Is any USB-C cable capable of carrying DP over USB?

Forums › Desktop computing › Is any USB-C cable capable of carrying DP over USB?

Kookoo

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#304562 15-May-2023 11:32

I got about 10 years of lifespan out of my old 23'' AOC, and it was still going strong but my eyes weren't, so I figured it was time to get a 27'' one.

I got the MSI Modern MD272P, because of the built-in KVM capability. To use the KVM switch I need to connect it to my laptop using USB-C - and I can't get it to work. I know my laptop's USB-C port is DP-capable because I use it that way at work. The only difference at home is the Momax USB-C cable I got from PBTech. The laptop is being charged by the monitor, so the cable works fine as a charging cable, it just doesn't seem to carry the video data.

Does anyone know if there are any special requirements/standards a USB-C cable needs to adhere to for DP signal? Google tells me it needs to be USB 3.1, but that's a port spec, not a cable spec. What am I missing here?

Hello, Ground!

RunningMan

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#3076298 15-May-2023 11:47

According to the reviews, the linked cable is only USB 2.0 so won't have all the required conductors.

Kookoo

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#3076301 15-May-2023 11:56

RunningMan:

According to the reviews, the linked cable is only USB 2.0 so won't have all the required conductors.

Thank you!

Although now I feel dumb. 🤦‍♂️

I literally assumed that all USB-C cables are USB3.0 and up by definition. Why, why don't PBtech include the USB version in the specs on the website?!

Hello, Ground!

allio

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#3076410 15-May-2023 14:32

Kookoo:

Although now I feel dumb. 🤦‍♂️

I literally assumed that all USB-C cables are USB3.0 and up by definition. Why, why don't PBtech include the USB version in the specs on the website?!

The USB spec doesn't require devices to comply with both data and charging specs - manufacturers can pick one. In my experience every cable with 'charging' in its description is USB 2.0 for data unless proven otherwise. Reason #23746 that the USB spec is a dumpster fire...

Get something with 10/20/40Gbps in the description and you should be OK.

Mattnzl

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#3076414 15-May-2023 14:52

I tend to buy Thunderbolt cables as they have to meet certain minimum requirements to be called that (although I'm sure they doesn't stop some no-name ones being crap).

SomeoneSomewhere

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#3076446 15-May-2023 17:32

allio:

Kookoo:

Although now I feel dumb. 🤦‍♂️

I literally assumed that all USB-C cables are USB3.0 and up by definition. Why, why don't PBtech include the USB version in the specs on the website?!

The USB spec doesn't require devices to comply with both data and charging specs - manufacturers can pick one. In my experience every cable with 'charging' in its description is USB 2.0 for data unless proven otherwise. Reason #23746 that the USB spec is a dumpster fire...

Get something with 10/20/40Gbps in the description and you should be OK.

Not even that - there are some charge-only USB cables that have no data capability at all. Not sure if they're technically compliant but they often come bundled with cheap USB-charged stuff like lights.

nzkc

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#3076455 15-May-2023 17:53

Short answer: No.

Look for one that guarantees 5Gps (or higher). Going to depend on your resolution demands as to how high you need.

I recently purchased this as I wanted a slightly longer cable: https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/CABBNE5018/Bonelk-USB-C-to-USB-C-USB-32-Gen-2-Spec-Long-Life

Works great and I would recommend.

There are cheaper ones if you want just 1m.

Dell

Shop now for Dell laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

richms

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#3076476 15-May-2023 20:35

SomeoneSomewhere:

Not even that - there are some charge-only USB cables that have no data capability at all. Not sure if they're technically compliant but they often come bundled with cheap USB-charged stuff like lights.

And usually that stuff lacks the resistors so that it will not charge on anything that is a USB C charger since it doesnt trigger it to turn on without them there.

Richard rich.ms

Kookoo

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#3077220 17-May-2023 14:58

Thanks for your help everybody! This did the job.

Hello, Ground!