Can I use any USB-C cable for monitor?

[jellyjim]

Hi

I bought a new monitor for my 2020 Intel MBP. An LG 27UP850N-W. It's very nice.

It will live 4m away from my MBP, so I grabbed the longest 'display' cable I had. A USB-C to HDMI, as my MBP only has USB-C ports (nice one Jonny Ive, oh and thanks for the crappy Touchbar that's stuck flashing on and off in disco mode )

The cable worked but in display settings macOS Ventura complained about 'unknown display' so I was unable to change the monitor form 1080 to 4K. That's weird, I thought, it shouldn't need 'drivers'. So I checked the 'manual' and in big letters it says 'malfunction may occur if the supplied cables aren't used'.

Doubtful, I tried with the supplied USB-C to USB-C cable and bingo, my Mac recognised the monitor and it bloomed into it's full 4K glory. I stand corrected. I though any old combination of cables and adaptors that got me from A to B would work.

However, the supplied cable is a mere 1.5m and I need 4m. My question is, will any USB-C to USB-C cable work or do I need something specific to displays or 4K or whatever? Searching Amazon is minefield of confusing and conflicting specs!

Thanks
Jim

[The Elf]

I've fallen foul of differences in USB-C cables. There's some sort of difference between an OTG and 'normal' cable, for instance, that prevents my 3D headset working with anything but an OTG cable.

Sorry I can't be of any real help, but I just thought I'd let you know that it's a question worth asking.

For the record, this sort of nonsense really p&£^&es me off. As if it wasn't already complicated enough trying to find the right combination of USB connector without the cables now also being a variable. And people try to tell me it's a good thing that the EU has 'standardised' on USB-C. I'm willing to make a sizable bet how well it's going to work out for us all...

[jellyjim]

I've fallen foul of differences in USB-C cables. There's some sort of difference between an OTG and 'normal' cable, for instance, that prevents my 3D headset working with anything but an OTG cable.

Sorry I can't be of any real help, but I just thought I'd let you know that it's a question worth asking.

Yup following further research it would seem the answer is 'no'! Down the rabbit hole I go

[resistorman]

USB C cables are rated by power delivery and data rate, so you'll need to read their specs. 4 meters is pretty long.

[jellyjim]

USB C cables are rated by power delivery and data rate, so you'll need to read their specs. 4 meters is pretty long.

Thanks, that makes sense now. Yeah the monitor's driven by a laptop that never really moves. The monitor is at a second workstation 4m away. I've found a suitable cable on Amazon (4.5m) but they only come in 2 packs!!!

[DGL.]

Not long enough in your application but I find the IKEA ones to be the best value.