Asus has introduced the ROG ZOOM Cat 8 10 Gigabit Gaming Network Cable, designed to pair with the ROG Octopus 8 router. The new product supports data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps and is positioned as a gaming network solution where high bandwidth and connection stability are critical. According to the manufacturer, the bandwidth of the ROG ZOOM Cat 8 is four times higher than that of Cat 7 cables, which are rated for data transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps.
Speed and Target Positioning
Asus emphasizes that the cable is primarily focused on gaming scenarios: local networks where not only peak speed matters, but also connection resilience under load fluctuations. The company views the fourfold bandwidth reserve relative to Cat 7 as the foundation for future network configurations, where growing traffic inside a home or gaming workspace becomes the norm rather than the exception.
Design and Shielding
The cable features E/STP double shielding, which, according to Asus, reduces crosstalk between conductors. The outer jacket is made of dense steel braiding designed to increase resistance to abrasion and stretching. Inside, an oxygen-free copper core is used, which the manufacturer claims helps reduce signal loss during data transmission. The design also incorporates a cross-arrangement of eight twisted pairs to minimize the risk of interference and signal drops.
Connectors and Contact Materials
The RJ-45 connectors feature a copper housing and gold-plated contacts and connections. Asus claims this design improves resistance to electromagnetic interference, wear, and oxidation compared to standard iron-housed connectors. Combined with double shielding and steel braiding, this presents a cable designed for long-term operation under heavy gaming loads.
Pricing and Availability
At launch, the cable is available in China in two length variants: 1.5m for 299 yuan (approx. $42) and 3m for 399 yuan (approx. $56). Thus, Asus offers compact and longer options, targeting various routing scenarios from connecting near a router to running a cable across a room. A broad international pricing list and delivery schedule were not provided in the presented materials.
