> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knowledgebase.orezaar.com/knowledgebase/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knowledgebase.orezaar.com/knowledgebase/beginner-guides/data-cable-speed-and-wattage.md).

# Data Cable Speed and Wattage

<figure><img src="/files/hoTjiT1KOJqzg07xHlKE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}

{% endhint %}

Not all cables are the same; USB-C cables vary wildly and can carry anywhere from 60W to 240W of power, and 480 Mbps to 40 Gbps of data. Just because a cable has the same connector shape doesn’t mean it supports high-speed transfers or fast charging.<br>

**Cable Speed and Wattage Standards**

* **USB 2.0 (Entry-Level):**
  * **Data Speed:** Up to 480 Mbps (roughly 60 MB/s).
  * **Wattage:** Often limited to 60W (20V × 3A), but older USB-A to C versions max out around 15W (5V × 3A).&#x20;
* **USB 3.2 Gen 1 (formerly USB 3.0):**
  * **Data Speed:** Up to 5 Gbps.
  * **Wattage:** Delivers up to 15W (5V × 3A) standard, but some cables support up to 60W.&#x20;
* **USB 3.2 Gen 2 / Gen 2x2:**
  * **Data Speed:** 10 Gbps to 20 Gbps.
  * **Wattage:** 60W (20V × 3A) to 100W (20V × 5A).&#x20;
* **USB4 / Thunderbolt 3 & 4 (Top Tier):**
  * **Data Speed:** Up to 40 Gbps.
  * **Wattage:** Supports up to 240W via Extended Power Range (EPR).&#x20;

Key Things to Know

* **The Connector Isn't the Cable:** The "USB-C" name only dictates the shape of the plug. The internal wiring determines exactly how fast it transmits data or charges a device.
* **E-Markers:** High-wattage (above 60W) and high-speed USB-C cables require a built-in microchip (E-marker) to safely communicate capabilities to connected devices.&#x20;
* **USB-A vs. USB-C:** Cables ending in the older, rectangular USB-A generally cap out at 7.5W to 18W, and typically stick to USB 2.0 or 3.0 data speeds.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://knowledgebase.orezaar.com/knowledgebase/beginner-guides/data-cable-speed-and-wattage.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.