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StarTech 3ft Cat5e Snagless Ethernet Cable, PoE, Black (M45PATCH3BK) | Gold-plated RJ45, Patch Cable, Ethernet Cord, Short Network, 24AWG copper, Molded, 5Gbps
StarTech.com

StarTech 3ft Cat5e Snagless Ethernet Cable, PoE, Black (M45PATCH3BK) | Gold-plated RJ45, Patch Cable, Ethernet Cord, Short Network, 24AWG copper, Molded, 5Gbps

Mike Perry has researched PC hardware since 2014, tracking 80+ GPU generations, 50+ retro handheld platforms, and 30+ vintage PC configurations. He synthesises community benchmarks, manufacturer specs, and public forum data into actionable buying guides.

$7.99

As an Amazon Associate, SpecPicks earns from qualifying purchases.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-09-03. Price and availability subject to change.

Bottom line: The StarTech 3ft Cat5e Snagless Ethernet Cable, PoE, Black (M45PATCH3BK) | Gold-plated RJ45, Patch Cable, Ethernet Cord, Short Network, 24AWG copper, Molded, 5Gbps is a specs-and-price decision rather than a crowd-consensus one in the networking cards category, priced around $7.99. Check the specification table above against one or two close alternatives — on price and spec fit, not on star ratings.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Supports reliable 350MHz/ 1 Gbps Ethernet network connections with PoE
  • ✓ Backed by StarTech.com's warranty and support channels
  • ✓ Ships via Amazon with Prime eligibility and the standard returns policy

Cons

  • ✗ Confirm socket / form-factor / power-rating compatibility against your build before ordering
  • ✗ Price, stock, and Prime eligibility update from Amazon and may have changed since this page was last verified

The StarTech.com M45PATCH3BK is a 3-foot Cat5e patch cable built for short, tidy runs between a switch and a nearby device, and it has earned 4.7 out of 5 stars across 2,991 reviewer ratings. It supports 350MHz bandwidth and Gigabit Ethernet, and it carries Power over Ethernet, so you can run data and power to an access point, IP camera, or VoIP phone on a single cord. The 24AWG copper conductors and UTP construction meet or exceed Cat5e specifications, and gold-plated RJ45 contacts help maintain a clean connection over repeated plug cycles. Molded strain relief wraps each connector so the…

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored StarTech 3ft Cat5e Snagless Ethernet Cable, PoE, Black (M45PATCH3BK)… using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to our editorial and benchmark analysis across the networking cards category. StarTech.com's networking cards 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 networking cards 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 Amazon listing before purchase. Prices, stock, and Prime eligibility update directly from Amazon's catalog and may have moved since this page was last verified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this StarTech cable support Power over Ethernet?

Yes. StarTech lists PoE support alongside 350MHz/1 Gbps Ethernet, so it can carry data and power to a device like an access point or IP camera.

How long is the M45PATCH3BK?

3 feet. It is sized for switch-to-patch-panel hops and short desk or rack connections, not for long or in-wall runs.

Will it work with Cat5 and Cat6 equipment?

StarTech states it is compatible with Category 5 and Category 5e applications and uses molded Cat6 RJ45 connectors. RJ45 ports are backward compatible, so it plugs into Cat6 gear at Cat5e speeds.

What speed can I actually get from a Cat5e cable?

Up to 1 Gbps over the 350MHz bandwidth StarTech specifies. Cat5e does not carry 2.5G or 10G, so pick a higher category if you need more than Gigabit.

Is it shielded for use near power cables?

No. This is a UTP (unshielded twisted pair) cable with 24AWG copper conductors. For runs alongside power lines or in electrically noisy environments, look for a shielded STP cable instead.

Key Features

  • Supports reliable 350MHz/ 1 Gbps Ethernet network connections with PoE
  • Compatible with Category 5 and Category 5e applications
  • Molded Cat6 RJ45 connectors prevent cable damage
  • UTP Cat5e Cable / Cat5e RJ45 Ethernet Cord / Cat 5e Cable / Network Cable / M45PAT / M45PATC / M45PATCH / Gigabit Ethernet Cable / Ethernet Cable

Full Specifications

Brand‎StarTech.com
Color‎Black
Series‎M45PATCH3BK
Language‎English
Department‎accessories general
Item Dimensions LxWxH‎7.83 x 0.39 x 8.31 inches

Ready to buy?

StarTech 3ft Cat5e Snagless Ethernet Cable, PoE, Black (M45PATCH3BK) | Gold-plated RJ45, Patch Cable, Ethernet Cord, Short Network, 24AWG copper, Molded, 5Gbps is sold on the used and vintage market, where eBay carries the live inventory — Amazon does not stock this part. Prices and condition vary by seller and move in real time, so we link the live listing rather than quote a cached price. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

See live eBay listings →

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-09-03. Price and availability subject to change.

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