Best Ethernet Cables for Gaming
Do you want the best Ethernet cable for gaming? If you need a stable connection from your PC to your router, these cables will serve you well in any deathmatch. Usb 3.0 Cable
When playing games online, whether that be Overwatch 2, Call of Duty, or Final Fantasy XIV, having a stable internet connection is extremely important. Keeping your ping in low digits can mean the difference between life and death, or beating the boss, or failing miserably. A good Ethernet cable can make a world of difference in keeping you connected.
Though many people rely on Wi-Fi even when gaming, Wi-Fi is subject to interference, and can be seriously impacted by other competing Wi-Fi signals, external RF interference, or even thick walls being in the way.
It can be a bit of a pain to have to run a long cable across your house or apartment, but doing so ensures a better gaming experience by providing superior internet stability. Though most players will focus on having the best GPU, CPU, monitor, keyboard, and mouse, neglecting your internet connection is a mistake that can ruin your gaming session.
An ethernet cable ensures a stable ping and largely eliminates packet loss and sudden signal drops, so it is ideal for online gaming. If you are wondering what the best Ethernet cable is, and where to buy them, then worry not, for this guide is here to help.
While it depends on several things, an Ethernet connection will always be faster than a wireless connection. When you connect a LAN cable from the router to your PC, it offers a zero latency connection, and it can only be impacted if the cable gets damaged.
However, for Wi-Fi, certain variables like range, clear line of sight, modem capabilities, and more define the speed that you get on your system.
With an Ethernet cable, you can get up to a 100Gbps speed. But, via wifi, the fastest network you can set up commercially is a mere 2Gbps by comparison.
Since Ethernet connections offer end-to-end connectivity from the router directly to the PC or laptop, and there are no interruptions, they are way safer. A Wi-Fi connection, on the other hand, is vulnerable to hacking and offers lesser security compared to a cabled connection.
Someone who wants to intercept your wired internet connection must be physically present on your premises, while a Wi-Fi connection can be intercepted remotely.
A Cat6 Ethernet connection can offer up to 10Gbps. However, you can only get internet speed up to what your Internet plan allows.
Moreover, Ethernet ports on most devices, including most PCs or gaming consoles, are Gigabit ports allowing a maximum of 1Gbps speed.
However, you should opt for a Cat7 or Cat8 LAN cable over a Cat6 cable if the distance between the router and your gaming setup is more than 100 feet. A Cat6 is ideal if the distance between the two is less than 100 feet. Similarly, a Cat8 cable can reach up to 40 Gbps; they aren’t designed for gaming.
Moreover, most games do not require high-speed internet to download in-game data. However, faster connectivity is only required if you’re into streaming games or content.
Cat certification denotes the copper cable certification, and the higher certification number means that the cable or connector has passed more stringent tests. Common examples of different classes of Ethernet cables are Cat 5E, Cat 6, Cat 6a, Cat 7, and Cat 8.
The ideal length of the these cables would depend on the distance between the router and the gaming setup. However, ideally, the distance between these two should be at most 100 meters as it might result in higher latency, slower transmission speeds, and loss of signals.
Many people wonder if the Cat7 cable is overkill for gaming. In an ideal scenario, a Cat6 cable should be sufficient for any setup unless the router and the gaming setup are over 100 meters apart. If this is the case, you might need a Cat7 or Cat8 cable.
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Mini Hdmi To Hdmi Cable Jitendra loves writing about tech, especially smartphones. He has almost 10 years of experience. He spearheaded the TechRadar India editorial operations and has written for TechRadar, TechRadar Pro, Free Press Journal, Mobile Scout, IB Times Singapore, Indulge Express, and more. He can be reached at jitendra.soni@dexerto.com