L'USB-C est un piège : comment ne plus se faire avoir

Summary

The video explains why USB-C connectors that look identical can support very different charging, data-transfer, and display capabilities. USB-C describes the connector shape, not what a cable can do. A cable may charge a device while transferring files slowly or failing to carry a display signal.

Charging and power

• The video identifies 60W and 240W as the two main certified power levels for USB-C-to-USB-C cables. A 60W cable suits many phones and smaller devices but may not provide enough power for a laptop. A certified 240W cable offers broader compatibility.
• Look for USB-IF certification and the official power rating in the product listing and on the cable. A claimed rating such as 100W may refer to an older or uncertified cable.
• Some phone makers use proprietary fast-charging systems, including SuperVOOC, HyperCharge, and SuperCharge. A standard USB Power Delivery cable will still charge these phones, but may not reach their maximum charging speed. That may require the manufacturer’s cable and charger.
• The cable alone does not determine charging speed: the charger and device must also support the required power. Multiport chargers divide their total available output among connected devices.

Data, audio, and video

The presenter recommends focusing on advertised speed in gigabits per second (Gbps) rather than USB and Thunderbolt standards, which are frequently renamed. As a rough conversion, divide Gbps by 10 to estimate gigabytes per second (GB/s).

• 480 Mbps: Adequate for charging and low-bandwidth accessories such as headphones, but poor for substantial file transfers and generally unsuitable for video.
• 10 Gbps: A practical choice for faster transfers and some 4K display uses.
• 40 Gbps: Suitable for more demanding setups, such as multiple displays, higher-resolution or higher-refresh-rate video, and editing from an external SSD.
• 80 Gbps: Intended for particularly demanding setups, such as several high-resolution displays or very fast data transfers.

A cable’s speed can enable a display connection, but the computer’s capabilities determine how many displays and which resolutions it supports. The video also notes that a device’s port may support faster transfers than the cable supplied with it.

The three-cable recommendation

For most people, the presenter suggests keeping three cables:

1. A longer charging cable: Ideally 240W. USB 2.0/480 Mbps is sufficient if the cable is only for charging.
2. A versatile USB-C-to-USB-C cable: 240W and 40 Gbps, ideally no longer than about one metre to reduce the risk of data loss.
3. A USB-C-to-USB-A cable: A useful backup for older computers, cars, or hotel sockets. The presenter says not to expect fast charging from this connector; a faster data rating can still help with transfers.

Checking cables you already own

• Read any printed markings; certified cables should normally show their capabilities. A lightning-bolt symbol indicates Thunderbolt. The video cautions that USB-C connector colors do not reliably identify cable speed.
• If markings are absent, test the cable by checking its charging behavior, trying it with a display, or copying a large file to a fast external drive. The presenter uses file-copy speed as a rough estimate of the cable’s data rate.
• The video mentions What Cable for macOS and USB Device Tree Viewer for Windows. Software can reveal information reported by the cable or connection, but the presenter warns that this may not always reflect real-world performance.
• Recycle cables with damaged sheathing, intermittent connections, or overheating rather than continuing to use them. Labeling sorted cables can also make them easier to identify.

Buying advice

The presenter argues that a suitable cable need not be expensive: certification and the capabilities required for the intended use matter more than appearance or braided construction. The video contrasts a high-priced Thunderbolt 5 cable with a less expensive USB-IF-certified option, while noting that 80 Gbps requires Thunderbolt 5 certification in the presenter’s explanation.

Main speaker and sources

• Main speaker: A Clubic presenter, speaking directly to camera.
• Other sources mentioned: Clubic’s separate video about charging standards; the What Cable macOS app and USB Device Tree Viewer Windows utility.