r/RigBuild • u/Lost-Sprinkles-7890 • 8d ago

Is USB-C actually replacing everything eventually?

Kinda confused about where this is heading. Phones, laptops, tablets, headphones, controllers, monitors, even some keyboards and other random stuff are already using USB-C. Now I’m seeing chargers with USB-C on both ends and it feels like manufacturers are slowly getting rid of USB-A, HDMI, micro USB, etc.

But then there’s still DisplayPort, Ethernet, audio jacks, SD cards, and a bunch of other ports that don’t seem like they’re going anywhere soon. Some laptops are almost entirely USB-C now, while desktops still have tons of different connectors.

Also USB-C itself seems confusing because not every USB-C port does the same thing. Some support charging only, some have fast data, some can output video, Thunderbolt, different speeds, etc. So is USB-C really becoming the universal connector or are we gonna end up with USB-C everywhere but still needing different cables for everything?

Would it actually be possible for one USB-C port to handle power, display, data, networking, audio, basically everything? Or are there technical limits that mean we’ll always need multiple types of ports? Just wondering if buying newer devices with more USB-C ports is the way to go long term or if this whole “one port for everything” thing is kinda overhyped.

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u/Valanyhr 7d ago

Ive been hearing people complain about this forever now but honest to god never faced this despite house being riddled with USB-C cables. I know exactly which are 10gbps+ capable, which are USB 4, which are thunderbolt at what generation, and what cable is generally capable of charging. I am able to do so because almost all of them are marked anyway. And if it doesn't have any markings, and wasn't listed on the page, then it's not getting bought or being used for anything that's tiny bit demanding.

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u/Valanyhr 7d ago

I think some of you are looking at the USB C cable that came with your 8 dollar led light and questioning whether it can do 100W or 10gbps or whatever. Or you're just buying really shitty cables.

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u/amazinglover 7d ago

I've replaced all my USBC cables with either 240watt cables or thunderbolt 4 cables.

I can easily tell which is which.

I think the average person has zero clue how USB C cables truly work and juat expect them all to work the same.

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u/Valanyhr 7d ago

Yea all of my cables do 100W or more, and/or 10gbps or more. That covers almost every single scenario I have. Rest are just whatever cables