---
id: external-drives.does-the-cable-matter-for-an-external-ssd
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/does-the-cable-matter-for-an-external-ssd
category: "External drives"
subcategory: "Speed, cables and hardware"
question: "Does the cable matter for my external SSD's speed?"
alt_questions:
  - "Why is my USB-C SSD slow with this cable?"
  - "Charging cable for external drive"
  - "Best cable for external SSD Mac"
  - "usb-c cable speed external drive"
  - "Speed test low but drive is fast"
  - "Thunderbolt cable vs USB-C cable"
short_answer: "Yes. Many USB-C charging cables carry only slow data, so a fast SSD tests slow on them. Use the drive's own cable or a proper Thunderbolt/USB4/high-speed USB-C data cable, then re-run the benchmark."
tags: ["cable", "speed", "usb-c"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/my-external-drive-keeps-disconnecting", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/does-it-matter-which-port-i-use", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/can-i-use-an-adapter-with-my-external-drive"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Does the cable matter for my external SSD's speed?

Yes, a lot. Many USB-C cables — especially ones that came with phones or chargers — only carry slow data speeds, so a fast SSD on such a cable tests slow. Use the cable that came with the drive, or a cable made for the drive's connection (Thunderbolt, USB4 or a 10 Gbps-or-faster USB-C data cable).

After changing the cable, open Choose Drive (or Transfer Drive) and click **Run benchmark** to see the difference.