usb C 3.1 Type C cable

[zoran]

My MacBook charging brick, has a usbC to usbC cable that i wish to change. Do i need a special usbC cable for replacement? I see some such cables in ebay that are called "usbC3.1 Type C". What does the 3.1 stand for, is it an updated version of a usbC cable?

There are more "strange" details on the cable like... "USB C 3.1 Type C to USB C 3.1 Type C Cable (10Gbps) Fast Charging Sync Cord NEW"
- 10Gps?
- Fast Charging Sync?
what is all this? should i be carefull about different types of usbC cables?
[automerge]1592565244[/automerge]

 

[chrfr]

My MacBook charging brick, has a usbC to usbC cable that i wish to change. Do i need a special usbC cable for replacement? I see some such cables in ebay that are called "usbC3.1 Type C". What does the 3.1 stand for, is it an updated version of a usbC cable?

There are more "strange" details on the cable like... "USB C 3.1 Type C to USB C 3.1 Type C Cable (10Gbps) Fast Charging Sync Cord NEW"
- 10Gps?
- Fast Charging Sync?
what is all this? should i be carefull about different types of usbC cables?
[automerge]1592565244[/automerge]

You don't need to worry about 3.1 but you need to look for a cable that supports PD (power delivery) and should support up to 100W like the Apple cable does, depending on the size of your laptop and its charger.

 

[zoran]

This one seems to be pretty cheap and i cant see if it supports the 100W PD info!

 

[chrfr]

This one seems to be pretty cheap and i cant see if it supports the 100W PD info!

If the cable is not specifically listed as supporting PD I would assume it doesn't.

 

[zoran]

The info given for the cable doesn't say anything about PD, but still i wonder if what it says covers the PD spec... here is what it says...

"100%High quality and brand new USB C / Type C interface socket end size and Micro USB specifications like the original small Size:8.3mm*2.5mm
Both sides can be inserted into the support reversible function.
The maximum data transfer rate up to 10Gbps, USB 3.1 standard;
Standard equipped with Type C.
Best using for MacBook Pro,HTC 10, LG G5 V20, Nexus 6P/5X, Google Pixel,Lumia 950/950xl and More
Connector connecting line via the 2.4A current, also support fast charging.
Package: 1x Type-C Male to Type-C Male Charging Cable"

 

[zoran]

Is it true that the same cable is used by Apple for the MacBook pro's supply bricks?

 

[Mike Boreham]

My MacBook charging brick, has a usbC to usbC cable that i wish to change. Do i need a special usbC cable for replacement? I see some such cables in ebay that are called "usbC3.1 Type C". What does the 3.1 stand for, is it an updated version of a usbC cable?

There are more "strange" details on the cable like... "USB C 3.1 Type C to USB C 3.1 Type C Cable (10Gbps) Fast Charging Sync Cord NEW"
- 10Gps?
- Fast Charging Sync?
what is all this? should i be carefull about different types of usbC cables?
[automerge]1592565244[/automerge]

The USB-C cables supplied with Macs are intended for charging only and if used for data transfer will transfer at USB 2 speeds. USB-C cables suitable for data will be described as USB 3.1 or 3.2 (10Gbps), or for full Thunderbolt (40Gbps) with a little "3". But data cables often don't have any labels to say what they are.

Note that many USB-C cables sold as USB 3.1 or 3.2 also say "for Thunderbolt" or "compatible with Thunderbolt", misleading people into believing they are 40Gbps capable. They are indeed compatible in that they will work in a Thunderbolt 3 port but at USB 3 speed.... they are not Thunderbolt cables. Same is true of hard drives sold as "Thunderbolt compatible"

USB 3 and TB3 data cables can be used for charging too so if there is any possibility you might want to use the cable for data get one identified as USB 3.1 or 3.2, to avoid confusion and maximise versatility.

Note also that many non Apple phones use USB-C charging cables which are also not USB 3.

USB-C cables which are true 40Gbps Thunderbolt tend to be more expensive especially if longer than .8m as they need to be "active" ie have some electronics in the connectors.

In summary it's a minefield! Read the small print and detailed descriptions carefully.