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Monoprice Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable - 25 Feet - Black | Network Internet Cord - RJ45, Flat,Stranded, 350Mhz, UTP, Pure Bare Copper Wire, 30AWG
Monoprice

Monoprice Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable (30AWG)

Bottom line: The Monoprice Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable ($11.28 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): 30AWG stranded pure bare copper, not copper-clad aluminum; main trade-off: unshielded (UTP), so no foil against heavy electrical interference.

$11.28

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Buy on Amazon — $11.28 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

  • ✓ 30AWG stranded pure bare copper, not copper-clad aluminum
  • ✓ 50 micron gold contacts vs the 10 micron typical of budget cords
  • ✓ 350MHz bandwidth, well over the 100MHz Cat5e floor
  • ✓ UL Code 444 and NEC compliant construction

Cons

  • ✗ Unshielded (UTP), so no foil against heavy electrical interference
  • ✗ Cat5e caps out below Cat6/Cat6a for 10GbE-era runs
  • ✗ Flat profile resists coiling and holds its bends
  • ✗ 25 feet is more slack than a short rack jumper needs

Manufacturer description

The Monoprice Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable runs 25 feet in a flat black jacket, and it is built to a spec most budget patch cords quietly skip. Each conductor pair is 30AWG stranded pure bare copper rather than copper-clad aluminum, so the cable meets UL Code 444 and National Electrical Code requirements instead of merely looking the part. The RJ45 contacts carry 50 micron gold plating, five times the 10 micron most value cables use, which matters when you are reseating connections in a retro bench or a rack you actually touch. Bandwidth is rated at 350MHz over unshielded twisted pairs…

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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

Will this Cat5e cable handle gigabit Ethernet?

Yes. It is rated at 350MHz bandwidth over unshielded twisted pairs, well above the 100MHz Cat5e minimum, which covers gigabit runs at this 25-foot length.

Is this real copper or copper-clad aluminum?

Real copper. Monoprice builds these with 30AWG stranded pure bare copper conductor pairs, which is why they are compliant with UL Code 444 and the National Electrical Code.

How good are the connectors?

The RJ45 contacts use 50 micron gold plating on a short body. Monoprice notes most budget cables use only 10 micron, so these hold up better to repeated plugging and unplugging.

Can I run this inside a wall?

This is a stranded patch cable with molded boots, intended for patch runs between devices. For in-wall work, check local code requirements and the product listing before installing.

Is it shielded against interference?

No. It uses Unshielded Twisted Pairs (UTP), so it is best routed away from power runs, fluorescent ballasts, and other heavy noise sources.

Key Features

  • Unshielded Twisted Pairs (UTP).
  • 350MHz bandwidth.
  • 50m gold plated contacts.
  • Color matched, snagless strain relief boots.

Full Specifications

BrandMonoprice
ColorBlack
Gauge30
Model109553
Frequency350 MHz
Cable TypeEthernet
Item ShapeFlat
Unit Count1 Count
Item Length25 feet
Part Number109553
Connector TypeRJ45
Number of Pins8
Maximum Voltage1000 Millivolts
Number of Items1
Special FeatureBraided
Connector GenderMale-to-Male
Specification MetNo
Compatible DevicesPersonal Computer
Data Transfer Rate350 MHz
Included ComponentsProduct & Instructions Guide
Full listing titleMonoprice Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable - 25 Feet - Black | Network Internet Cord - RJ45, Flat,Stranded, 350Mhz, UTP, Pure Bare Copper Wire, 30AWG

Ready to buy?

Monoprice Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable - 25 Feet - Black | Network Internet Cord - RJ45, Flat,Stranded, 350Mhz, UTP, Pure Bare Copper Wire, 30AWG 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 — $11.28

*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 - 25 Feet - Black | Network Internet Cord - RJ45, Flat,Stranded, 350Mhz, UTP, Pure Bare Copper Wire, 30AWG
$11.28
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