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Best Ethernet Cables for Gaming of 2023
Updated August 27, 2023
Ethernet cables are essential pieces of hardware, whether you’re a PC or console player. If you game on a regular basis, you’ll undoubtedly want the fastest possible internet connection. While Wi-Fi can be a great option, if you’re aiming for a stable, fast connection with reduced latency, nothing beats an Ethernet cable. This advantage isn’t limited to multiplayer gamers; it also greatly benefits single-player gamers downloading large story games of 80GB or any other downloadable content.
Different Ethernet Cable Categories (Cat 1 - Cat 8)
But which ones are the best to buy? Isn’t it just a simple cable? The answer is no. There are different ethernet cables with different categories stretching from 1 to 8.
Cat 1: Cat 1 cables were typically used for networks that carry only voice traffic, for example, telephones. Nowadays they are very outdated and come from the year 1983 and have speeds of 1 Mbps.
Cat 2: Similar to Cat 1, Cat 2 cables are also outdated (1987) and used primarily for voice communication and computer network. They can support speeds up to 4 Mbps.
Cat 3: Cat 3 cables were commonly used for home and office wiring but are now replaced with better technology. They are still used sometimes for two-line phone setups. They come from the year 1991 and can support speeds up to 10 Mbps.
Cat 4: Cat 4 cables were mainly used in telecommunication networks and some computer networks. They come from the year 1993 and can handle speeds up to 16 Mbps.
Cat 5: Cat 5 cables are still in use but are considered outdated for modern networking. They are used to support computer networks. It can transmit video and telephony signals in addition to standard computer data. Cat 5 is usually the minimum required for Hosted VoIP. They come from the year 1995 and support speeds up to 100 Mbps.
Cat 5e: Cat 5e cables are an improved version of Cat 5 and can handle speeds up to 1 Gbps. A Cat 5e cable is among the best cables for connecting local area networks (LANs) in a residential or commercial setting, they’re affordable and are compatible with most hardware setups. Cat 5e comes from the year 2001.
Cat 6: Cat 6 cables are commonly used in homes, offices, and many other building to connect networking equipment. widely used for Gigabit Ethernet and can support speeds up to 1 Gbps. Cat 6 comes from the year 2002.
Cat 6a: Cat 6a cables are an enhanced version of Cat 6 and can handle higher data rates, supporting speeds up to 10 Gbps at shorter distances. They come from the year 2008.
Cat 7: Cat 7 cables are designed to support even higher speeds and reduced interference. They can handle speeds up to 10 Gbps. They come from the year 2010
Cat 7a: Cat 7a cables are widely used across a number of industries demanding high performance networking and data transfer infrastructure. They can handle speeds up to 10 Gbps and come from the year 2013.
Cat 8.1: Cat 8 cables are designed for data centers and high-performance applications. They can support speeds up to 25 Gbps and come from the year 2016
Cat 8.2: Cat 8.2 is even better with speeds of 40 Gbps over short distances. These come from the year 2018.
Source: Sam Teknoloji
Which Ethernet Cable Should You Buy?
The higher the category, the faster and more expensive the cable becomes. In our list, we’ll focus on categories 6, 7, and 8, as these are considered the best for gaming.
If your gaming PC supports gigabit Ethernet, you might not experience a significant difference in terms of performance between using a Cat 6 and a Cat 8 cable. Both Cat 6 and Cat 8 cables are designed to support Gigabit Ethernet speeds (up to 1 Gbps). For most gaming scenarios, a Cat 6 cable should be sufficient to deliver the maximum potential speed that your gaming PC supports. However, having a Cat 8 cable at your disposal will future-proof your setup for several years.
In cases where you’re using longer cable lengths (over 55 meters), Cat 8 cables might offer an advantage in maintaining higher speeds compared to longer Cat 6 cables. This consideration can be particularly important for ensuring consistent performance across extensive distances.
Overview
Best Ethernet Cables for Gaming of 2023
Dacrown Cat 8 Ethernet Cable
Best Cat 8 Ethernet Cable
Amazon Basics Cat 7 Ethernet Cable
Best Cat 7 Ethernet Cable
Cable Matters Cat 6 Ethernet Cable
Best Cat 6 Ethernet Cable
Dacrown Cat 8 Ethernet Cable
Best Cat 8 Ethernet Cable
Specifications:
Category: 8
Frequency: 2000 Mhz
Speed: 40Gbps
Length: 1.5-200ft
Indoor/outdoor usage: indoor/outdoor
Waterproof: yes
If you’re searching for the best possible Ethernet cable, then the Dacrown Cat 8 Ethernet Cable will be your best friend. This cable features very high speeds of up to 40 Gbps and a frequency of 2000 MHz. While these high speeds may not be of use today, having the benefit of being future-proof is always great.
The Dacrown Cat 8 LAN cable is well-constructed with a pure copper core, aluminum foil shield, woven mesh shield, PVC outer cover, and two gold-plated RJ45 connectors. Due to its high-quality structure, the Dacrown Cat 8 patch cable is more durable and flexible for heavy-duty use. Its well-constructed design also includes water resistance, anti-corrosion functionality, and the ability to be used outdoors while sustaining temperatures of -4 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit.
With over 20,000 satisfied customers, this cable is an absolute no-brainer. The cable might be expensive, but it serves as a great investment for the near future.
Amazon Basics Cat 7 Ethernet Cable
Best Cat 7 Ethernet Cable
Specifications:
Category: 7
Frequency: 600 Mhz
Speed: 10Gbps
Length: 1-50ft
Indoor/outdoor usage: indoor
Waterproof: no
The Amazon Basics Cat 7 Ethernet Cable is a great option for those looking for a Cat 7 cable. As mentioned before, there aren’t significant speed differences between a Cat 6, Cat 7, and even a Cat 8 cable, and the same holds true for this Cat 7 cable. While this cable is more affordable compared to the Dacrown Cat 8 Ethernet Cable, it doesn’t offer features such as waterproofing or outdoor usability. With 17,000 satisfied customers, we’re confident in saying that this cable is perfect for gaming and future needs.
Cable Matters Cat 6 Ethernet Cable
Best Cat 6 Ethernet Cable
Specifications:
Category: 6
Frequency: 550 Mhz
Speed: 10Gbps
Length: 1-150ft
Indoor/outdoor usage: indoor/outdoor
Waterproof: yes
Another great ethernet cable from Cable Matters. Just like the Cat 7 and 8 won’t unleash the full potential of their speeds and the same goes for this Cat 6 cable, but expect this cable to have you covered in a few years when gaming PCs support 10-Gigabit Ethernet. The Cable Matters Cat 6 is suitable for outdoors and that also makes it water resistant. With over 30.000 positive reviews, we are also positive that this cable will boost up your games.
FAQ
Why do I need a special Ethernet cable for gaming?
While any Ethernet cable can transmit data, gaming demands a stable and fast connection to minimize latency. Specialized gaming Ethernet cables often have features like better shielding to reduce interference and higher data transfer rates, which can lead to improved gaming experiences.
What Ethernet cable category is the best for gaming?
Ethernet cable categories 6, 7, and 8 are commonly considered ideal for gaming due to their capacity to handle high speeds and reduced latency. Cat 6 is widely used for most gaming setups, while Cat 7 and 8 offer enhanced performance and future-proofing.
Are Cat 7 and Cat 8 cables worth the investment for gaming?
Cat 7 and 8 cables offer high-speed capabilities and better shielding, which can be advantageous for gamers, especially in scenarios where future technology demands higher bandwidth. While more expensive, these cables can provide a smoother online gaming experience.
What’s the difference between Cat 6 and Cat 8 cables?
Cat 6 cables support Gigabit Ethernet speeds (up to 1 Gbps), while Cat 8 cables can support speeds of up to 25 Gbps (Cat 8.1) or even 40 Gbps (Cat 8.2) over short distances. Cat 8 also offers better shielding against interference.
Does cable length affect gaming performance?
Yes, longer cable lengths can lead to signal degradation and reduced speeds. It’s important to choose the right cable length for your gaming setup. For longer distances, Cat 6a or Cat 7 cables might offer better performance.
What’s the impact of cable quality on gaming?
Higher-quality Ethernet cables are less prone to signal loss and interference, leading to a more stable gaming connection. Look for cables with quality construction, such as pure copper conductors and robust shielding.
Are flat Ethernet cables suitable for gaming?
Flat Ethernet cables are generally thinner and more flexible, making them easier to route under carpets or along walls. While they can work for gaming, ensure they meet the required specifications for speed and performance.
Should I consider cable color for gaming setups?
Cable color doesn’t affect performance, but it can contribute to a neat and organized gaming setup. Choose a color that matches your gaming area aesthetics or keeps cables easily distinguishable.
Can I use Ethernet cables for consoles, too?
Absolutely. Ethernet cables are beneficial for both PC and console gaming. They provide stable connections and reduced latency, improving your overall gaming experience regardless of your platform.
Final Thoughts on The Best Ethernet Cables For Gaming
Remember that the best Ethernet cable choice depends on your specific gaming needs, setup, and future plans. Prioritize stable connections and consider your budget when making a decision. But in the end, an ethernet cable is always far superior to a Wi-Fi connection.
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