OWC has unveiled a couple of new cables for those users in production setups that rely on Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. What makes the USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable different from other Thunderbolt 4 cables is their extended lengths–they’re available in either 3-meter (9.8-feet) or 4.5-meter (14.76-feet) lengths.
The OWC cables are optical cables instead of copper, which allows the cables to handle data at faster rates over a longer distance. OWC also claims that the cables are immune to EMF and RFI interference, and stable signal support beyond 2 meters. The 3-meter cable is “lab certified” to deliver 240 watts of power, while the 4.5-meter cable can do 60 watts. The cables also have a braided nylon sheath for durability.
OWC’s cables are some of the longer ones you’ll find and a nice alternative to Apple’s. Apple’s largest option is a high-quality 3-meter Thunderbolt 4 cable, which sells for $159. OWC’s 3-meter cable is $95, a whopping $54 cheaper. OWC also has a reputation for making quality stuff, so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing anything while saving money.
Keep in mind that OWC’s cables are Thunderbolt 4 cables. Apple updated the M4 Pro/Max MacBook Pro and M4 Pro Mac mini with Thunderbolt 5, and you need cables made with the Thunderbolt 5 specification to take advantage of its 120Gbps throughput. These cables have the same USB-C connection, however, so they will still work just at slower speeds.
The OWC Thunderbolt cables are available now at the OWC site.
