World's first USB4 2.0 cables promise 80Gbps speeds

USB4 2.0 cables reach 80Gbps speeds and allow 240W charging, launching with Elecom in Japan.

: USB4 2.0 cables, debuting via Elecom, double data transfer speeds to 80Gbps and offer charging up to 240W. Initially available in Japan from December, they support video output up to 8K @ 60Hz. Microsoft is prepping Windows 11 for USB4 2.0, though hardware makers need PCI-Express 5.0 x4 to unlock full benefits.

USB4 is being revolutionized with Elecom's release of the world's first USB4 2.0 cables, promising data transfer speeds of up to 80Gbps, double the previous limit. They can also deliver up to 240W of power, a significant enhancement for fueling high-power laptops and devices if they support such wattage levels. Initially, these cables will be available in Japan and include a 60W option too.

Additionally, the cables support DisplayPort passthrough, allowing for up to 8K @ 60Hz video output. The adaptation of these speeds on the hardware end may take time, as no current motherboards support USB4 2.0 natively. Despite being announced in 2022, hardware that can fully utilize the specification is still in development.

Microsoft is ahead of the curve, integrating USB4 2.0 support into Windows 11 Insider builds. To fully harness USB4 2.0's potential, new hardware supporting PCI-Express 5.0 x4 is necessary, something not widely available yet. Dedicated governing bodies plan an official launch in December, marking a significant step for modern USB technology.