Cable Matters
Cable Matters 10Gbps 5-Pack Snagless Thin Cat 6 Ethernet Cable
Bottom line: The Cable Matters 10Gbps 5-Pack Snagless Thin Cat 6 Ethernet Cable: 28 AWG slim jacket routes behind desks and through tight cable combs; main trade-off: 3ft length only, too short for router-to-room runs.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 28 AWG slim jacket routes behind desks and through tight cable combs
- ✓ Rated to 10-Gigabit Ethernet, so it outlasts a Cat5e swap
- ✓ 550 MHz bandwidth headroom for NAS transfers and 4K streaming
- ✓ Bare copper conductors, not copper-clad aluminum, at this price
Cons
- ✗ 3ft length only, too short for router-to-room runs
- ✗ 28 AWG thin gauge carries less PoE current than 24 AWG cable
- ✗ Slim cables are easier to nick or crush under furniture legs
- ✗ Fixed 5-pack, so you cannot mix lengths in one order
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Cable Matters 10Gbps 5-Pack Snagless Thin 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.
Key Features
- High Performance Cat6 Ethernet Cable: The 28 AWG RJ45 Ethernet Patch Cable offers universal connectivity for various LAN network components such as PCs, computer servers, printers, routers, switch boxes, network media players, NAS, VoIP phones, PoE devices, and more.
- Cat6 Performance at a Cat5e Price: Enjoy higher bandwidth with Cat6 performance at the cost of Cat5e with these Cat 6 patch cables. This thin Ethernet cable is future-proofed for 10-Gigabit Ethernet and is backwards compatible with existing Cat5e cable network. The slim Ethernet cable meets or exceeds Category 6 performance in compliance with the TIA/EIA 568-C.2 standard.
- Reliable Wired Network: The slim Cat6 Patch Cable (also known as Cat6 network cable, Cat6 cable, Cat6 Ethernet cable, or Cat 6 data/LAN cable) provides a more secure and reliable network than wireless or Cat5 networks for internet connections.
- Durable Connectors with Gold-Plated Contacts: The gold-plated connectors and strain-relief boots ensure long-lasting durability and a secure connection for the small Ethernet cable. The bare copper conductors enhance cable performance and meet communications cable specifications.
- Slim, Flexible, and High-Speed: The durable and flexible Ethernet cable Cat 6 offers high bandwidth of up to 550 MHz, guaranteeing high-speed data transfer for applications such as server operations, cloud computing, video surveillance, and online high-definition video streaming.
Full Specifications
| Brand | Cable Matters |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Gauge | 30 |
| Model | 160019-BLK-3x5 |
| Frequency | 550 MHz |
| Cable Type | Cat 6 |
| Item Shape | Round |
| Unit Count | 15 Feet |
| Part Number | 160019-BLK-3x5 |
| Connectivity | Wireless |
| Compatibility | Switch |
| Connector Type | RJ45 |
| Number of Pins | 8 |
| Outer Material | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
| Connection Type | Wired |
| Special Feature | 10Gbps |
| Connector Gender | Male-to-Male |
| Specification Met | EIA, RoHS, TIA, UL |
| Compatible Devices | PC, Printer, Router, Server |
| Data Transfer Rate | 10 gigabits_per_second |
| Full listing title | Cable Matters 10Gbps 5-Pack Snagless Thin Cat 6 Ethernet Cable, 3ft, Black | Slim Profile, 28 AWG Bare Copper, Cat 6 Cable, Thin Ethernet Cable |
Ready to buy?
Cable Matters 10Gbps 5-Pack Snagless Thin Cat 6 Ethernet Cable, 3ft, Black | Slim Profile, 28 AWG Bare Copper, Cat 6 Cable, Thin Ethernet Cable 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.
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