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Your USB-C cables might need a firmware update. I'm serious
How-To Geek • • technology
Key Points:
- Some high-end USB-C cables contain tiny computers called e-markers and additional electronics like redrivers or retimers, which manage power, data capabilities, and signal quality, making them more complex than simple copper wires.
- These active USB-C and USB4 cables can have firmware that occasionally requires updating, similar to routers or SSDs, to fix bugs or unlock new features such as higher video refresh rates.
- For example, Cable Matters offers a firmware update for its USB-C to 8K HDMI cable that enables 4K at 120Hz or 240Hz on supported Macs, enhancing performance without needing to buy a new cable.
- Firmware updates for cables are model-specific and typically require downloading a utility from the manufacturer's website, then connecting the cable to a PC for scanning and updating; some cables may even have multiple firmware chips needing separate updates.
- Most standard USB-C cables do not have updateable firmware, so unless you have a high-end active cable and experience issues, there is usually no need to update or replace your cables prematurely.
