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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions - Knowledge Base

Are all USB-C cables the same?

No, not all USB-C cables are equal. USB-C stands for the shape and type of connector, which is the same for all USB-C cables but not all cables support the same kind of protocols and transfer speeds.

To use a Thunderbolt 3 product from Akitio, a Thunderbolt 3 cable is required. For the best transfer rates and to make full use of the Thunderbolt 3 interface, we recommend using a cable that supports 40Gbps.

To use a USB device with a USB-C connector, we recommend using either a USB cable that supports 10Gbps or a Thunderbolt cable that also supports USB 3.1 Gen 2.

thunderbolt3 vs usb c

IMPORTANT NOTICE

When purchasing a new cable, check the specifications carefully. The table with the cable features above is for reference only and there might be different variations available in the market. For use with our Thunderbolt 3 devices, the keywords will be 'Thunderbolt 3' and '40Gbps'. For use with our USB 3.1 Gen 2 devices, the keywords willl be 'USB 3.1 Gen 2' and '10Gbps'.