The first USB4 2.0 cables are expected to go on sale this year

USB takes a huge leap forward: The latest USB4 version 2.0 cables promise lightning-fast data transfer and power delivery for power-hungry devices. A look at the first certified products shows what the new technology can do and when it will be available.

USB4 2.0: the information highway of the future

The world of computer interfaces is about to take the next leap in performance. USB4 Version 2.0 ushers in a new era of connectivity that not only transfers data at record speeds, but also delivers enough power to power even the most “power-hungry” devices. The Japanese peripheral specialist Elecom is now presenting the first certified cables for this future-oriented standard.

The new USB4 2.0 cables from Elecom set standards in terms of performance. With a bidirectional transfer rate of up to 80 Gbit/s, they double the speed of their predecessors. At the same time, depending on the version, they support current levels of up to 60 watts or even 240 watts – enough to power even powerful gaming laptops or workstations.

Market launch and certification

How PC Watch reports Elecom plans to launch these high-tech cables in mid-December. The company emphasizes that these are the first USB4 2.0 cables certified in Japan. Particularly noteworthy is the support for DisplayPort Alt Mode. This function enables the transmission of video signals with a resolution of up to 8K (7680 x 4320 pixels) at 60 Hz. This makes the cables perfect for connecting high-resolution monitors or professional graphics systems.

Technical challenge

The technology behind USB4 2.0 places high demands on the hardware. To enable high data rates, the controllers must have at least a PCI Express 5.0 x4 connection. This currently represents a challenge for many desktop systems.

USB4 2.0 vs Thunderbolt 5

USB4 2.0 shares many similarities with Thunderbolt 5, but differs in some important ways. While both standards offer the same overall data rate, Thunderbolt 5 allows an asymmetrical distribution that even enables 120 Gbit/s in one direction – ideal for particularly demanding monitor setups.

The availability of these fast cables is just the first step. Mainboards and devices that support USB4 2.0 ex works are not yet on the market. Early adopters will first have to resort to additional controllers in order to be able to use the full power of the new technology.