Asus launches $41 ROG Zoom gaming Ethernet cable with 40 Gbps bandwidth

Asus has launched the ROG Zoom, a Category 8 Ethernet cable designed for high-speed gaming networks. The cable supports data rates of up to 40 Gbps, with prices in China starting at 299 yuan (approximately $41).

The ROG Zoom comes in two lengths: 1.5 meters and 3 meters. The shorter version costs 299 yuan, while the longer model is priced at 399 yuan (around $55). International pricing and availability have not been announced.

The cable uses the Category 8 networking standard, which supports data rates of up to 40 Gbps and frequencies of up to 2,000 MHz. According to Asus, this offers four times the bandwidth and more than three times the carrier frequency of Category 7 cabling, which is rated for up to 10 Gbps and 600 MHz.

Asus has equipped the ROG Zoom with 26 AWG oxygen-free copper conductors intended to reduce signal loss over distance. The cable also features eight twisted pairs and E/STP double shielding, which are designed to help maintain signal integrity and reduce crosstalk.

A high-density braided sleeve protects the cable against abrasion and pulling forces, while the RJ-45 connectors feature gold-plated copper shielding. According to the product description, this construction is intended to resist corrosion and wear from repeated connections.

Asus is positioning the ROG Zoom as an accessory for low-latency gaming setups where a wired connection and high network bandwidth are important. However, a cable's maximum supported bandwidth does not automatically translate into lower gaming latency: actual performance depends on the network equipment, internet connection, and game server.

The cable debuted alongside the Asus's flagship ROG Octopus 8 gaming router, priced at 6,999 yuan (about $965).