USB-C cables in a nutshell

[nicfle]

I am totally confused with the current USB-C specs. Could you please help me understand the differences.

I have been trying to find a simple table of the versions and the specs supported by current Apple products. I have a MBP M1 and was thinking of buying a new cable for power, but there is so many to choose from (USB-C, USB PD, 60W, BoostCharge, 100W, Thunderbold 3, 40Gbps, 10Gbps) and I not entirely understanding the USB4 / Thunderbold 4 support that there might be in the M1 if I understand the rumours correctly (should I wait for them?). Apple´s store has no specs for their own usb-c cable, so I turn to you. Can you explain what things should I consider while buying a cable for my Mac or for multi usage across other USB-C products (Nintendo switch, iPad). Thanks

 

[ght56]

The OEM Apple cable only supports USB 2.0 data speeds and does not support video. It's perfectly fine for charging and there is IMO no reason to replace it unless you wish to power your Mac from either a hub or a display. Otherwise, the OEM is a well-made cable that is safe and reliable.

If you are looking for one cable that can do it all, a passive Thunderbolt 3 cable is probably what you want (which is a 20 Gbps TB3 cable beyond 1.6 foot length, but that only matters if you are using Thunderbolt 3 devices). This cable will do 5 and 10 Gbps USB data, as well as video, supports 100 watt charging, and power delivery to bus-powered devices.

One like this is a certified cable from a respectable maker, so you don't have to worry about it frying your devices

Cable Matters [Intel Certified] 20Gbps Thunderbolt 3 Cable - 6.6ft, USB-C Thunderbolt Cable, Supports 100W Charging, 8K Video, and Data Transfer, Black

Thunderbolt 3 dating usb-c The Cable Matters 1m Thunderbolt 3 cable connects to any Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C port on a computer, dock, or monitor. This certified cable carries twice the bandwidth of a USB-C cable using the same reversible connector. Thunderbolt, USB and DisplayPort compatible. Co...

www.amazon.com

 

[mmomega]

USB-C is the physical shape of the connector. That's it.

Then you have to check yourself, what the specific manufacturer is doing with that shaped connector.
Are they sending lots of power and less data.
Lots of data, less power.
Both.
Somewhere in between.
Those are all options.

Then to get a certain speed, every piece of the puzzle has to align with that speed.
The connector of the computer, the cable in between, then the connector on the opposite side.
Any single piece of the puzzle can mute or under-deliver the perceived speed or power.

What many of the manufacturers hook people with is the " up to 40 gigabits per seconds" or "capable of Thunderbolt 4 speeds!"

The manufacturers only have to meet the 'minimum' spec and not the maximum. They talk about the maximum but it isn't promised. Just talked about.

So if you have a 40 Gbps capable computer and you want to transfer data to an external drive. The cable used to connect has to be able to work at that speed and then the drive on the other end also has to have the ability to even transfer at that speed.

Maximums aren't guaranteed. Only the minimum spec is guaranteed.

The consumer has to figure out the equation if they want the maximum, or pay someone else to figure it out for them.

Anker makes good cables with information available to what they do.
Cable Matters as well has good information.

 

[nicfle]

Thanks, I will check the product you linked. I thought that the cable would be a thunderbolt 3 for sure, but now that I think there is no thunderbolt logo on it. The Thunderbolt 3 cable supports up to 100W. So, that will for sure work with the 61W charger.

I didn´t realise that those are just max. rates. That makes the compatibility check a bit of a hazzle. Well, thanks for the info.

 

[TheIntruder]

There are now eight types of cables.

The USB-C connector was supposed to simplify things, and in some respects it has.

But, take one good thing, and then give it MOAR and MOAR things to do, and it becomes somewhat of a fustercluck. It used to be pretty easy to identify a cable, and its purpose, based on the connector. Now, they all have the same connector, and may or may not have the relevant proper markings, or expected capabilities.

Add the USB IF's confounding marketing on top, and it's no surprise that users are confused.

 

[nicfle]

Imo Apple is not making it any simplier. Specs feel really vague from what I have learned.