4 ms·

Not all USB-C connectors are created equal. Something with that connector can support or not support a number of protocols, e.g. USB, Thunderbolt 3, USB-C power

Not all USB-C connectors are created equal. Something with that connector can support or not support a number of protocols, e.g. USB, Thunderbolt 3, USB-C power throughput, etc.

wlesieutre 10y ago
In this case, the cable used with the monitor needs to be a Thunderbolt 3 cable, not just a USB-C cable. I haven't seen a teardown of the new ones, but at least for the previous generation there's a bit more to it than your average cable. https://www.wired.com/2011/06/thunderbolt-cable-teardown-reveals-enough-chips-to-make-a-computer/ https://www.wired.com/2011/06/thunderbolt-cable-teardown-rev... Thunderbolt 2 had the same compatibility issue in that it was the same connector as Mini DisplayPort but couldn't run over a standard DP cable. That was pretty minor since it's not like everyone has a pile of loose DP cables sitting around. On the other hand, your average consumer never uses a Thunderbolt device to begin with on account of them being significantly more expensive than other accessories. They'll likely never run into this even with it using a USB-like cable, and the people who do need TB will figure it out.
- otterley 10y ago
  It's not a Thunderbolt issue. It's about supporting "DisplayPort Alternate Mode." This particular monitor doesn't support Thunderbolt.
  - wlesieutre 10y ago
    Oh interesting, I didn't think monitors could run video over the USB cable and still offer a USB hub on the same connection, but it looks like the DisplayPort data goes over the additional USB-3 lines and preserves the original USB-2 connection for accessories. Good to know. Thunderbolt displays can do hubs at full speed, the 5K LG Ultrafine has 3x USB 3.1 gen 1, which IIRC means up to 5 Gbps (vs 480 Mbps for USB 2). Not sure why your comment was marked [dead] but I just vouched it so it should be back.

4 ms·

Not all USB-C connectors are created equal. Something with that connector can support or not support a number of protocols, e.g. USB, Thunderbolt 3, USB-C power

by cpmsmith 10y ago

Not all USB-C connectors are created equal. Something with that connector can support or not support a number of protocols, e.g. USB, Thunderbolt 3, USB-C power throughput, etc.

wlesieutre 10y ago
In this case, the cable used with the monitor needs to be a Thunderbolt 3 cable, not just a USB-C cable. I haven't seen a teardown of the new ones, but at least for the previous generation there's a bit more to it than your average cable. https://www.wired.com/2011/06/thunderbolt-cable-teardown-reveals-enough-chips-to-make-a-computer/ https://www.wired.com/2011/06/thunderbolt-cable-teardown-rev... Thunderbolt 2 had the same compatibility issue in that it was the same connector as Mini DisplayPort but couldn't run over a standard DP cable. That was pretty minor since it's not like everyone has a pile of loose DP cables sitting around. On the other hand, your average consumer never uses a Thunderbolt device to begin with on account of them being significantly more expensive than other accessories. They'll likely never run into this even with it using a USB-like cable, and the people who do need TB will figure it out.
- otterley 10y ago
  It's not a Thunderbolt issue. It's about supporting "DisplayPort Alternate Mode." This particular monitor doesn't support Thunderbolt.
  - wlesieutre 10y ago
    Oh interesting, I didn't think monitors could run video over the USB cable and still offer a USB hub on the same connection, but it looks like the DisplayPort data goes over the additional USB-3 lines and preserves the original USB-2 connection for accessories. Good to know. Thunderbolt displays can do hubs at full speed, the 5K LG Ultrafine has 3x USB 3.1 gen 1, which IIRC means up to 5 Gbps (vs 480 Mbps for USB 2). Not sure why your comment was marked [dead] but I just vouched it so it should be back.