USBC Performance and Compatibility. USB-C cables are not all created equal. They can have different current and voltage ratings, support only USB 2.0 or up to USB 4, be eMarked or non-eMarked, passive or active, and support alternate modes like Thunderbolt. Devices can identify the type of cable they are connected to using USB Power Delivery Thereare currently eight types of USB C cables defined based on two criteria: the type of standard used to transmit the signals, and the amount of current they can carry. Of the first we have four types: USB 2.0, USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and Thunderbolt 3 . From the second we have two variables for each cable, with 3 and 5 A Thunderboltvs. USB-C . On the surface, Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 seem to be the same as USB-C. After all, they both use the same USB-C ports and connectors. However, that hasn't always been the case---and still isn't. A USB device will likely work in a Thunderbolt port, but it may not provide the same transfer speeds. Firstof all and also the biggest difference is the wiring between different USB cables. Different USB Types are obviously wired differently but that does not impact the way that the data is transferred in any meaningful manner. The exception is USB type-C because it is the only USB type that supports the latest and fastest USB version. Facts101: Are All USB-C Cables the Same for Charging? Oct 30, 2023 | Anker Are all USB-C cables the same for charging? This is a modern dilemma that Whilenot the most common, it does still pop up in some USB-C cables or adapters, typically the USB-A to USB-C variety. This USBType-C: Not All Cables Are Created Equal The USB Type-C connector is designed to replace data transfer, charging, and video connectors. However, not all AsusSATA 3Gb/s (Red) Asus SATA 3Gb/s (Black) Intel SATA 3Gb/s (Blue) In the pictures, the sleeved wires are all the signal wires, and the unsleeved are the ground wires. You can see that all the cables have the same gauge of signal wire, although the Asus SATA 6Gb/s and the Intel SATA 3Gb/s both have an additional ground wire. This is AdVK.