StarTech USB-C to USB Data Transfer Cable for Mac and Windows USB 3.0

After building a new desktop computer, I looked at different ways to transfer all my files (some 200.000 files) from the old (Win 8.1) PC to my newly built (Win 10) PC. Connecting the two PC's together for file-transfer over the network is not easy, and using a USB-hard-drive back and forth seemed too much hassle. I therefore bought the USB-A to USB-C Transfer cable (USBC3LINK) from my local computer supplier here in Norway. I paid around 50$ for it. I am really satisfied! I used the PCLinq5 software that was included in the USB-cable, and installed it on both PC's. I then get a split window showing all files and directories on both PC's. I can then drag the files and folders I want from my old PC to my new PC. The transfer speed I experience is around 150 MB/s. I had to read the Quick-start guide quite a few times, because it contains information about lots of operating systems (XP, Vista, Win7, Win8, Win8.1, macOS, etc) as well as using "Windows Easy Transfer". However, once I understood what was needed in my case (Win8.1 to Win10), I just installed the PC-Linq software and I was ready to go. In the beginning I experienced a few "drop-outs"; however, when I did not run any other programs on either PC, it ran very smooth. All in all an excellent way to transfer files between two PC's.

OK, first of all, it works. The cable shows up as a drive on each computer (both ends). Install the built-in software and run it on both ends. I would rather that, for the list price, it included something to move settings and apps (when going PC to PC or Mac to Mac) and not just a drag/drop dumb file transfer. That's just my opinion. The USB3 side of the cable is bulky. Was a tight fit on my Dell M800 with another device connected. Would recommend to StarTech to move that a few inches down, or even better, mid-cable, so that the cable so that both of the cable ends are narrow/unfettered. Not to mention this might make the LEDs more visible between the computers! Do not connect this to a USB hub or a port on a USB3 or USB-C docking station. You will lose 1/2 of the file transfer speed. I tested this behavior with several setups. Going direct, computer to computer gives the best possible transfer speed. I saw 57.5MB/s via PC to PC, and 70MB/s Mac to Mac. Mac to PC was 60+MB/s. YMMV of course depending on your hardware. All of my tests were to from HDD<-->SSD. Length is good, build is SOLID/thick, and the LEDs are actually helpful. Standing across the room, the green flashing LED meant that the data transfer was still going, when I could not see the monitors. So nice touch. I would recommend this for anyone just looking for simple file transfer between devices with the relevant connectors, IF the price was competitive. I received this product in exchange for an unbiased review.

Another great cable for the tech on the go. Everything you need is built right into the cable. It is so nice to have the software 'embedded' on the cable itself rather than have to remember to carry an additional usb key for software installation or drivers, etc. Transfer speeds seemed to fluxuate but I was testing on some older drives so that is likely at fault rather than the cable or software itself. Overall a great asset to my tech toolbox. Disclaimer: I received this product in exchange for an unbiased review.