USB-C Cable for the External Monitor.

Hi,

USB-C Cable for the External Monitor that also charges the MacBook

I am interested in connecting my MacBook Air (13-inch, 2018, Retina, two thunderbolt 3 ports model ) to an HP EliteDisplay E273q 27-inch Monitor through the USB-C to USB-C communication.

Specs of my monitor and MacBook air - given here

• https://www8.hp.com/h20195/V2/GetPDF.aspx/c05689783
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• https://support.apple.com/kb/SP783?locale=en_IN
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The USB - C cable charging cable that came with MacBook air when I plug it into the monitor - it doesn't detect any display. So I guess the shipped in charger cable along with MacBook doesn't support data transmission.

The legend Mr. Grant Bennet-Alder in an another thread suggested to connect a monitor through DisplayPort family rather than legacy HDMI interface - as it is better efficient and doesn't heat up Mac too much with power so Mac will run cooler.

Keeping in that mind I would like to connect my MacBook Air to monitor via display port family.

I have two options:

Buy a USB C - USB C cable ( with usb 3.1 gen 2 - as mentioned on the packaging of a cable from amazon )

• Does USB 3.1 gen 2 mean - it is display port via usb - C cable ?
• How would I know that a USB C to USB C connection support display port through it ?
• What should I look for while buying such a connection ?
• For this cable to work does my Mac need display port Alt Mode function and does my MacBook Air 2018, Retina version has it ? (I'm a laymen here and don't know what dp Alt Mode is :/ )
• I keep hearing in other forums that DP Alt Mode doesn't work in Macs thunderbolt ports via usb c cable so wouldn't it defeat the purpose of my desire to connect through display port family ?

Buy a USB C - Display port cable ( usb -c on one end and display port on another end )

• Does this work with my MacBook Air 2018, Retina, 13 inch ?
• Same question as above does my Mac has DP Alt Mode ?
• Also I have USB ports on my monitor - does USB C to Display port cable carry USB data through this cable ?

I'm confused on which one to go and better for both my Mac and monitor in long run keeping in mind my MacBook Air gets heated very quickly.

Thanks in advance