Understanding modern cable technology can be a daunting task, filled with technical jargon and complex specifications. Weighing the pros and cons of a new gadget is complicated enough without having to decipher the differences between various cable standards, such as HDMI 2.1 and HDMI 2.2, or the reasons why some USB-C ports are also Thunderbolt ports. Fortunately, there is a free app called WhatCable that can help simplify this process.
The modern cable landscape is comprised of three essential elements: the port on the device being connected to (like a monitor or charger), the cable in between, and the port on the device being used (like a phone or laptop). For optimal results, all three elements must support the same standards. Unfortunately, merely finding a cable that fits a port is not enough to guarantee optimal performance or compatibility.
The most common port found on laptops and phones today is USB-C, but it's essential to note that USB-C ports can also support Thunderbolt and DisplayPort protocols, as well as various USB speeds. When buying a new cable, it's crucial to double-check the specs, as similar-sized ports on the same device may be configured differently, and cables beyond one meter typically require extra technology to support the highest data speeds, making them more expensive.
Standards can change regularly, with manufacturers sometimes adopting changes promptly and other times taking longer to implement them. To avoid confusion, it's recommended to spend a few extra minutes analyzing the relevant specs in detail before making a purchase.
WhatCable is a free app that analyzes the cables attached to your Mac, providing a detailed breakdown of their specifications and capabilities. When you connect a cable, the app shows information on the charging speed and data transfer rate (where applicable), as well as a breakdown of what the cable can do. If a cable isn't charging your MacBook at the maximum speed, or the MacBook is limiting the charging, WhatCable will alert you to this issue.
WhatCable also examines the e-marker inside a cable, which is essentially its digital ID, advertising its capabilities to the computer it's plugged into. If there are discrepancies between this e-marker and commonly followed technology standards, WhatCable will display an orange flag, alerting you to something that doesn't quite seem right.
Overall, WhatCable presents its data in a simple and understandable way, allowing users to see a significant difference between cheap and limited cables and more expensive and powerful ones, providing reassurance if you've paid extra for them.
