Which Ethernet Cable is Most Suitable for Gamers?

Nothing can stop gaming enthusiasts like you from challenging friends and rivals – be it a low-performing computer system or a poor internet connection. After all, nobody likes to face any interruptions during the gameplay. And, this is why a strong internet connection makes a huge difference.

Thus, gamers need to choose a powerful Ethernet cable. The one that will enable them to have a seamless and uninterrupted gaming experience. However some of you may say, “Wi-Fi will work well for me!” But believe me, it has flaws!

Because your Wi-Fi connection depends upon many factors. And, it may face downtime due to increased distance from the router, furniture, or other obstacles in the path, overload on the channels, and so on.

Hence, we would suggest a fast, stable, and more robust Ethernet cable with a more enhanced gameplay. Let’s discuss the basic differences between the popular Ethernet cable categories, i.e., Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, and Cat8.

● Cat5e

Cat5e is an enhanced version of Cat5 cable and is able to provide speeds of up to 100Mbps over 100 m. The Category 5 cable was introduced in 1995, the same year when Microsoft released its Windows 95. The Cat5e cable is a good choice for those going for new sub-GB network installations. Most countries still use it for their daily work.

● Cat6

The Cat6 cable offers high bandwidth and data transfer speeds of up to 1Gbps. But, one advantage of Cat6 over Cat5e is that if you work at shorter distances of up to 37 m, you can enjoy up to 250Mbps-500Mbps! It is possible only because of the higher bandwidth and improved shielding.

Besides, Cat6 can reduce all electromagnetic interference as it comes with a physical separator known as a “spline”. In fact, Cat6 cable is even backwards compatible with the previous Ethernet category versions of Cat5 or Cat5e. But, experts recommend that Cat6 cables should be limited to100 meters of run length.

● Cat6a

Cat6a is, again, an upgraded version of Cat6, and it comes with a bandwidth of up to 500MHz for distances of up to 330 feet of 1Gbps throughput.

● Cat7

Introduced in 2010, Cat7 is built with server rooms and data centers in mind. But, Category 7 is not recognized by the TIA (Telecommunications Industry Association).

The Cat7 cables are double-shielded. One shield is in each of the wiring pairs and the other around the entire wire bundle. If this extra isolation was not made, the cable wouldn’t have been able to handle high frequencies of 600MHz. The Cat7 cables also include proprietary RJ45 connectors that enable backwards compatibility.

● Cat7a

The Cat7a is a recent addition to boosting the speeds of the Category 7 cables up to 1000MHz and up to 20Gbps of potential throughput over 165 feet. The Cat7a standard, too, comes with a proprietary nature. It is this nature that Cat7 and Cat7a cables have a low installation rate. Another reason is the lack of support from the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) or TIA/EIA.

● Cat8

Category 8 is the new 2000MHz speed cable that aims at data centers and includes high-speed gear. The Cat8 cables run at a frequency of 1000-2000MHz. It can offer an excellent potential throughput of 40Gbps.

Besides, the Cat8 cables also need double-shielding like that in Cat7. And, metal-jacketed connectors too! But, the speed runs are restricted up to distances of 30 m (98 feet).

Category 8 cables are most suitable for switch-to-switch modes of communications in a 25GBase/40GBase T network. The conductors of Cat8 cables are enwrapped in foil that allows higher data rates by eliminating crosstalk.

The Cat8 gauge cables are generally much heavier and quite robust.  This makes them harder to install in enclosed or tight spaces. But the cable still utilizes RJ45 connectors. Besides, they are backwards compatible with all the previous Ethernet cable standards.

Which is the Best for Gamers?

By the above comparison, you may have guessed which to pick for a seamless gaming experience. Yes, it’s Cat8, especially if you are a heavy professional gamer. But, due to the expensive wiring materials used, Category 8 cables cost you more than any other Ethernet standard.

But it is worth it, and no other cable can beat its performance and speed until now. Besides, it also comes with so many unique features. This includes superior signal quality, reduced latency, four times the speed of Cat6a cables, and backwards compatibility. But, Category 8 cables are ideal for professionals and data centers.

Category 7 is found on most gaming consoles and PCs. Besides, it is only one standard behind the latest cable technology in 2021. Yet, it’s more than enough for full-time gamers.

Now you get the drill! With each generation, there comes an improved and upgraded cable version. These versions have better speeds, frequencies, technologies, and features. Having said that, compared Cat5e and Cat6 cables and check their performance in gaming.

 The preferred one is Category 6a cables. And no, it’s not because of the high speeds, because most gamers would do fine with 1Gbps. The difference lies in the handling of interference, in which Cat6a cables are a clear winner compared to Cat5e.

During the construction of Cat6a cables, stricter standards were maintained. This is done to achieve a higher standard than its predecessor. These standards also come with a “spline” within the cable itself, which acts as a separator between the individual copper wires within each twisted pair. This structure enhances the signal quality of the cable. Thus, stabilizing and providing a more accurate network connection.

Further, Cat6a cables are usually always built with better protection to reduce external noise and crosstalk. It wins over even the best Cat5e cables in this regard. That’s because the latter only has some twisted wiring pairs to reduce interference or crosstalk up to a certain extent.

Ultimately, it depends upon your gaming levels, budget, and your personal preferences. Choose something that suits your needs and serves the basic purpose well.