Cable Matters 10Gbps Snagless Cat 6 Ethernet Cable
Bottom line: The Cable Matters 10Gbps Snagless Cat 6 Ethernet Cable ($7.49 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 14:15 UTC): 24 AWG bare copper conductors, not copper-clad aluminum; main trade-off: 5 ft length is short for anything beyond desk-to-router runs.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 24 AWG bare copper conductors, not copper-clad aluminum
- ✓ 550 MHz bandwidth supports full 10-Gigabit Ethernet runs
- ✓ Snagless strain-relief boots protect the RJ45 clip in tight racks
- ✓ Carries PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ for IP cameras and access points
Cons
- ✗ 5 ft length is short for anything beyond desk-to-router runs
- ✗ Unshielded UTP, so no protection near noisy CRTs or PSUs
- ✗ Cat 6 caps 10GbE at 55 m, unlike Cat 6a's full 100 m
- ✗ Overkill for retro 10/100 NICs that top out at Fast Ethernet
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.
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
| Brand | Cable Matters |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Gauge | 24 |
| Model | 160001-BLK-5-N |
| Frequency | 550 MHz |
| Cable Type | Cat 6 |
| Item Shape | Round |
| Model Name | 160001 |
| Unit Count | 5 Feet |
| Item Length | 5 feet |
| Part Number | 160001-BLK-5-N |
| Connectivity | Wireless |
| Connector Type | RJ45 |
| Number of Pins | 16 |
| Outer Material | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
| Connection Type | Wired |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | 10Gbps |
| Connector Gender | Male-to-Male |
| Specification Met | Cat 6 Standard |
| Full listing title | Cable Matters 10Gbps Snagless Cat 6 Ethernet Cable, 5ft, Black | 24 AWG Bare Copper, Gold-Plated RJ45, PoE++, 550MHz Bandwidth, Cat6 Cable, Ethernet Cord |
Ready to buy?
Cable Matters 10Gbps Snagless Cat 6 Ethernet Cable, 5ft, Black | 24 AWG Bare Copper, Gold-Plated RJ45, PoE++, 550MHz Bandwidth, Cat6 Cable, Ethernet Cord 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 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
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