USB-C upgrades to 240W for gaming laptops and other devices

The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) has recently released the USB Type-C Cable and Connector Specification Revision 2.1, revealing the new power levels to its USB Type-C specification.

As reported by The Verge, with the said update, it’s more than doubling the amount of power on a USB-C cable from 100W to 240W.

The USB-IF calls it Extended Power Range or EPR, enabling users to charge gaming laptops over USB-C. Additionally, CNET mentioned that this improvement could let users plug “power-hungry” devices like gaming laptops, 4K monitors, and printers into the universal port.

Meanwhile, charges and cables supporting 240W will have additional requirements to accommodate the new levels. “All EPR cables shall be visibly identified with EPR cable identification items,” as mentioned in the USB-IF’s requirements for the new specification.

Sources: USB-IF, The Verge, CNET