Studio Display - Need a longer TB3 cable?

[Sir Ruben]

The port at the back of the Studio Display is TB3 and the (very short) included 'Pro' Cable is also TB3. So, if you find yourself in a position of having to shell out on a longer cable because you don't want your Mac right under your display (blocking one speaker in the process) chose your options carefully.

Even though Apple have just started selling this TB3 display they have removed the TB3 'Pro' cable from their site (even though its packaged with the Studio Display) meaning that if you want a longer official pro cable, your only option is TB4 which you don't need and costs a LOT. This feels like the naughty Apple we have come to know so well, and an opportunity to make even more money off the people who want an official cable.

Have a search online because the Apple TB3 Pro cable in longer lengths can still be found but at much lower prices than you would pay for the TB4 equivalent (that you don't need). As you can see I managed to pick one up easily at 40% off its RRP.

 

[ascender]

That's a good tip.

Caldigit also do a TB4 cable at a much lower price than the Apple one, with what appears to be identical specs.

 

[Sir Ruben]

That's a good tip.

Caldigit also do a TB4 cable at a much lower price than the Apple one, with what appears to be identical specs.

Very true, however if this cable will only ever be plugged into the Studio Display then TB3 is all that's required. TB4 is just complete overkill unless you plan to repurpose the TB4 cabe for more demanding tasks in the future.

 

[BeatCrazy]

The port at the back of the Studio Display is TB3 and the (very short) included 'Pro' Cable is also TB3. So, if you find yourself in a position of having to shell out on a longer cable because you don't want your Mac right under your display (blocking one speaker in the process) chose your options carefully.

Even though Apple have just started selling this TB3 display they have removed the TB3 'Pro' cable from their site (even though its packaged with the Studio Display) meaning that if you want a longer official pro cable, your only option is TB4 which you don't need and costs a LOT. This feels like the naughty Apple we have come to know so well, and an opportunity to make even more money off the people who want an official cable.

Have a search online because the Apple TB3 Pro cable in longer lengths can still be found but at much lower prices than you would pay for the TB4 equivalent (that you don't need). As you can see I managed to pick one up easily at 40% off its RRP.

View attachment 1987757

View attachment 1987759

That Apple cable you bought is technically a TB4 cable, even though it's marketed as TB3.

You can tell because - it's the only 2m TB3 cable that also supports full 20Gbps transmission to a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 device, which means it's non-active. The only other cables that behave like this? TB4 cables!

 

[Sir Ruben]

That Apple cable you bought is technically a TB4 cable, even though it's marketed as TB3.

You can tell because - it's the only 2m TB3 cable that also supports full 20Gbps transmission to a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 device, which means it's non-active. The only other cables that behave like this? TB4 cables!

Hmmm interesting. I just feel there will be a lot of people getting the TB4 branded ones from Apple and paying a lot more.

 

[BeatCrazy]

Hmmm interesting. I just feel there will be a lot of people getting the TB4 branded ones from Apple and paying a lot more.

Since the original 2m TB3 cable from Apple is discontinued at retail (still comes with the Pro Display XDR), they don't really have a choice, if they really want an Apple-branded cable

 

[4sallypat]

Is the Belkin cable the same quality as the Studio cable it came with?

Belkin Thunderbolt 3 5A Cable (2 m)​

$79.95




Much rather pay that than $129 for the Apple cable

Thunderbolt 4 Pro Cable (1.8 m)​

$129.00

 

[KPOM]

Is the Belkin cable the same quality as the Studio cable it came with?

Belkin Thunderbolt 3 5A Cable (2 m)​

$79.95




Much rather pay that than $129 for the Apple cable

Thunderbolt 4 Pro Cable (1.8 m)​

$129.00

OWC has a 2m Thunderbolt 4 cable for $57. It isn't braided like the Apple cables, but it feels pretty solid to me.

 

[ascender]

Is the Belkin cable the same quality as the Studio cable it came with?

Belkin Thunderbolt 3 5A Cable (2 m)​

$79.95




Much rather pay that than $129 for the Apple cable

Thunderbolt 4 Pro Cable (1.8 m)​

$129.00

If you check the specs - i.e. transfer rate; what its rated-for in terms of power delivery, that'll give you a decent comparison.

It does seem like the 3rd party cables from Caldigit and OWC are identical in terms of spec so I'd be amazed if the Caldigit one isn't the same.

 

[MauiPa]

Very true, however if this cable will only ever be plugged into the Studio Display then TB3 is all that's required. TB4 is just complete overkill unless you plan to repurpose the TB4 cabe for more demanding tasks in the future.

overkill? same price, TB4 actually added very little in features

 

[MauiPa]

Hmmm interesting. I just feel there will be a lot of people getting the TB4 branded ones from Apple and paying a lot more.

People buy cables from Apple? who knew? Plenty of third party cables of good quality, just be careful about some of the really cheap ones

 

[siddavis]

Good idea. Maybe you can't specify, but where did you find this and about how much are we talking?
I'm searching and I am not finding great purchasing options right away.

 

[Sir Ruben]

overkill? same price, TB4 actually added very little in features

Official Apple Thunderbolt 3 Pro USB-C To USB-C 2m Cable - Black

This Official Apple Thunderbolt 3 Pro 2m cable with USB-C connectors is reversible on both ends. Perfect for charging, syncing & transferring data between USB-C devices. Use this cable to connect a Mac with Thunderbolt 3, docks, hard drives and displays.

www.mobilefun.co.uk

So if its pretty much the same cable would you rather buy a 2m Apple TB3 branded Pro cable for £74.99 or go to Apple's website and pay £129.00 for a virtually identical 1.8m TB4 branded one that looks the same, is slightly shorter, and gives you nothing more when used with a Studio Display? Not same price.

 

[BeatCrazy]

Official Apple Thunderbolt 3 Pro USB-C To USB-C 2m Cable - Black

This Official Apple Thunderbolt 3 Pro 2m cable with USB-C connectors is reversible on both ends. Perfect for charging, syncing & transferring data between USB-C devices. Use this cable to connect a Mac with Thunderbolt 3, docks, hard drives and displays.

www.mobilefun.co.uk

So if its pretty much the same cable would you rather buy a 2m Apple TB3 branded Pro cable for £74.99 or go to Apple's website and pay £129.00 for a virtually identical 1.8m TB4 branded one that looks the same, is slightly shorter, and gives you nothing more when used with a Studio Display? Not same price.

What's the Apple part number for the discontinued 2m TB3 cable? Mine didn't come in a retail box.

 

[Sir Ruben]

What's the Apple part number for the discontinued 2m TB3 cable? Mine didn't come in a retail box.

Here you go

 

[PaulD-UK]

Quote: Is the Belkin cable the same quality...

The Apple Thunderbolt 3 2m cable will give USB 3 through the non-TB USB-C ports on the XDR or Studio Display.
The Belkin TB3 2m cable box said "only USB 2 speeds" are available on the extra ports.

 

[Traverse]

OWC has a 2m Thunderbolt 4 cable for $57. It isn't braided like the Apple cables, but it feels pretty solid to me.

Can vouch for OWC Thunderbolt 4 cable quality. only downside compared to Apple's is that it's not braided.

 

[satcomer]

In Thunderbolt if you go over the 2 feet you need an very expense active Thunderbolt cable that have chips in them that's why they so expensive!