Best Ethernet Cable For Gaming

If you own a powerful gaming computer, a top-of-the-line console or laptop that is hampered by graphics on the board it is not a problem playing online games against your friends and opponents from all over. You must be connected however, and regardless of whether you're playing competitive or casually it's not a good idea to have your connectivity interrupted during a game. That's why Ethernet cables really can help and the top Ethernet cable is even better.

While Wi-Fi is fine for most games, particularly the latest Wi-Fi 6 and 6E connectivity options, it has its drawbacks. Furniture, walls, distance to the router as well as whether the networks are busy can all impact the performance of your network particularly in a high-latency scenario such as gaming, this could have a negative effect on the gaming experience. If you use Ethernet cables you won't face this problem, but it's not the case with all Ethernet cables are made equal.

The most reliable Ethernet cables designed for gamers will make sure your connection is reliable and secure. This means that you get adequate shielding along with high bandwidth. You can connect them to walls, under carpets or through management systems for cables to keep them neat and tidy or even block them from sight completely.

It is important to ensure that you have the right type of Ethernet cable. The older cables don't have sufficient bandwidth to ensure that the gaming performance isn't compromised and don't come with the type of shielding that can safeguard security of the gaming signals.

This article will help you be aware of when choosing the best Ethernet cable for your needs.

Is Ethernet better than Wi-Fi?

In the case of online gaming, gamers need to connect to the most reliable network that they can get if they wish to play multiplayer games with the lowest Ping and the highest possibility of competing with other players. People with a high Ping or a weak connection will have a difficult time playing online games as they always drop connection and could be quite frustrating. This is why players should be aware of the distinction between Wi-Fi and Ethernet-connected Internet access.

Simply put While technology is always evolving (and the wireless signal is growing stronger) users who use an Ethernet cable are assured that they're receiving the best connection possible with their ISP. People who depend on Wi-Fi are often in the midst of signal loss in particular when their routers and adapters aren't compatible with their network. In addition it's generally much harder to determine to the "full degree" of an individual's Internet speeds with higher speeds with Wi-Fi or a router, unless they decide on purchasing more expensive equipment.

It's typically cheaper, faster and more stable for players to just make use of a wired connection instead of wireless.

The most effective Ethernet Cable for Gaming

Ethernet cables are available in a range of lengths, shapes and styles. While flat or rounded cables are the most popular option when it comes to routing them throughout homes, the primary factor to take into account is the category of cable. This is the name and type of cable described on websites like Cable Matters. Cat 5E, Cat6, Cat6A, and even Cat8 are all forms of Ethernet cable that are worth considering.

Which are the best Ethernet gaming cables? Some are overkill. The Cat8 cable is specifically designed specifically for professional use as well as data centers, therefore it's not actually required to play games. Cat7 cables are usually inferior to Cat6a cables and do not use the same type of connectors for headers that can be used on the majority of gaming consoles and gaming PCs. Read more about what's Cat7 and why you don't require Cat7 cables.

The main debate to be fought over regarding the best Ethernet cables to use for gamers is Cat5e or Cat6. Perhaps Cat6A when you are also doing heavy data transfer.

Cat5e vs. Cat6 Which is the best choice in gaming?

While Cat5e as well as Cat6 are both great options for gaming using Ethernet connection, Cat6 cables are often the most popular choice. It's not necessarily due to speed, but because 1000Mbps is sufficient for the majority of gamers. Cat6 cables are superior in overcoming the interference that Cat5e cables face than. They are required to follow more stringent standards when they are constructed and, though the techniques to meet those standards differ between different manufacturers and cable manufacturers, Cat6 Ethernet cables nearly always more protected from interference and noise from outside than even the most reliable Cat5e.

While Cat5e is a cable that has tightly twisted pairs that help minimize interference and crosstalk, Cat6 cables typically utilize an "spline," which is an element within the cable itself that divides the copper wires that make up that twisted pair. This makes crosstalk between wires less likely, thereby improving its signal strength more and creating an even more reliable and stable connection.

What is the difference between Ethernet Cables?

There isn't much of a distinction between Ethernet cables above their speed and CAT thresholds however, there are some distinctions for those who are searching for a specific style or want to use. Cables come in an variety of lengths, cabling styles and even shapes that aid users in managing the distance between their computer and router. If you're looking for something appealing visually (and with the additional benefit of being flexible) in their cables can select a braided type that are typically available in a variety of colors that will create specific configuration designs and colors.

Users who prefer a sleeker style, or prefer to hide their cables beneath carpets or even to the bottom of their desk might want to choose flat cables, which it being less noticeable when running over long distances. It is also easy to conceal under and behind objects. There are cables that are suitable for outdoor use and allow users to connect their cables through an exterior wall or all around their homes and even to bury them in the ground if they feel the need to do so for maximum privacy.

Are you able to use Cat5 cables to play?

Cat five cables don't identical to Cat5e even though their names are similar to each other. Cat5 is the old standard, and due to that its capabilities and performance are much less. While it does theoretically support Gigabit Ethernet, this is only for very small distances. This is why it's generally advertised to support only 100Mbps Ethernet connections, not the Gigabit connection that Cat5e offers (or the 10Gbps Cat6 connection).

However, raw performance isn't important to gamers since the majority of games don't require any level of bandwidth that can cause stress to Cat5 Ethernet cable. What matters is the shielding, as well as the performance of the connections. When Cat5e and Cat6 manage interference and crosstalk fairly well, most Cat5 cables aren't shielded and are therefore more susceptible to crosstalk and interference from other devices that can contaminate the signal and reducing the quality of the signal. In theory, this could cause you to miss the next headshot.

With such little savings to be gained by choosing Cat5 over the latest standards, the top Ethernet cable for gamers is Cat5e or Cat6. It is a good thing that Cat5 cables aren't easy to come by these days. In between Cat5e and Cat6, it's an option, but you have to choose.