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StarTech 3ft CAT6 Ethernet Cable - Purple CAT 6 Gigabit Ethernet Wire -250Mhz 100W PoE RJ45 UTP Network Patch Cord Snagless with Strain Relief (N6PATCH3PL) | Gold-plated RJ45, Patch Cable, Ethernet Cord, 250Mhz, UTP, Strain Relief, 10Gbps speeds, 24AWG copper, UTP Network
StarTech.com

StarTech.com StarTech 3ft CAT6 Ethernet Cable

Bottom line: The StarTech.com StarTech 3ft CAT6 Ethernet Cable ($7.88 on Amazon as of 2026-10-20 20:16 UTC): 100% copper 24 AWG conductors, not copper-clad aluminum; main trade-off: 3ft length only suits rack, desk, or bench-adjacent gear.

$7.88

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Buy on Amazon — $7.88 Compare to similar retro networking cards

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 2026-10-20. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ 100% copper 24 AWG conductors, not copper-clad aluminum
  • ✓ Handles 100W PoE for VoIP phones, APs, and cameras
  • ✓ 10Gbps supported on runs up to 160 feet
  • ✓ 50-micron gold-plated RJ45 contacts resist corrosion

Cons

  • ✗ 3ft length only suits rack, desk, or bench-adjacent gear
  • ✗ UTP has no shielding for high-interference industrial runs
  • ✗ 250 MHz Cat6, below Cat6a/Cat7 bandwidth ratings
  • ✗ Purple jacket may clash with existing color-coding schemes

Manufacturer description

The StarTech.com N6PATCH3PL is a 3-foot Cat6 patch cable built for short, tidy runs between a switch, patch panel, or router and the device sitting next to it. All-copper 24 AWG conductors in a 4-pair UTP structure carry 1/2.5/5Gbps multi-gigabit links, with 10Gbps supported on runs up to 160 feet, and every cable is individually tested against ANSI/TIA-568-2.D Category 6. The 250 MHz rating and UL-listed wiring (E132276-A) also cover PoE up to 100W, so you can feed VoIP handsets, access points, and security cameras from the same cord while IEEE 802.3bt and DTE power compliance limits cable…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored StarTech.com StarTech 3ft CAT6 Ethernet Cable using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the retro networking cards category. StarTech.com's retro 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 retro 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 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

Will this cable actually do 10 gigabit?

Yes, on runs up to 160 feet per StarTech.com's spec. At 3 feet you are far inside that limit, and 1/2.5/5Gbps multi-gigabit links are also supported.

Can it power a PoE camera or VoIP phone?

Yes. The 24 AWG stranded copper conductors and UL-rated wiring (E132276-A) support up to 100W PoE, with IEEE 802.3bt and DTE power compliance to reduce cable heating.

Is it backward compatible with my older Cat5e gear?

Yes, the cable is compatible with Cat5e and earlier standards, so it works in a retro networking bench or a mixed-generation switch stack.

What does snagless mean and why does it matter here?

The molded boot covers the RJ45 clip so it does not catch or break when you pull the cable through conduit, and the strain relief keeps the plug seated in the port.

Is this shielded, and is it long enough for a wall run?

It is unshielded 4-pair UTP with a PVC jacket, and at 3 feet (1m) it is a patch cord for adjacent equipment, not an in-wall structured cabling run.

Key Features

  • HIGH PERFORMANCE CAT6 ETHERNET CABLE: 100% copper for error-free Multi Gigabit 1/2.5/5Gbps connections; 10Gbps up to 160'; Individually Tested to comply w/ANSI/TIA-568-2.D Category 6
  • POE SUPPORT: 24 AWG stranded copper conductors & UL Rated Wiring (E132276-A) supports up to 100W for PoE devices like VOIP phone & security systems; IEEE 802.3bt & DTE power compliance reduces cable heating
  • QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: UL certified wire; 50-micron gold-plated connectors prevent rust/corrosion to avoid costly network downtime; High quality PVC jacket resists bending or fraying damage
  • EASY INSTALLATION: 3 foot snagless patch cord for easy installation & flexible disconnection in wiring conduits; Compatible w/Cat5e & earlier standards; Molded boots available for constrained spaces
  • SPECS: Length: 3ft (1m) | Color: Purple | 250 MHz Rated | Structure: 4 Pair UTP | RJ45 | Jacket: PVC | Wire Gauge: 24 AWG Copper | Wiring: ANSI/T568B| Warranty: Lifetime

Full Specifications

BrandStarTech.com
ColorPurple
Gauge24
ModelN6PATCH3PL
Wattage100 watts
Frequency650 MHz
Cable TypeEthernet
Item ShapeRound
Model Name3 ft Purple Snagless Cat6 UTP Patch Cable
Unit Count3 Feet
Item Length3 feet
Part NumberN6PATCH3PL
Connector TypeCategory 6
Item Type NameNetwork Cable
Number of Pins8
Outer MaterialPolyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Maximum Voltage100 volts
Number of Items1
Special FeatureNot_Performance_Used
Connector GenderMale-to-Male
Full listing titleStarTech 3ft CAT6 Ethernet Cable - Purple CAT 6 Gigabit Ethernet Wire -250Mhz 100W PoE RJ45 UTP Network Patch Cord Snagless with Strain Relief (N6PATCH3PL) | Gold-plated RJ45, Patch Cable, Ethernet Cord, 250Mhz, UTP, Strain Relief, 10Gbps speeds, 24AWG copper, UTP Network

Ready to buy?

StarTech 3ft CAT6 Ethernet Cable - Purple CAT 6 Gigabit Ethernet Wire -250Mhz 100W PoE RJ45 UTP Network Patch Cord Snagless with Strain Relief (N6PATCH3PL) | Gold-plated RJ45, Patch Cable, Ethernet Cord, 250Mhz, UTP, Strain Relief, 10Gbps speeds, 24AWG copper, UTP Network 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 — $7.88

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-20. Price and availability subject to change.

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StarTech 3ft CAT6 Ethernet Cable - Purple CAT 6 Gigabit Ethernet Wire -250Mhz 100W PoE RJ45 UTP Network Patch Cord Snagless with Strain Relief (N6PATCH3PL) | Gold-plated RJ45, Patch Cable, Ethernet Cord, 250Mhz, UTP, Strain Relief, 10Gbps speeds, 24AWG copper, UTP Network
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