Name: 5.0M (16') OWC Active Optical USB4 (USB-C) Cable
Brand: OWC
SKU: OWCCBLUS4A205M
Price: 129.99 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Go the Distance at Lightspeed

To travel far and fast, space traveling movie heroes rely on advanced technology to break through speed barriers. You can conquer the 2-meter distance ‘dark side’ of traditional copper-based Thunderbolt and USB4 cables with the OWC USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable. Employing optical fibers to transmit data in the form of light, you can now beam your data to the furthest reaches of your workspace at lightspeed.

OWC USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable ends

Placement Flexibility

Longer distance connectivity enables optimal placement of USB4 and Thunderbolt 4/3 devices for a highly organized, convenient, quieter, and productive workspace

Diverse Displays

Supports high resolution displays up to 8K including DisplayPort over Thunderbolt, Apple Pro Display XDR, Apple Studio Display, LG Ultrafine, and any display plugged into a Thunderbolt dock or hub

Uncompromised Speed

Work and play faster with up to 40Gb/s of stable data transfer speed over long distance

Powerful

Lab certified to safely deliver up to 240 watts to quickly charge your devices

Versatile Connections

Connect to millions of Thunderbolt 4/3 and USB4/3/2 USB-C equipped docks, displays, eGPUs, PCIe expansion, external SSDs, RAID storage, and accessories^1,2

Premium Reliability 

Braided nylon exterior over advanced internal fiber optical cable for highly durable and consistent signal reliability immune to EMI/RFI interference

See the Light

With 40Gb/s of stable performance at up to 10 feet, you’ll transfer, backup, and stream audio, video, photos, and general data files at speeds and distances you’ve never seen before. By combining cutting-edge optical design with our decades-proven attention to quality, we created the OWC USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable to solve the problem of greater distance needs when using externally powered Thunderbolt 40Gb/s and USB4 equipped docks/hubs, displays, eGPUs, PCIe expansion, and RAID storage. With Power Delivery support of up to 240W, you can connect to a remotely located Thunderbolt device while powering your laptop that utilizes power over Thunderbolt (USB-C).

Feature	Optical Cable	Copper Cable
Bandwidth to handle more data at faster data rates over longer distances
Immunity to EMI/RFI interference for highest signal quality
Stable signal support beyond 2 meters
Flexibility to bend and shape for easier routing

You Have the Will
You Now Have the Way

Whether it’s a new need or a long-held desire, there are many reasons why you would want to extend the distance between your computer and your devices. With the OWC USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable, you now have the way to accomplish your goal in a simple, cost-effective way. By breaking the two meter distance stranglehold of copper Thunderbolt and USB4 cables, you can:

Relocate your high-performance RAID storage system to reduce noise distraction.
Enjoy Thunderbolt Share connectivity between devices at a greater distance in the same room.
Expand the length of your device daisy-chains.
Place your devices in a more convenient location or even “hide” them for a more aesthetic work environment.
Power your devices with up to 240W nearly anywhere in a studio, on a stage, or office.
Enhance your cable management by placing AV devices in a rack while keeping your computer at your fingertips.
Experience greater freedom of camera movement by tethering during in-studio shoots.
Extend Thunderbolt/USB4 network connectivity between rack mounted devices.
Elevate your gaming experience by distancing your eGPU from your laptop to fully immerse yourself into the action while freeing up room for your monitors, mic, and camera.

OWC USB4 Active Optical Cable stretched across white surface

The OWC USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable gives you more than the highest speed with the most reliability over long distance. Put up to 240W of power delivery to work for you where you want it. Enthrall your eyes with high resolution displays up to 8K. And do it all with assured durability thanks to its tough braided exterior.

If It's Lit, You're Legit

OWC USB4 Active Optical Cable features LED indicators on both ends that confirm your connection status at a glance. Blue indicates full USB4 speeds, white indicates USB 3, and DisplayPort status is indicated as well. Red on either end signals a connection issue that needs attention.

OWC USB4 Optical Cables connected to a MacBook Pro with information overlay showing status light indicators

Recommended Use Cases

Reduce Workspace Noise	Place Thunderbolt RAID storage systems (like OWC ThunderBay 4/8 or Flex 1U4/8) and other devices with cooling fans farther from your desk to minimize noise while keeping full Thunderbolt performance.
Improve Workspace Aesthetics	Hide or relocate Thunderbolt docks, Thunderbolt displays, and other externally powered Thunderbolt/USB4 devices to less visible locations for a cleaner, more organized workspace via long-distance connectivity.
Extend Thunderbolt Dock Connectivity	Connect your computer to a Thunderbolt dock at distances up to 3M. All devices connected to the dock — including displays, storage, and peripherals — work just as they normally would.
Flexibility to bend and shape for easier routing	Easily connect Thunderbolt-equipped monitors such as the Apple Pro Display XDR, Apple Studio Display, or LG UltraFine at longer distances without losing performance.
Ideal for Studio and Rack Setups	Extend Thunderbolt/USB4 connections between rack-mounted equipment and computers in studios or stages where each device has independent power sources.
Power Your Laptop Over Distance	Charge your laptop through this cable when connected to a Thunderbolt or USB4 dock, hub, eGPU, RAID, or PCIe chassis that provides Power Delivery over Thunderbolt. Delivers up to 240W from the device to your laptop.
Camera Tethering to Laptop	Use this cable to connect your DSLR or mirrorless camera to your laptop for studio sessions in Lightroom or Capture One. Its durable, flexible design makes it more comfortable to work with than standard USB-C cables.
Utilize A USB-C Monitor	Since this cable supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, you can connect a standard USB-C monitor - like a wall mounted TV in a conference room - without requiring a Thunderbolt dock.

Do Not Use With

Bus-Powered Devices

Devices without their own external power supply or “brick” (like bus-powered portable SSDs and hard drives or portable displays) that receive their power via USB-C are NOT recommended and may not function properly.

Advanced Optical Technology for Signal Stability

By utilizing advanced multi-mode optical fiber technology, the OWC USB4 Active Optical Fiber Cable is built for bandwidth intensive applications that require stable, consistent signal transmission and power delivery free from EMI and RFI interference.

Visual breakdown of the OWC USB4 Active Optical Cable design

All the Right Connections

With universal USB-C connectivity and highly durable braided construction, the OWC USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable is a premium quality It Just Works™ solution for millions of Thunderbolt 4/3 and USB4/3/2 computers, tablets, smartphones, drives, RAID arrays, eGPUs, cameras, displays, docks, and more.^1,2

Discover the OWC Difference

Since 1988, our mission has focused on maximizing the usefulness and longevity of your technology investment. Our business operations share that same sustainability commitment. As the first 100% on-site wind powered technology manufacturer/distributor in the U.S., we now generate excess power. 97% of solid waste is recycled. These and other actions have resulted in our headquarters being Energy Star® and LEED® Platinum certified. Learn more about our passion for the planet we share at macsales.com/green

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does this cable support USB-C displays?

 Yes. This cable supports DisplayPort Alt Mode and works with standard USB-C displays in addition to Thunderbolt displays.

How much power can this cable deliver?

This cable delivers up to 240W of Power Delivery to a connected laptop when used with a Thunderbolt or USB4 device that provides power.

What is the maximum length of this cable?

This cable is 3 meters (approximately 9.8 feet) in length.

What is the difference between this cable and the standard 3M OWC USB4 Active Optical Cable?

This cable supports DisplayPort Alt Mode for USB-C displays. The standard 3M cable does not.

What data transfer speed does this cable support?

This cable supports data transfer speeds up to 40Gb/s.

Due to the varying power needs of bus-powered devices, use of this cable with such devices is not recommended.
Using with an OWC ThunderBlade X8 may result in reduced performance, with maximum speeds up to 1800MB/s.

5.0M (14.8') OWC USB4 (40Gb/s) Active Optical Cable

Go the Distance at Lightspeed

Placement Flexibility

Diverse Displays

Uncompromised Speed

Powerful

Versatile Connections

Premium Reliability

See the Light

You Have the Will You Now Have the Way

If It's Lit, You're Legit

Recommended Use Cases

Do Not Use With

Advanced Optical Technology for Signal Stability

All the Right Connections

Discover the OWC Difference

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does this cable support USB-C displays?

How much power can this cable deliver?

What is the maximum length of this cable?

What is the difference between this cable and the standard 3M OWC USB4 Active Optical Cable?

What data transfer speed does this cable support?

Premium Reliability 

You Have the Will
You Now Have the Way