OWC has unveiled a certified 2-meter Thunderbolt 5 USB-C cable, catering to Mac and PC users seeking extended cable lengths without compromising Thunderbolt 5 specifications. This product complements OWC's existing Thunderbolt 5 cable range, which includes shorter lengths of 0.3 meters, 0.8 meters, and 1 meter. The 2-meter cable is designed for use with external storage, docks, and display connections that rely on Thunderbolt for data, video, and power transmission via a single connection. Thunderbolt 5, the latest version of Intel's Thunderbolt interface, utilizes the USB-C connector. Larry O'Connor, Founder and CEO of OWC, emphasizes the cable's ability to deliver the full Thunderbolt 5 experience at extended lengths without any compromises.
OWC claims the cable has undergone Thunderbolt certification and testing by independent labs, ensuring compliance with the full Thunderbolt 5 specification. Performance figures cited include up to 80 Gb/s bi-directional data performance and up to 120 Gb/s video stream performance, supporting up to 240W power delivery and three 8K displays. OWC's 2-meter cable incorporates signal amplification, shielding, and end-to-end signal integrity measures, setting it apart from shorter passive cables that often require active electronics for full bandwidth.
The cable is compatible with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 3 devices, as well as USB4 and USB-C devices, offering a single USB-C to USB-C cable solution for a wide range of hosts and peripherals, including power and charging connections. OWC highlights the cable's backward compatibility with existing Thunderbolt and USB-C devices, ensuring professionals can rely on a single cable for all their connection needs. The 2-meter Thunderbolt 5 cable is priced at USD $79.99 and is expected to ship in early January, with OWC showcasing it alongside Thunderbolt 5 storage and connectivity products at Pepcom's Digital Experience and ShowStoppers at CES.
