USB-C optical cable for a MacPro to LG Display?

Question

Level 1

33 points

USB-C optical cable for a MacPro to LG Display?

Hello, I'm trying to connect a new MacPro unit (equipped with an AMD Radeon Pro 580X) to an LG 49WL95C-WE ultra widescreen monitor (60hz). I have no problem when using the included USB-C cable -- however, when I attempt to use a 50' Corning Thunderbolt 3 optical cable, I get no signal on the display.

I am trying to figure out if the problem is that I need a different USB-C optical cable instead of the Thunderbolt 3 cable, or if there is some other issue that will prevent me from using a longer optical cable instead of a regular one. Thanks-

Mac Pro

Posted on Sep 15, 2021 8:54 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Grant Bennet-Alder

Level 10

140,885 points

Sep 15, 2021 9:11 AM in response to sn0wleopard

according to the maker, that is NOT a Thunderbolt Display. Typically Only Thunderbolt displays can use a ThunderBolt cable directly.

INPUT/OUTPUT

HDMI Yes x 2
DisplayPort Yes x 1
USB Type-C Yes

You might be able to support a ThunderBolt docking station over that cable, and connect to the display with a USB-C or DisplayPort cable. HDMI is not recommended because it is less reliable at higher resolutions.

Reply

Answer 2

Sep 16, 2021 7:05 AM in response to sn0wleopard

That is great!

A lot of interesting side notes on these long Fiber optic cables. This can get really complicated.

That USB-C display cable, for example, is directional, and only works installed one way. Reverse it by accident, and it stops working. And no charging, but that is not at all surprising.

For 'ordinary' (non Fiber optic) Thunderbolt cables, displays are typically supported. These long fiber optic cables explicitly say, NO, just ThunderBolt, no USB, no Display Protocols except native Thunderbolt displays.

Reply

Answer 3

sn0wleopard Author

Level 1

33 points

Sep 16, 2021 6:40 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

It worked! Try this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08235TV6F/ref=sw_img_1?smid=&psc=1

It is a 50' USB-C cable and I was concerned that it might not support 5k resolution, but it does seem to be working fine so far.

Reply

Answer 4

sn0wleopard Author

Level 1

33 points

Sep 15, 2021 9:19 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thanks, that's what I had suspected... So would a normal USB-C optical cable work instead (as opposed to a Thunderbolt one) even without the docking station? I would have assumed so, as the display connects fine with a normal USB-C cable.

Reply

Answer 5

sn0wleopard Author

Level 1

33 points

Sep 15, 2021 9:29 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

I'll post an update and let you know if the USB-C optical cable I ordered works. If not, I think my next move is to buy the following device from Amazon and try the DisplayPort idea you suggested. https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Thunderbolt-Charging-Compatible-DisplayPort/dp/B0845X1LV7/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=thunderbolt+docking+station+displayport&qid=1631723040&sr=8-3

Reply

Answer 6

Sep 15, 2021 9:23 AM in response to sn0wleopard

If you know of a long USB-C optical cable, I would love to hear about it.

Reply

USB-C optical cable for a MacPro to LG Display?

Similar questions