USB C quality for monitors?

[NStocks]

I have recently purchased a Dell monitor that uses USB C. The included cable is too long and bulky, but it works.

I tried replacing this with a Anker USB c to USB C cable, but the monitor didn't pick up the MBP, which makes me ask: Are there specific monitor/video USB Cables and specific USB c data cables?

 

[Erehy Dobon]

First thing to understand is that USB A, B, and C are connector types and not transfer protocols.

I've had all sorts of cables with various properties including charge-only cables, data cables, etc. depending on how they are wired and the nature of the wire (bandwidth mostly).

I have a Logitech Harmony universal remote; some cables will physically connect but won't recognize the remote when plugged into a computer for programming. However, some cables do work and I have labelled one as the Harmony remote cable and set it aside.

The Dell monitor's owners manual will recommend that you use the cables that were included with the monitor. The Dell cables are relatively good quality, stiffer and heavier in gauge than comparable included cables from other monitor manufacturers. I know, I have a Dell monitor and I read the manual.

USB C cables come in various flavors and capabilities mostly related to bandwidth. If you are using the USB C to drive a 4K/60Hz monitor, that's a lot of video data (plus any additional USB data on top).

If you wish to buy a shorter third-party cable, look for a high-quality cable from a reputable vendor (like Monoprice) who is careful about stating the cable's specs. Use your no-name generic USB C cables for low-bandwidth mundane stuff like keyboards and mice. When you do find a suitable cable that works, LABEL IT AS SUCH so it doesn't end up in a situation where its capabilities are wasted.

You don't have to buy the most expensive cable on the market but most likely you have grabbed the cheapest and least capable cable you have simply because it's lightweight and the right length.

 

[ght56]

Yes, Anker makes excellent cables and most of what they make is USB-IF Certified, unlike most other makers. Dell cables are very good quality and trustworthy but I know what you mean about them being stiff/bulky. My guess is that you purchased a USB-C cable that is not capable of carrying video, as not all USB-C cables are. If your monitor does charging and data as well, the cables that work are going to be a little thicker by nature.

Assuming you purchased one of the new Dell monitors that does up to 90 watts of charging and is up to and including 4K resolution and that you have a 15 or a 16 inch MacBook Pro (or smaller), you would want a cable that does USB data, video, and up to 100 watt charging, ideally with USB IF-certification as you don't want something shady that can cook your computer. This is another maker, Cable Matters, that gets IF-Certification on a plurality of their USB-C cables.

Cable Matters [USB-IF Certified] 10 Gbps Gen 2 USB C to USB C Cable 3.3 ft / 1m with 8K Video and 100W Power Delivery in Black

Cable Matters [USB-IF Certified] 10 Gbps Gen 2 USB C to USB C Cable 3.3 ft / 1m with 8K Video and 100W Power Delivery in Black

www.amazon.com

(Other respectable makers, such as Belkin, Monoprice, and Amazon Essentials, likely also have similar IF-Certified offerings as well.)

 

[NStocks]

Yes, Anker makes excellent cables and most of what they make is USB-IF Certified, unlike most other makers. Dell cables are very good quality and trustworthy but I know what you mean about them being stiff/bulky. My guess is that you purchased a USB-C cable that is not capable of carrying video, as not all USB-C cables are. If your monitor does charging and data as well, the cables that work are going to be a little thicker by nature.

Assuming you purchased one of the new Dell monitors that does up to 90 watts of charging and is up to and including 4K resolution and that you have a 15 or a 16 inch MacBook Pro (or smaller), you would want a cable that does USB data, video, and up to 100 watt charging, ideally with USB IF-certification as you don't want something shady that can cook your computer. This is another maker, Cable Matters, that gets IF-Certification on a plurality of their USB-C cables.

Cable Matters [USB-IF Certified] 10 Gbps Gen 2 USB C to USB C Cable 3.3 ft / 1m with 8K Video and 100W Power Delivery in Black

Cable Matters [USB-IF Certified] 10 Gbps Gen 2 USB C to USB C Cable 3.3 ft / 1m with 8K Video and 100W Power Delivery in Black

www.amazon.com

(Other respectable makers, such as Belkin, Monoprice, and Amazon Essentials, likely also have similar IF-Certified offerings as well.)

Very helpful, thank you!