{
  "id": 15476913,
  "title": "I read the hidden chip inside my USB-C cables, and the packaging was lying",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/i-read-the-hidden-chip-inside-my-usb-c-cables-and-the-packaging-was",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-18T19:30:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "XDA Developers",
    "slug": "xda-developers",
    "url": "https://www.xda-developers.com/usb-c-cable-emarker-thunderbolt-4-claim/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A reporter found a USB-C cable labeled with misleading information after examining its e-marker chip. The chip said the Portronics Flash C2 cable was USB4, 40Gbps, and capable of delivering 240W, while its actual performance was much lower. Comparing this to less expensive cables, the reporter discovered that every USB-C cable rated above 3A carries an e-marker chip that reports four values: top data speed, current, maximum voltage, and the manufacturer. These chips only respond when a device is connected at the other end, so plugging a charger or other device in reveals the true capabilities. The reporter's findings suggest that certain cables may inaccurately claim higher speeds and power delivery, even when they can't meet those expectations.",
  "summary": "One chip matched a $4 charging cable's, three bits apart.",
  "key_points": [
    "USB-C cable labeled as USB4, 40Gbps, 240W, but actual performance is lower",
    "E-marker chip on cables reports four values: top data speed, current, maximum voltage, manufacturer",
    "Report finds some cables inaccurately claim higher speeds and power delivery"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}