Plugable's Thunderbolt 3 cable guidance distinguishes shorter passive cables from longer active ones when maintaining 40Gbps for dual displays. It also separates Thunderbolt hosts from USB-C-only computers, where a suitable USB data cable can meet a different requirement. A longer cable is therefore not simply a longer version of any matching plug.

Charging capability matters alongside data speed. The guide specifies a minimum 3A rating for 60W charging and a 5A cable above 60W. Check the dock's current product guidance before replacing an included cable, particularly when both displays and laptop charging depend on it.