Introduction

In a bold move that could challenge Apple's premium pricing model, OWC (Other World Computing) has unveiled two impressive new super-long active optical USB4 cables, measuring nearly 10 feet (3 meters) and a whopping 15 feet (4.5 meters). These cables boast an astounding data throughput of up to 40Gbps, making them an enticing alternative for users who require high-speed connections without breaking the bank.

Competitive Pricing

The pricing for OWC's cables is pretty competitive, retailing at $98.99 for the 3m version and $129.99 for the 4.5m version, although shoppers may find them for even lower prices on OWC's website. This pricing drastically undercuts Apple’s equivalent 3-meter Thunderbolt 4 cable, which is priced at $159, providing a significant cost-saving for consumers.

Power Delivery

In terms of power delivery, OWC's 3m cable can supply up to 240W, which is more than sufficient for charging most laptops and peripherals. The 4.5m variant, while slightly less robust, still delivers up to 60W. Both cables feature a durable braided nylon coating that enhances flexibility and resilience, reducing the likelihood of wear and tear.

Compatibility with Thunderbolt Devices

Although these cables aren’t officially Thunderbolt 4 certified, they are designed to work flawlessly with any Thunderbolt 3 or 4 devices, including docks and hubs. Intel stipulates that Thunderbolt 4 performance is limited to 2 meters with standard copper cables, due to the intricate technology needed to maintain high data rates over extended distances. This limitation is another factor behind the high costs of Apple’s offerings.

Unique Throughput and Technology

It’s worth noting that while users can find other USB4 cables at similar lengths for a lower price, many of these do not match OWC's impressive 40Gbps throughput. OWC attributes this unique capability to the use of fiber optics, which are less susceptible to electromagnetic interference—an essential feature for maintaining high speeds.

Historical Context

Interestingly, this release from OWC harkens back to the original vision for Thunderbolt, known as Light Peak, which was co-developed by Intel and Apple as a fiber optic cable standard. While that concept transitioned to copper cables for practical reasons, companies like Corning continue to push optical technology forward, evidenced by their $480 164-foot (50 meters) 5K optical display cable.

Additional Products

In addition to these standout cables, OWC has also launched a Thunderbolt 5 hub priced at $189.99, available for preorder since November. This hub comes equipped with four Thunderbolt 5 ports and a USB-A port, supporting three simultaneous 8K displays at 60Hz—a clear indicator that OWC is committed to innovating in the connectivity space.

Conclusion

As technology continues to evolve, these new USB4 cables from OWC represent a significant development, providing high performance at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional Thunderbolt offerings from Apple. Don’t miss out on the chance to upgrade your connectivity game—these cables are a must-have for tech enthusiasts!