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Cable Matters 10Gbps Snagless Cat 6 Ethernet Cable - 20ft, Cat 6 Cable, Cat6 Cord, Ethernet Cord, Black
Cable Matters

Cable Matters 10Gbps Snagless Cat 6 Ethernet Cable - 20ft, Cat 6 Cable, Cat6 Cord, Ethernet Cord, Black

Bottom line: The Cable Matters 10Gbps Snagless Cat 6 Ethernet Cable ($9.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 10:15 UTC): 24 AWG bare copper core, not copper-clad aluminum; main trade-off: cat 6 caps out well below Cat 6a/Cat 7 shielded runs.

$9.99

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Buy on Amazon — $9.99 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 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ 24 AWG bare copper core, not copper-clad aluminum
  • ✓ 550 MHz bandwidth, 10-Gigabit Ethernet ready
  • ✓ PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ support for cameras and APs
  • ✓ Snagless strain-relief boots protect the RJ45 latch

Cons

  • ✗ Cat 6 caps out well below Cat 6a/Cat 7 shielded runs
  • ✗ Unshielded, so noisy electrical runs can degrade it
  • ✗ 20ft is fixed length; no shorter or longer in this SKU
  • ✗ Black only in this listing, awkward for color-coded racks

Manufacturer description

The Cable Matters 10Gbps Snagless Cat 6 Ethernet Cable gives you a 20ft run of 24 AWG bare copper that meets or exceeds the TIA/EIA 568-C.2 Category 6 standard, so your wired link stays predictable when Wi-Fi will not. With up to 550 MHz of bandwidth and 10-Gigabit Ethernet readiness, this Cat6 cord handles server traffic, cloud sync, video surveillance feeds, and high-definition streaming without becoming the bottleneck in the run. It is backwards compatible with any existing Cat 5 network, which makes it a practical drop-in when you are rewiring a bench, a retro build, or a closet full of…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Cable Matters 10Gbps Snagless Cat 6 Ethernet Cable using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the retro networking cards category. Cable Matters'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 Ethernet?

Yes, it is rated for 10-Gigabit Ethernet at up to 550 MHz bandwidth, provided the NICs and switch on both ends also support 10GbE.

Is this real copper or copper-clad aluminum?

It uses a 24 AWG bare copper wire core with gold-plated contacts, per the manufacturer specs, and complies with communication cable specifications.

Will it work with my older Cat 5 or Cat 5e gear?

Yes. It is backwards compatible with any existing Cat 5 cable network, so you can drop it into a legacy switch or router without adapters.

Can it power a PoE security camera?

It supports PoE, PoE+, and PoE++, so it can carry power to IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points alongside data.

How long is it and what does it cost?

This SKU is the 20ft length in black. Check the product listing for current price and availability, since both change frequently.

Key Features

  • High-Performance Connectivity: This Cat 6 ethernet cable is designed for superior performance, with a 24 AWG copper wire core. It provides universal connectivity as an ethernet cord for LAN network components such as PCs, servers, printers, routers, and more, ensuring reliable and fast network connections
  • Advanced Cat6 Technology: Experience Cat6 performance with higher bandwidth at a Cat5e price. This network cable is future-proof, ready for 10-Gigabit Ethernet and backwards compatible with any existing Cat 5 cable network. It meets or exceeds Category 6 performance according to the TIA/EIA 568-C.2 standard
  • Reliable Wired Network Solution: Known variously as a Cat6 network cable, ethernet cable Cat 6, or Cat 6 data/LAN cable, this RJ45 cable offers a more secure and reliable connection than wireless networks. It's ideal for internet connections that demand consistency and security
  • Durable and Secure Design: The connectors of this ethernet cable feature gold-plated contacts and strain-relief boots for enhanced durability. Bare copper conductors not only improve cable performance but also comply with communication cable specifications
  • High-Speed Data Transfer: With up to 550 MHz bandwidth, this ethernet cord is ideal for server applications, cloud computing, video surveillance, and streaming high-definition video. It also supports Power over Ethernet (PoE, PoE+, PoE++) for powering devices like IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points, ensuring fast and reliable network performance.

Full Specifications

BrandCable Matters
ColorBlack
Gauge24.0
Model160001-BLK-20
Frequency550 MHz
Cable TypeCat 6
Item ShapeRound
Model Name10Gbps Snagless Cat 6 Ethernet Cable
Unit Count20.0 Feet
Item Length20 Feet
Part Number160001-BLK-20
ConnectivityWireless
Connector TypeRJ45
Number of Pins8
Outer MaterialPolyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Connection TypeWired
Number of Items1
Special Feature10Gbps
Specification MetEIA, RoHS, TIA, UL
Compatible DevicesComputer, Router

Ready to buy?

Cable Matters 10Gbps Snagless Cat 6 Ethernet Cable - 20ft, Cat 6 Cable, Cat6 Cord, Ethernet Cord, 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.

Buy on Amazon — $9.99

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.

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Cable Matters 10Gbps Snagless Cat 6 Ethernet Cable - 20ft, Cat 6 Cable, Cat6 Cord, Ethernet Cord, Black
$9.99
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