USB-C is a connector shape, not a single capability. Two cables with identical USB-C plugs can differ enormously: one may charge a laptop but only sync at 480 Mbps, while another carries 40 Gbps of data plus 8K video. Choosing the right USB-C cable means matching three things to your use case — power, data speed and video — and knowing when an E-marker chip is required. This guide uses real specifications from our USB-C cable range.
The three things that define a USB-C cable
- Power: how many watts it can safely deliver, governed by USB Power Delivery (PD). Common tiers are 60W, 100W (PD 3.0) and 240W (PD 3.1).
- Data speed: from USB 2.0 at 480 Mbps up to USB4 at 40 Gbps.
- Video: whether the cable supports DisplayPort Alt Mode for external displays, and up to what resolution.
The E-marker chip: cables that carry more than 3A (i.e. 100W and 240W charging) or high-speed data (10 Gbps and above, USB4) require an E-marker — an electronic marker chip that tells devices the cable's real capabilities. A charging-only USB 2.0 cable at 3A does not need one; a 240W or 40 Gbps cable does.
USB-C cable comparison
| Cable class | Data speed | Power (PD) | Video | E-marker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB 2.0 charge/sync | 480 Mbps | Up to 100W (with E-marker) | No | Only above 3A |
| USB 3.1 Gen 2 | 10 Gbps | 100W | 4K @ 60Hz (DP Alt Mode) | Yes |
| USB4 / Thunderbolt-class | 40 Gbps | 100W | Up to 8K @ 60Hz (DP 1.4) | Yes |
| USB4 240W full-featured | 40 Gbps | 240W (PD 3.1) | Up to 8K @ 60Hz (DP 1.4) | Yes |
1. Charging and sync (USB 2.0)
If the cable only needs to charge a phone or accessory and transfer at basic speeds, a USB 2.0 USB-C cable is the economical choice: 480 Mbps data with robust charging. Our USB 2.0 USB-C cables use OFC high-purity oxygen-free copper conductors and braided jackets, and are built in 3A, 5A and 6A versions. A USB-A to USB-C 2.0 cable can also carry up to 100W PD (with an E-marker) while still transferring at USB 2.0 speed — ideal for charging-focused applications where fast data is not needed.
2. Data and single-display work (USB 3.1 Gen 2)
For external SSDs, docks and connecting a monitor, step up to USB 3.1 Gen 2. Our 10 Gbps USB-C cable delivers 10 Gbps data, 100W USB-C charging, 4K@60Hz 4:4:4 video over DisplayPort Alt Mode, and includes an E-marker chip. This is the practical middle tier: fast enough for most storage and a single 4K display without paying for full USB4.
3. Full-featured (USB4 / 40 Gbps)
When you need maximum data throughput plus high-resolution video, choose a USB4 cable. Our USB4 40 Gbps certified cable provides 40 Gbps bandwidth, 100W USB-C power, DP 1.4 video up to 8K@60Hz, and an E-marker; it is Thunderbolt 3 compatible. For the highest power needs, our USB4 240W cable adds 240W charging via USB PD 3.1 alongside the same 40 Gbps data and 8K@60Hz video, with a polypropylene-woven jacket, aluminium shell and E-marker; it is Thunderbolt 4 compatible. This is the cable to specify for a single-cable laptop dock or workstation setup that must charge, drive displays and move data at once.
Quick selection guide
- Just charging a phone / accessory: USB 2.0 USB-C, 3A–6A. Add an E-marker for 100W+.
- Charging a laptop, no fast data: USB 2.0 with PD up to 100W (E-marker).
- External SSD + one 4K monitor: USB 3.1 Gen 2, 10 Gbps, 100W, 4K@60Hz.
- Docks, 8K display, heavy data: USB4, 40 Gbps, 8K@60Hz, 100W.
- One cable for power + display + data at high wattage: USB4 240W (PD 3.1), 40 Gbps, 8K@60Hz.
Matching the cable to the job avoids two common mistakes: paying for USB4 where USB 2.0 charging is enough, and buying a cheap cable that silently caps a 240W laptop or a 40 Gbps drive.
Request an OEM/ODM quote
Tonetron is the export brand of Dongguan Taitron Electronic Co., Ltd. (东莞台昶电子), a cable and connectivity manufacturer in Dongguan, Guangdong, China. We supply HDMI, USB-C, DisplayPort and custom cables worldwide, with OEM/ODM and private-label programs.
- Email: sales@tonetron.com
- Phone: +86-0769-83356158
- Contact form: tonetron.com/contact
Tell us your target specification, quantity and destination market and our team will respond with a tailored quote. MOQ, sample, tooling and lead-time figures are project-specific — please contact us for a quote.
