Thunderbolt / USB-C Cable for USB-C Hub Monitor + MacBook Air Setup

jrowls on 14/02/2023 - 12:00

Hey all

I'm running an M1 Macbook Air and a Dell S2722QC (I got from a cracking deal on OzB).

I can highly recommend the setup (happy to chat if anyone's interested!), but the cable that came with the monitor is atrocious and keeps dropping out if it gets bumped. It's also really stiff which compounds the issue.

I would like to grab a SHORT replacement cable that can supply the monitor output from the computer to the monitor, and supply charge from the monitor to the computer.

Yes, I know how to google, and I am fully aware that this should be a simple thing and I'm an idiot for posting about it, BUT I bought one before (in store) that I thought would do the job, and a jb hifi worker confirmed it would, and it doesn't. Also, the guides I've found online are confusing and the product listings are too. There are so many standards of cable and I get overwhelmed easily outside work hours lmao. I really don't want to spent my time trying to figure out which cable I need and I was hoping someone here would be able to assist.

So tl;dr I want a short, not too stiff (braided would be nice!) cable to traverse the 30cm from my Macbook to the monitor and do data and charging over USB-C / thunderbolt. Doesn't have to be dirt cheap, just good value. Want something good quality.

Computing USB Cable

Comments

  • JIMB0 on 14/02/2023 - 12:12

    Officeworks has a few in-store. Good returns policy as well if it doesn't suit.

  • jk82 on 14/02/2023 - 13:22
    +1

    The cable that comes with it is stiff as it's a good quality cable. For a basic / ELI5 explanation of USB-C - you've got 2x main types that are sold: fast charging ones - for phones etc that provide good power but not fast data transfer (these are cheap and flexible). Then you've got actual good quality cables that are generally a bit stiffer as they provide fast data transfer (which is what you need).

    Just search amazon for "USB C to C cable 40gbps" and choose the one with a length that would suit you. It's the 40gbps you're looking at - don't look at the 100W rating or whatever the power draw is, you need data transfer which is "gbps or Gigabit / second". and be aware that it's likely to be stiff due to the quality of cable needed to pump out your 4k display plus whatever USB devices you have attached PLUS charging your laptop!

    Hope this helps!

    https://www.amazon.com.au/Anker-Thunderbolt-Charging-Transfe…

  • holisticboy on 14/02/2023 - 15:09

    I bought these recently with an almost identical setup and they were great. Braided, but not too stiff in terms of flexibility, nice rubber coating and shields at each end too. Smallest is 50cm in length though, not sure if that's too much for you or not, but I can at least attest to them being fit for purpose.

    https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B07Y86L9HP/

  • razzy on 14/02/2023 - 16:05

    I have been using this one for almost a year with my Macbook Pro 14" M1 Pro. Runs perfectly.
    https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0B1J7KFT7/ref=ox_sc_ac…

    100W USB-C cable (from the 100W USB PD wall charger) runs into a USB-C hub.
    HDMI from the hub runs to the monitor.
    USB data cable from monitor runs to the hub. All USB peripherals are connected to the monitor USB ports.
    Hub is connected to the Macbook via this cable.

    This allows a single cable (this one) to be plug into the laptop and charge it, drive the external monitor and the peripherals connected via USB (work headset, monitor light bar).

    edited for clarity.

  • xmagic on 17/02/2023 - 21:00

    I bought this Fasgear from Amazon with angled connector on one end with my U4320Q:
    https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08FY32M1Q

    Still holding strong after almost 2 years of constant plug/unplug. No disconnecting at all. The stiffness I'd say it's in the middle - it's definitely not towards the fluid side, but it's nowhere near a steel rod. The black version connector is a slightly lighter shade of grey than Midnight MBA, but darker shade than Space Grey. Braided cable is very similarly coloured as Midnight, while other parts are all black.

    The shortest version is 1m but you can wrap them on the back of the monitor. See it in action: https://imgur.com/a/X3pYpjZ

    Fasgear also has proper Thunderbolt cables that are braided but doesn't come with a version with angled connectors. Somehow their TB cables doesn't mark with the lightning logo (I assume they're not properly certified) but works perfectly.

    Good cables can be very flexible - Many Thunderbolt cables are rubber-sleeved inside and out and bounce like a jelly. Still works fine with Thunderbolt signals with integrity.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join