Monoprice
Monoprice Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable
Bottom line: The Monoprice Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable ($6.98 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Flat profile runs under carpet and behind desks where round cable will not lie flat.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Flat profile runs under carpet and behind desks where round cable will not lie flat
- ✓ 350MHz bandwidth exceeds the 100MHz Cat5e minimum by 3.5x
- ✓ 30AWG stranded pure bare copper, not copper-clad aluminum
- ✓ 50-micron gold-plated contacts resist oxidation on the RJ45 pins
- ✓ Monoprice Lifetime Warranty covers all cables
Cons
- ✗ Price, stock, shipping and returns are set by the retailer and may have changed since this page was last updated
Manufacturer description
The Monoprice Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable solves a specific problem in tight retro-PC and network-closet builds: a round cable that will not lie flat behind a desk or under carpet. This 5-foot flat run uses 30AWG stranded pure bare copper conductors in an unshielded twisted pair (UTP) construction rated to 350MHz, so it carries the full Cat5e signal envelope with room to spare over Cat5e's 100MHz minimum. The FLEXboot molded boot is thinner than a standard boot, which shields the plug's retaining clip while still letting you depress the clip with one finger when you are working blind behind a…
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
Will this cable handle gigabit Ethernet?
Yes. It is a Category 5e cable with 350MHz rated bandwidth, well above the 100MHz Cat5e spec, and Cat5e is the standard for 1000BASE-T gigabit links.
Is the flat design actually strong enough, or does it kink?
It uses 30AWG stranded pure bare copper rather than solid core, which is the more flexible construction, plus snagless color-matched strain relief boots at both ends.
Is this shielded?
No. This is unshielded twisted pair (UTP), so plan alternate routing if the run parallels AC power or sits against a CRT monitor or old switching supply.
What does the FLEXboot design change?
The boot is thinner than a standard cable boot, giving the plug retaining clip more protection while still letting you depress the clip and cover easily when unplugging in a crowded port bank.
What warranty does Monoprice offer on this?
Monoprice states a Lifetime Warranty on all of its cables. Check the current product listing for the claim process and any regional terms.
Key Features
- Buy with Confidence: With Monoprice's Lifetime Warranty on all Cables, you can rest assured we stand behind our products and our customers.
- Unshielded twisted pairs (UTP).
- 350MHz bandwidth.
- 50m gold plated contacts.
- Color matched, snagless strain relief boots.
Full Specifications
| Brand | Monoprice |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Gauge | 30 |
| Model | 109548 |
| Frequency | 350 MHz |
| Cable Type | Ethernet |
| Item Shape | Flat |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Part Number | 109548 |
| Connector Type | RJ45 |
| Number of Pins | 8 |
| Maximum Voltage | 100 volts |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | High Speed |
| Connector Gender | Male-to-Male |
| Specification Met | No |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Data Transfer Rate | 350 MHz |
| Buy with Confidence | With Monoprice's Lifetime Warranty on all Cables, you can rest assured we stand behind our products and our customers. |
| Included Components | Ethernet Patch Cable - Network Internet Cord |
| Full listing title | Monoprice Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable - Flat, Snagless RJ45, Flexboot, 30AWG Stranded Pure Bare Copper Wire, 350Mhz, UTP, 5 Feet, Black |
Ready to buy?
Monoprice Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable - Flat, Snagless RJ45, Flexboot, 30AWG Stranded Pure Bare Copper Wire, 350Mhz, UTP, 5 Feet, Black 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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