A new high-performance data and power cable developed in China is turning heads for its technical capabilities, potentially surpassing widely used standards like Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI 2.1. Dubbed the General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI), this next-gen cable is designed for 8K video output and high-wattage power delivery, offering a solution aimed at streamlining high-performance setups.
The GPMI specification was introduced by the Shenzhen 8K UHD Video Industry Cooperation Alliance, which includes over 50 Chinese tech companies. It’s engineered to support modern workflows that require both high-speed data transfer and efficient power delivery—ideal for gamers, creative professionals, and portable workstation users.
The GPMI cable comes in two variations. The USB-C version supports a maximum data transfer rate of 96 Gbps and delivers up to 240 watts of power—putting it ahead of Thunderbolt 4’s 40 Gbps and 100W capacity, and on par with the recently launched Thunderbolt 5 in terms of power, though not speed. It also exceeds HDMI 2.1, which offers 48 Gbps but no power delivery, and DisplayPort 2.1, which tops out at 80 Gbps.
Where things really shift, however, is with the GPMI’s proprietary Type-B connector. This custom interface pushes bandwidth up to 192 Gbps and increases power output to 480 watts—more than enough to handle a full 8K video feed and charge a high-powered laptop simultaneously. While it won’t power an entire gaming PC just yet, the cable is expected to be capable of running a portable setup with dedicated graphics.
The GPMI cable also features integrated control functions similar to HDMI-CEC, allowing users to manage multiple connected devices with a single remote. This could reduce the number of cables and power cords typically needed for complex media setups.
Despite its impressive specs, GPMI’s adoption outside of China remains uncertain. The proprietary Type-B connector, in particular, could face resistance from an industry that has been moving steadily toward universal standards like USB-C. Even companies that previously relied on proprietary connectors—such as Apple—have made the switch to more standardized interfaces.
Still, the introduction of GPMI represents a notable step forward in cable technology. With its combination of ultra-high-speed data transfer and high-wattage power delivery, it positions itself as a strong contender in the evolving landscape of connectivity standards, especially for 8K content delivery and high-performance computing needs.
