Cable Matters
Cable Matters 2-Pack Crossover Adapter
Bottom line: The Cable Matters 2-Pack Crossover Adapter ($9.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Converts any Cat5 or Cat6 patch cable you already own into a crossover cable; main trade-off: both connected devices may still need manual network configuration to communicate.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Converts any Cat5 or Cat6 patch cable you already own into a crossover cable
- ✓ Two adapters per pack, so one can live in the toolkit and one at the bench
- ✓ Bright red housing makes it easy to spot in a drawer of identical black dongles
- ✓ 50-microinch gold-plated RJ45 contacts in a rigid housing
Cons
- ✗ Both connected devices may still need manual network configuration to communicate
- ✗ Modern gigabit gear with auto-MDI-X makes crossover wiring unnecessary
- ✗ Adds a rigid coupler at the cable end, awkward in tight port spacing
- ✗ Adapter pair adds two extra connection points versus one dedicated crossover cable
Manufacturer description
The Cable Matters 2-Pack RJ45 Crossover Adapter solves a problem every retro PC builder and network technician eventually hits: you need a crossover cable, and you only have patch cables. Instead of buying a crossover cable in every length you might need, you snap one of these red adapters onto the end of any Cat5 or Cat6 patch cable and it becomes a crossover cable. The adapter reverses the transmit pair (pins 1 and 2) and the receive pair (pins 3 and 6), which is exactly the wiring that lets two computers talk to each other directly with no switch in between. That makes it a practical tool…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Cable Matters 2-Pack Crossover Adapter 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
How does this turn a regular cable into a crossover cable?
The adapter reverses the transmit pair on pins 1 and 2 with the receive pair on pins 3 and 6. Plug a standard Cat5 or Cat6 patch cable into the adapter and the resulting run is wired as a crossover.
Can I connect two computers directly with this and no switch?
Yes, that is the primary use case: connect two workstations to transfer files or share a printer. Cable Matters notes that both connected devices may require network configuration, such as assigning static IP addresses, before they will communicate.
How many adapters come in the package?
Two. The 2-pack is the cost-effective alternative to buying dedicated crossover cables in multiple lengths, since each adapter converts whatever patch cable you plug into it.
Will this work with a Cat6 cable or only Cat5?
Cable Matters lists both Cat5 and Cat6 patch cables as compatible. The adapter uses standard RJ45 connectors with 50-microinch gold-plated contacts.
Do I still need a crossover adapter on modern network gear?
Most current gigabit switches and NICs support auto-MDI-X and negotiate the crossover automatically. This adapter is aimed at older or fixed-wiring equipment that lacks that feature, which is common in retro PC and legacy networking setups.
Why is the adapter red?
Cable Matters uses a raging red housing specifically so the crossover adapter is easy to identify in a crowded toolkit or desk drawer, where it would otherwise be indistinguishable from a straight-through coupler.
Key Features
- Crossover adapter allows network equipment to communicate with each other directly by connecting a Cat5 or Cat6 cable
- Connect two workstations together to transfer files or share a printer; Connect a patch cable in the desired length to this adapter instead of using a long or short crossover cable
- Cost-effective 2-Pack adapter converts a standard network patch cable to a crossover cable
- Superior construction includes RJ45 connectors with gold-plated contacts in a sturdy housing; Raging red color makes identification easy in a crowded toolkit or desk drawer
- Crossover wiring reverses the transmit TX pair, pins 1 and 2, and the receive RX pins 3 and 6, to allow two computers to communicate (see the wiring diagram above); Both connected devices may require network configuration in order to communicate
Full Specifications
| Brand | Cable Matters |
|---|---|
| Color | red |
| Finish | Gold |
| Unit Count | 2 Count |
| Model Number | 160025x2 |
| Warranty Type | Lifetime |
| Connector Type | RJ45 |
| Item Dimensions | 2.09 x 0.79 x 0.79 inches |
| Mfr Part Number | 160025x2-E |
| Number of Items | 2 |
| Number of Ports | 2 |
| Power Plug Type | No Plug |
| Compatible Devices | PC, Printer, Router |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 2.09 x 0.79 x 0.79 inches |
| Specific Uses For Product | PC |
| Full listing title | Cable Matters 2-Pack Crossover Adapter, Crossover Cable Adapter, Red | RJ45 Crossover, 50μ Gold Plated Contacts, Converts Patch Cable |
Ready to buy?
Cable Matters 2-Pack Crossover Adapter, Crossover Cable Adapter, Red | RJ45 Crossover, 50μ Gold Plated Contacts, Converts Patch 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.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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