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Key Features
Compatibility
Product Description
When distance, performance, and reliability matter, the OWC USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable is the answer for long-distance connectivity of Thunderbolt 4/3 and USB4/3/2 devices. Featuring universal USB-C connectivity, DisplayPort Alt Mode support, and optical fibre technology, this premium-quality cable eliminates the 2-metre distance limit of traditional copper-based Thunderbolt and USB4 cables, connecting directly to both Thunderbolt and standard USB-C displays without a dock.
Available in 3M and 5M lengths with up to 16 feet of reach, place devices further away for noise reduction, provide more convenient access, hide them for a cleaner workspace, or enable more efficient cable management in professional settings. A braided nylon exterior over advanced internal fibre optical cable delivers highly durable, consistent signal reliability immune to EMI/RFI interference, and LED indicators on both ends confirm connection status at a glance. Backed by a 3 Year OWC Limited Warranty.
Product Q&A
Q: What is the maximum distance and speed this cable supports?
A: Both lengths support full USB4/Thunderbolt 4/Thunderbolt 3 speeds of 40Gb/s (USB-C mode up to 20Gb/s), with the 3M version reaching 9.8 feet and the 5M version reaching 16.3 feet, well beyond the 2-metre limit of standard copper cables.
Q: Can I use this cable to power my laptop?
A: Yes. The cable supports USB PD3.1 power delivery from a Thunderbolt or USB4 dock, hub, eGPU, RAID, or PCIe chassis to a host machine, up to 240W on the 3M version and up to 60W on the 5M version.
Q: Will this work with my USB-C monitor?
A: Yes, it supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, so it connects directly to standard USB-C displays as well as Thunderbolt displays such as the Apple Pro Display XDR, Apple Studio Display, and LG UltraFine, without needing a dock.
Q: Can I use this with a bus-powered portable SSD or hard drive?
A: No. OWC does not recommend using this cable with bus-powered devices (drives or displays that draw power over USB-C without their own external power supply), as they may not function properly.
Q: How do the LED indicators work?
A: LEDs on both ends of the cable show connection status at a glance: blue for USB4, white for USB 3, green for DisplayPort when connected to the device, yellow for DisplayPort 1.4 on the host end, and red on either end if there is a connection issue.
Specifications
| Cable Connections | Thunderbolt (USB-C) male, both ends |
| Data Rate - Thunderbolt 4 | 40Gb/s |
| Data Rate - Thunderbolt 3 | 40Gb/s |
| Data Rate - USB4 | 40Gb/s |
| Data Rate - USB-C | Up to 20Gb/s |
| Power Transmission (3M) | 240W, 48V/5A (USB PD3.1) |
| Power Transmission (5M) | 60W, 20V/3A (USB PD3.1) |
| Display Support | Up to 8K via DisplayPort 1.4 over Thunderbolt; also supports USB-C displays using DisplayPort Alt Mode |
| Color | Black |
| Exterior | Braided nylon over internal fibre optical cable |
| Certifications | E-Mark IC |
| Connection LED - USB4 | Blue (host and device end) |
| Connection LED - USB 3 | White (host and device end) |
| Connection LED - DisplayPort 1.4 | Yellow (host end), Green (device end) |
| Connection LED - DisplayPort 1.2 with USB3.2 | White (host end), Green (device end) |
| Connection LED - Connection Issue | Red (both ends) |
| Length (3M) | 3.0M / 9.8 feet |
| Length (5M) | 5.0M / 16.3 feet |
| Weight (3M) | 120g / 4.24 oz |
| Weight (5M) | 150g / 5.3 oz |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C (32°F to 131°F) |
| Operating Humidity | 5%-90% relative humidity, non-condensing |
| Warranty | 3 Year OWC Limited Warranty |
| Note | Supports DisplayPort 1.4 over Thunderbolt for simultaneous audio/video output, data transfer, and device charging; not compatible with Thunderbolt 5 devices |
Compatibility
| Computers & Laptops | Any Mac, PC, or device with a Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, or USB-C port |
| Displays | Thunderbolt displays (Apple Pro Display XDR, Apple Studio Display, LG UltraFine, and other Thunderbolt-based displays) up to 8K, plus standard USB-C displays via DisplayPort Alt Mode |
| Docks & Hubs | Externally powered Thunderbolt 40Gb/s and USB4-equipped docks and hubs |
| Storage | Externally powered RAID storage, PCIe expansion chassis, and SSD/HDD enclosures |
| Other Devices | eGPUs, cameras (for tethering), card readers, and other externally powered Thunderbolt/USB4 peripherals |
| Not Recommended For | Bus-powered devices without their own external power supply, e.g. bus-powered portable SSDs, hard drives, or portable displays |
Shipping & VAT
- Free UK Shipping: Delivered in approx. 2 working days
- Express Options: Faster methods available at checkout
- Free Shipping to Ireland: For orders over £100.00
- International Delivery: Times vary by destination; shipped via FedEx or DHL
- 30-Day Returns: Return within 30 days from order date
- UK, Ireland and EU Customers: Free return label provided
- Full Return Policy: Read Here
- Full Shipping Details: Read Here
VAT & Duties Information
UK & EU Customers: The price shown on our website is the final price you pay. No additional VAT, customs duties, or import fees will be charged upon delivery.
Orders are dispatched from Northern Ireland, allowing us to serve customers across the United Kingdom and the European Union without unexpected import charges.
Non-UK and non-EU destinations: Local taxes, customs duties, and import fees may apply and are the responsibility of the recipient.
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Customer Service
Email and chat available 24/7
Free number UK: 08001954072
International: +442838341148
Phone Line Opening Hours
- Monday - Friday: 09:00-17:00
