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Monoprice Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable - Network Internet Cord - RJ45, Stranded, 350Mhz, UTP, Pure Bare Copper Wire, 24AWG, 0.5ft, Blue
Monoprice

Monoprice Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable

Bottom line: The Monoprice Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable ($6.08 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): 24AWG stranded pure bare copper, not copper-clad aluminum; main trade-off: 0.5ft is unusable beyond adjacent-port or same-rack runs.

$6.08

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Buy on Amazon — $6.08 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 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ 24AWG stranded pure bare copper, not copper-clad aluminum
  • ✓ 350MHz bandwidth exceeds the 100MHz Cat5e baseline
  • ✓ Snagless boot guards the plug retaining clip from snapping
  • ✓ 0.5ft length kills slack in switch-to-patch-panel runs

Cons

  • ✗ 0.5ft is unusable beyond adjacent-port or same-rack runs
  • ✗ UTP is unshielded, so no STP foil for high-interference runs
  • ✗ Cat5e, not Cat6 or Cat6a, for anyone planning 10GbE
  • ✗ Stranded wire suits patch runs, not in-wall permanent install

Manufacturer description

The Monoprice Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable solves a problem every tidy rack and retro PC bench eventually runs into: a standard three-foot cord when you only need six inches. At 0.5ft, this RJ45 patch cable connects a switch to a patch panel, a router to a modem, or a vintage NIC to a nearby hub without a loop of slack behind the desk. Monoprice builds it with 24AWG stranded, pure bare copper conductors rather than copper-clad aluminum, so the cable stays flexible through tight bends and carries signal the way the Cat5e spec intends. The unshielded twisted pair construction is rated to 350MHz…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Monoprice Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the retro networking cards category. Monoprice'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

How long is this Ethernet cable, really?

0.5ft, or six inches. It is a patch cable meant for adjacent ports, switch-to-patch-panel jumps, or a router sitting on top of a modem, not a run across a room.

Will this handle gigabit Ethernet?

It is a Category 5e cable rated at 350MHz, well above the 100MHz Cat5e baseline. Cat5e is specified for 1000BASE-T gigabit Ethernet over standard patch distances.

Is the wire real copper or copper-clad aluminum?

Monoprice lists 24AWG stranded, pure bare copper conductors. That is the more conductive and more flexible choice compared to copper-clad aluminum cable of the same gauge.

What does snagless mean on a patch cable?

The molded boot covers the plastic retaining clip on the RJ45 plug, so the clip does not catch on other cables and snap off when you pull the cable out of a crowded switch.

Is this shielded for a noisy rack or server closet?

No. It is UTP, unshielded twisted pair. For runs alongside power cables or in high-interference environments, look for an STP or FTP cable instead.

Key Features

  • Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Category 5e Ethernet cable
  • 24AWG stranded, pure bare copper conductors
  • Snagless cable boot protects the plug retaining clip
  • 350MHz bandwidth | 50µm gold plated contacts

Full Specifications

BrandMonoprice
ColorBlue
Gauge24.0
Model104975
Frequency350 MHz
Cable TypeEthernet
Item ShapeRound
Model NameCat5E
Unit Count1 Count
Item Length0.5 Feet
Part Number4975
Connector TypeRJ45
Number of Pins8
Outer MaterialOther
Number of Items1
Special FeatureNot_Performance_Used
Connector GenderFemale-to-Female
Specification MetUL
Compatible DevicesRouter
Data Transfer Rate350 MHz
Full listing titleMonoprice Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable - Network Internet Cord - RJ45, Stranded, 350Mhz, UTP, Pure Bare Copper Wire, 24AWG, 0.5ft, Blue

Ready to buy?

Monoprice Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable - Network Internet Cord - RJ45, Stranded, 350Mhz, UTP, Pure Bare Copper Wire, 24AWG, 0.5ft, Blue 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 — $6.08

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

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Monoprice Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable - Network Internet Cord - RJ45, Stranded, 350Mhz, UTP, Pure Bare Copper Wire, 24AWG, 0.5ft, Blue
$6.08
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