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StarTech.com 10' RS232 Serial Null Modem Cable - Null modem cable - DB-9 (F) to DB-9 (F) - 10 ft (SCNM9FF)
StarTech

StarTech.com 10' RS232 Serial Null Modem Cable - Null modem cable - DB-9 (F) to DB-9 (F) - 10 ft (SCNM9FF)

Bottom line: The StarTech.com 10' RS232 Serial Null Modem Cable ($8.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Null modem crossover wiring - no DIY adapter or pin rewiring needed; main trade-off: DB-9 female only - no male end for female-port devices.

$8.99

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By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Null modem crossover wiring - no DIY adapter or pin rewiring needed
  • ✓ 10 ft length spans desk-to-desk or tower-to-bench without a coupler
  • ✓ DB-9 female on both ends fits standard male PC serial ports
  • ✓ StarTech SCNM9FF is a named, spec-listed part, not a generic no-name cable

Cons

  • ✗ DB-9 female only - no male end for female-port devices
  • ✗ Null modem wiring will not work as a straight-through serial extension
  • ✗ RS232 needs a USB-to-serial adapter on any modern PC without a COM port
  • ✗ 10 ft is the only length listed here - no shorter run for tight setups

Manufacturer description

The StarTech.com SCNM9FF is a 10-foot RS232 serial null modem cable with DB-9 female connectors on both ends, built for the crossover wiring that lets two DTE devices talk directly without a modem in between. If you are bringing a vintage PC back online, driving a serial printer, or setting up a console connection between two machines, this is the cable that handles the handshake lines for you instead of forcing you to build a custom adapter. StarTech rates the DB9 female-to-female pinout for direct serial port connection, and the 10-foot length gives you enough slack to route behind a desk…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored StarTech.com 10' RS232 Serial Null Modem Cable using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the cables & connectors category. StarTech's cables & connectors lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for cables & connectors of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between this and a regular serial cable?

This is a null modem cable, meaning the transmit and receive lines are crossed so two DTE devices - like two PCs, or a PC and a serial printer - can talk directly. A standard straight-through serial cable will not work for that job.

Will this work with my modern laptop that has no serial port?

Not by itself. The SCNM9FF terminates in DB-9 connectors, so you need a USB-to-RS232 serial adapter on any machine without a built-in COM port, then run this cable from that adapter.

Is it male or female on the ends?

Both ends are DB-9 female, per StarTech's spec. That mates with the standard DB-9 male serial port found on PCs, serial printers, and most legacy industrial equipment.

How long is the cable, and is that enough for a two-machine setup?

It is 10 feet. That is typically enough to connect two towers on the same desk, a PC to a bench-mounted device, or a machine to a serial printer across a room without adding an extension or coupler.

Is this cable actually reliable for retro PC and serial console work?

It is a strong signal for a legacy-interface accessory. For warranty terms and current specs, check the StarTech product listing.

Key Features

  • DB9 Female to DB9 Female

Full Specifications

BrandStarTech.com
ColorGray
ModelSCNM9FF
Wattage50 watts
Cable TypeSerial
Item ShapeFlat
Model NameSerial Null Modem Cable
Unit Count10.0 Feet
Item Length10 Feet
Part NumberSCNM9FF
Connector TypeSerial
Item Type NameData Transfer Cable
Number of Pins9
Number of Items1
Special FeatureData Transfer
Connector GenderFemale-to-Female
Compatible DevicesModem
Included Components1 10 Ft. 9 Pin Null Modem Cable F/F
Indoor Outdoor UsageIndoor
Warranty DescriptionLifetime

Ready to buy?

StarTech.com 10' RS232 Serial Null Modem Cable - Null modem cable - DB-9 (F) to DB-9 (F) - 10 ft (SCNM9FF) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $8.99

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

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StarTech.com 10' RS232 Serial Null Modem Cable - Null modem cable - DB-9 (F) to DB-9 (F) - 10 ft (SCNM9FF)
$8.99
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