StarTech 1m Black Straight Through DB9 RS232 Serial Cable
Bottom line: The StarTech 1m Black Straight Through DB9 RS232 Serial Cable ($8.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Straight-through DB9 male-to-female wiring adds 1m (3.3ft) of reach to RS232 devices; main trade-off: not a null-modem cable; direct PC-to-PC serial links need a crossover.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Straight-through DB9 male-to-female wiring adds 1m (3.3ft) of reach to RS232 devices
- ✓ Al-Mylar foil shield and metal-shell connectors to help cut EMI
- ✓ Thumbscrews on both ends for secure, tool-free attachment
- ✓ Molded PVC strain relief protects connector joints from bends
Cons
- ✗ Not a null-modem cable; direct PC-to-PC serial links need a crossover
- ✗ 1m length is short for runs across a rack or room
- ✗ Thin 28 AWG conductors rather than heavier-gauge wire
- ✗ Extension only: no gender change, USB conversion, or DB25 support
Manufacturer description
The StarTech MXT1001MBK is a 1m (3.3ft) DB9 male-to-female RS232 serial extension cable. Use it when a serial device's own cable won't reach your PC, console server, or retro rig. It is wired straight-through, so every pin passes directly from one end to the other. That makes it an extension cable, not a null-modem crossover. Check which one your setup needs before you order. The cable uses 28 AWG copper conductors inside an Al-Mylar foil shield, with metal-shell connectors to help reduce EMI. That matters on noisy benches next to power supplies and CRTs. Molded PVC strain relief and a 4.8mm…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored StarTech 1m Black Straight Through DB9 RS232 Serial Cable using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the cables & connectors category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the cables & connectors category before committing. 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
Is the StarTech MXT1001MBK a null-modem cable?
No. It is a straight-through cable, so each pin connects directly to the same pin on the other end. To connect two PCs or other DTE devices directly, you need a null-modem cable or adapter instead.
What connectors does this serial cable have?
It has a DB9 male connector on one end and a DB9 female connector on the other, both with thumbscrews. That layout lets it extend an existing DB9 RS232 cable or port.
How long is the cable?
It is 1 meter (3.3ft) long, with a 4.8mm outer diameter and a black PVC jacket.
Will it work for a Cisco or network switch console port?
It will extend a DB9 RS232 console connection that already works. It does not convert between signal types, so an RJ45 console port still needs its own rollover or console cable, and this cable adds reach to that setup. Check your device's documentation for the port type it uses.
What warranty does StarTech offer on the MXT1001MBK?
StarTech backs this cable with a lifetime warranty and free lifetime 24/5 multilingual technical support. Check the product listing for current warranty terms.
Key Features
- SERIAL EXTENSION CABLE: DB9 Serial male to female cable allows you to extend the reach of your serial devices by up to 1 meter, reducing cable length restrictions and providing flexibility for positioning your serial devices as needed
- QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: High quality 28 AWG copper wires with Al-Mylar cable shielding and shielded metal shell connectors help prevent EMI interference; Molded PVC connectors with strain relief and PVC jacket prevent damage due to bends or rough usage
- SCREW-ON STRAIGHT THROUGH CABLE: This is Straight-through cable (not a null-modem cable) comes with thumbscrews for reliable tool-less installation and easy removal
- SPECIFICATIONS: 1m (3.3ft); DB9 serial Male to DB9 female; Black; 28AWG; 4.8mm OD; Al-Mylar cable shield and Metal shell connectors; Molded PVC strain relief and jacket; Note: This is a Straight-through cable, not a null-modem
- THE IT PRO'S CHOICE: Designed and built for IT Professionals, this product is backed for life, including free lifetime 24/5 multi-lingual technical assistance
Full Specifications
| Brand | StarTech.com |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Gauge | 28 |
| Model | MXT1001MBK |
| Cable Type | Serial |
| Item Shape | Round |
| Model Name | 1m Black Straight Through DB9 RS232 Serial Cable - M/F |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Item Length | 1 meters |
| Part Number | MXT1001MBK |
| Connector Type | Serial |
| Item Type Name | Data Transfer Cable |
| Number of Pins | 9 |
| Outer Material | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Data Transfer |
| Connector Gender | Male-to-Female |
| Specification Met | No |
| Compatible Devices | Serial devices |
| Included Components | 1 - 1m Black Straight Through Serial Cable - DB9 M/F |
| Full listing title | StarTech 1m Black Straight Through DB9 RS232 Serial Cable - DB9 RS232 Serial Extension Cable - Male to Female Cable (MXT1001MBK) |
Ready to buy?
StarTech 1m Black Straight Through DB9 RS232 Serial Cable - DB9 RS232 Serial Extension Cable - Male to Female Cable (MXT1001MBK) 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.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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