Comment by Dylan16807
1 day ago
Just measuring the power info is limited use. I'm sure there's value for some people, but I only need to keep track of 0-2 high power cables.
> Your no-brand 480Mbps USB 2.0 cable is indistinguishable from the super-fast USB 4 cable that can move 40 gigabits (around 5 gigabytes) of data every single second.
One of those is way thicker than the other, at least.
I would love for something to force a speed and power rating on USB-C plugs.
> I would love for something to force a speed and power rating on USB-C plugs.
This already exists. Cable makers can certify their cables and mark them with their data speed and wattage.
I buy only certified, marked cables. If I see an unmarked cable, I assume it’s slow and low-powered…which is good enough for some things.
> This already exists. Cable makers can certify their cables and mark them with their data speed and wattage.
Obviously labeling is possible. I want it to be forced.
Whether that's the USB consortium having more power, or a legal requirement, or the biggest stores refusing to carry unlabeled cables.
> If I see an unmarked cable, I assume it’s slow and low-powered…which is good enough for some things.
That's a reasonable way to handle things. Lots of basic cables and only worry about the good ones. And if a cable is so bad that it's missing data wires or is too high resistance to get near 3 amps, it can go in the garbage.
> One of those is way thicker than the other, at least.
I bet there's at least one brand with extra–thick plastic insulation.