Is anyone using the OWC 2m Thunderbolt 3 cables?

[jrm27]

Hello all,

I recently picked up a Cal Digit T4 to set up as a RAID 5 disc for my 15 inch, 2016 MBP (13,3). I got the Caldigit because I loved the idea that it can drive a monitor, connect my storage, and charge my MBP all through a single Thunderbolt 3 cable. I'm in need of a longer cable though so I can get the T4 off my desk. I see that apple has a very nice 2m cable for $130, but I'm considering OWC's version:

OWC 2.0M Thunderbolt 3 USB-C Cable

Built to the highest standards to power and connect your Thunderbolt devices with up to 40Gb/s throughput. Includes a 2 year warranty.

eshop.macsales.com

Is anyone using this cable? Might anyone be able to point out a reason that this (more affordable) option wouldn't do the job I need it to do?

 

[joevt]

Hello all,

I recently picked up a Cal Digit T4 to set up as a RAID 5 disc for my 15 inch, 2016 MBP (13,3). I got the Caldigit because I loved the idea that it can drive a monitor, connect my storage, and charge my MBP all through a single Thunderbolt 3 cable. I'm in need of a longer cable though so I can get the T4 off my desk. I see that apple has a very nice 2m cable for $130, but I'm considering OWC's version:

OWC 2.0M Thunderbolt 3 USB-C Cable

Built to the highest standards to power and connect your Thunderbolt devices with up to 40Gb/s throughput. Includes a 2 year warranty.

eshop.macsales.com

Is anyone using this cable? Might anyone be able to point out a reason that this (more affordable) option wouldn't do the job I need it to do?

The Apple cable is more expensive because it also works with non-Thunderbolt signals (USB 3.1 gen 2 and DisplayPort 1.4). Other 2m active cables only support Thunderbolt and USB 2.0. If you look at the page you linked, and click on the other 5 cables, you see that they all support USB-C devices up to 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 gen 2) except for the 1.0M and 2.0M cable which only support 480 Mbps (USB 2.0).

 

[jrm27]

The Apple cable is more expensive because it also works with non-Thunderbolt signals (USB 3.1 gen 2 and DisplayPort 1.4). Other 2m active cables only support Thunderbolt and USB 2.0. If you look at the page you linked, and click on the other 5 cables, you see that they all support USB-C devices up to 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 gen 2) except for the 1.0M and 2.0M cable which only support 480 Mbps (USB 2.0).

Thanks for the response! I think I'm missunderstanding...

It looks to me like the page I've linked to has a 2m that does 40gb.. if I don't need the versatility of the Apple cable (I'm only using it to connect a TB3 device), is there any reason to spend the dough?

 

[joevt]

It looks to me like the page I've linked to has a 2m that does 40gb.. if I don't need the versatility of the Apple cable (I'm only using it to connect a TB3 device), is there any reason to spend the dough?

Nope. Get the OWC cable. It should work fine with the Cal Digit or any Thunderbolt 3 device.

Just remember that it won't connect a USB-C (not Thunderbolt) device or a USB-C display like the original 22 inch LG UltraFine 4K display. The new 24 inch LG UltraFine 4K display will connect via Thunderbolt (it also supports USB-C - not Thunderbolt but you need a different cable for that - I think it comes with two cables - one for Thunderbolt, and another for USB-C). It won't hurt to try to connect a USB-C device - let us know if you try that - you might get at least USB 2.0 functionality, but no video.

 

[jrm27]

Nope. Get the OWC cable. It should work fine with the Cal Digit or any Thunderbolt 3 device.

Just remember that it won't connect a USB-C (not Thunderbolt) device or a USB-C display like the original 22 inch LG UltraFine 4K display. The new 24 inch LG UltraFine 4K display will connect via Thunderbolt (it also supports USB-C - not Thunderbolt but you need a different cable for that - I think it comes with two cables - one for Thunderbolt, and another for USB-C). It won't hurt to try to connect a USB-C device - let us know if you try that - you might get at least USB 2.0 functionality, but no video.

Gotcha. Thanks so much for the clarification! I'm just generally hopelessly lost on these things for some reason!