One of the connectors on the cable that came with my Framework 16 is starting to bend a bit, so I’m looking to replace it.
I purchased a 2-pack of Magnilink Duo Pivot cables on Amazon because it claims to support USB-PD and up to 240W (I have the 180W charger) and I experienced random disconnects with both of the cables in the pack. It would stop charging consistently when the battery was at 80% (the max charge level I have configured in the BIOS) as well as at random times (for example, once it stopped around 53%). By “stop charging” I mean that it acts like the cable is disconnected. I would have to unplug and replug the cable to get it to continue charging, which is obviously not ideal, particularly when charging devices overnight.
I had this problem with my phone as well, so I don’t think it’s the Framework power brick or laptop itself, it seems like the cables themselves have an issue maintaining a connection.
To avoid dealing with returning cables again, can anyone recommend a USB-C to USB-C cable that works well with the Framework charger and laptops? Ideally I would like cables with a pivoting head.
Pivoting and magnetic? Oh, boy. Having lots of problems is just what I’d suspect. Then combined with running 180W through them.
Even just looking for pivoting only, I think you are going to have serious trouble finding anything even half-way decent.
Trouble is, those type of plugs, all of them, will violate USB specs. And do it rather egregiously. So no actually trustworthy manufaturer is going to make them. No pivoting or magnetic usb cable is ever able to be USB certified. USB just wasn’t designed to be able to tolerate the issues introduced. So, best you’ll get is those who put on a good show trying to make themselves out as decent. But likely no better on the inside.
I’d suggest looking for soft, highly flexible cables from a known big brand instead. They should be advertised as silicone.
No, just pivoting. Despite the name, the cables I tested are not magnetic.
Thanks for the tip. I’ll see what I can find.
Edit: I think I’m okay with an angled connector like the Framework-official one, as the silicone ones are pretty bulky. This is currently what I’m considering:
Thanks everyone for the input and recommendations. I went with the right angle cable I linked and they have been working great so far both with the official 180W charger and a third party 140W charger.
Despite the name, the cables I tested are not magnetic.