TBolt 4 to USB 3.1 Gen 3 cable

I'm looking for a reliable Thunderbolt 4 to USB 3.1 Gen 3 cable to connect my new iMac 24 M4 to my 12TB external hard drive. Does anyone have a cable recommendation they can share?

iMac 27″ 5K, macOS 13.7

Posted on Dec 28, 2025 11:16 AM

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1 reply

Dec 28, 2025 11:36 AM in response to ChattanoogaTN

So that I can confirm the following guess, which hard disk drive vendor and model?


This is probably a USB connection and USB-C to either USB-C or USB-A, or maybe to USB-B.


But different vendors use different connectors.


Here is a USB USB-C to USB-A adapter: USB-C to USB Adapter - Apple


For a USB-C to USB-C cable for USB (not Thunderbolt) I'm usually buying Anker cables. (Thunderbolt cables cost rather more.)


Thunderbolt is possible here, but is unlikely, and the Apple iMac 24” USB-C ports provide both USB and Thunderbolt.



TBolt 4 to USB 3.1 Gen 3 cable

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