Simple USB-C Data Cable Question

[visibleman]

Apologies for what i think is the most stupidest and obvious of questions but, will a typical USB-C 'charge' (what they're typically described as) cable be suitable for data/power to a USB-C (3.1 Gen 1) dock? It's yet to arrive but it's an older OWC dock for a Mac.

It only needs to be 0.5m/few ft, if that, and 98% of me is thinking a reasonably decent USB-C cable from Anker or Apple's (USB-C 'charge' cable) etc will be perfectly fine but, i've see a few folk on other forums (Mac places) mention the need to stump up for Apple's or OWC's TB3/TB4 USB-C cable which seems a bit odd given it isn't a TB3 dock.
If it does need to be some "special" USB-C cable however, does anyone have any recommendations or brands i should look at?

Much appreciate any help

 

[LuckyBenski]

There's 2 factors: some charge cables only have the conductors for charging, and also for very high speed links you do need a cable of a certain quality.

I wouldn't worry too much about the latter question really, you'll figure that out as you go. But if you have a charge-only cable it won't work at all. That said, I think even PD charging uses some data conductor's to negotiate the protocol?

Plug it in and see really