USB4 (40Gb/s & 60W) Active Optical Cable - 5.0m

Features and benefits

Full 40Gbps speed across long distance

Multi-mode optical fibres transmit data as light, delivering full 40Gbps USB4 and Thunderbolt performance well beyond copper's two-metre limit.

Up to 60W Power Delivery

Supplies up to 60W of Power Delivery to charge laptops and workstations while connected to self-powered docks, monitors, or desktop storage.

Real-time LED connection status indicators

Integrated LEDs on both connector heads confirm full USB4 speed (blue), USB 3 mode (white), DisplayPort video, or connection faults (red) instantly.

DisplayPort Alt Mode for 8K displays

Drives high-resolution displays up to 8K, supporting Apple Studio Display, Pro Display XDR, and standard USB-C monitors alongside Thunderbolt screens.

Durable braided jacket immune to EMI/RFI

Tough braided nylon exterior protects internal optical fibres with total immunity to electromagnetic interference and effortless flexible routing.

Specifications

Materials

What's in the box

• OWC USB4 (40Gb/s & 60W) Active Optical Cable – 5.0m in Black
• Documentation

Compatibility

Fits: Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, and USB-C computers, self-powered docks, displays, and desktop storage enclosures running macOS, Windows, Linux, iPadOS, or ChromeOS.

Doesn't fit: Bus-powered portable storage devices (active optical transceivers require connection to self-powered docks, monitors, or mains-powered drives).

Works with: Apple Studio Display, Apple Pro Display XDR, LG UltraFine, USB4 and Thunderbolt docks, desktop RAID arrays, and eGPUs.

Is it right for you?

Yes, if you need maximum 5.0-metre reach for full 40Gbps data, 8K display support, and 60W charging across an extended studio or rack setup.

Probably not, if you need high-power 240W laptop charging (choose the 3.0m 240W version instead) or only require a short patch cable for bus-powered portable SSDs.

Using it

Connection. Connect either USB-C end to your computer and the opposite end to your self-powered dock, display, or desktop storage enclosure.

Status LEDs. Check the connector lights: solid blue confirms full 40Gbps USB4 operation, white indicates USB 3 mode, and red signals a connection fault requiring reseating.

Cable care. While the braided optical cable is flexible for desk and rack routing, avoid tight kinks or sharp 90-degree pinches to preserve optical glass integrity.

Warranty

OWC gives a 2-year limited warranty from the date of purchase against defects in materials and workmanship. Normal wear and tear, cosmetic damage (including scratches and cracks), accidental damage and misuse are not covered.

Questions

Does this cable support USB-C monitors as well as Thunderbolt monitors?

Yes. This updated cable includes DisplayPort Alt Mode support, allowing standard USB-C monitors like Apple Studio Display to run alongside Thunderbolt screens.

How does an optical cable differ from a standard copper cable?

Standard copper cables cannot maintain 40Gbps speeds beyond two metres. This cable uses optical fibres to transmit data as pulses of light over 5.0 metres with zero signal loss or electrical interference.

Can I use this cable with bus-powered portable SSDs?

No. Because optical transceivers require power to operate, this cable is designed specifically for self-powered docks, monitors, and mains-powered desktop storage.

What do the LED lights on the connectors mean?

Blue indicates full 40Gbps USB4 speed, white indicates USB 3 speed, and red signals an issue with the connection that needs attention.

Product data

Other names for this product

OWC USB4 Active Optical Cable 5.0m is also known as the OWC 5M USB4 60W Optical Cable, 40Gbps USB-C Optical Cable, or part number OWCCBLUS4A205M.

Also available

• OWC USB4 (40Gb/s & 240W) Active Optical Cable – 3.0m – OWCCBLUS4A203M
• This product – OWCCBLUS4A205M

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