows the dock to handshake with the Mac without problem, as the cable is already in place.

Thanks Paul. This was really useful to know. I've just ordered a Cable Matters one 👍