StarTech.com HPE JD097C Compatible 3m 10G SFP+ to SFP+ Direct Attach Cable Twinax - 10GbE SFP+ Copper DAC 10 Gbps Low Power Passive Mini GBIC/Transceiver Module DAC Firepower A5500 5800

Product Overview

AI-generated summary

At **£33.90 ex‑VAT for a 3m passive 10G DAC**, this is the kind of cable I’d only recommend when your setup is straightforward and you’re trying to keep costs sensible. For short, known-good runs between two compatible **SFP+ ports**, a passive twinax DAC like this is usually better value than fibre: it’s simple, low-latency, and you avoid the faff (and extra spend) that comes with optics. If you’re wiring things like server-to-switch or switch-to-switch within a rack environment, this will do the job and you won’t think about it again.

I’d be cautious if you’re buying it to “make it work” across mixed kit, long/awkward paths, or environments where you can’t guarantee compatibility. Passive DACs are more picky than people expect—HPE/partner compatibility depends on the exact port generation and how the system negotiates links, and any mismatch can turn into intermittent link issues that cost you time. So: **buy this if you know the two ends are compatible and the run is truly within ~3m**. **Skip it** if you need guaranteed vendor-grade behaviour across different hardware generations—then optics (even if pricier) can be the less painful route.