IOGEAR

IOGEAR GCE500U USB/VGA KVM Console Extender

Expert rating7.8 / 10

Port Count:: 1 computer (extension
Video Standard:: VGA
Price:: $246.01

Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more

Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.

Manufacturer: IOGEAR Last updated: 2026-09-12

IOGEAR GCE500U USB/VGA KVM Console Extender Review

IOGEAR GCE500U USB VGA KVM console extender, CAT5 extension up to 500 feet, remote console keyboard video mouse extender, server room console extension

Not a switch at all — a point-to-point extender that lets a keyboard, monitor and mouse sit up to roughly 500 feet from the computer they control over standard CAT5 cabling, useful when a server has to live somewhere the operator can't.

Extension, Not Switching

This device connects exactly one computer to one remote console; it doesn't select between multiple machines the way every other product in this batch does. It belongs in this category because it solves the adjacent problem of KVM distance rather than KVM selection.

Where Distance Matters More Than Choice

Server rooms with poor ergonomics, noisy equipment closets, or machines mounted somewhere inconvenient for a permanent desk are the classic use case — the operator's console moves to a comfortable location while the computer stays put.

Comparison to Alternatives

None of the switching products in this catalog (Raritan, Adder, SmartAVI, or other IOGEAR models) solve the distance problem this extender addresses — they assume the console sits near the connected computers. For a KVM switch that also happens to support long-distance targets, Raritan's Dominion KX III line achieves distance via IP networking rather than a direct CAT5 run, at a much higher price and complexity.

Specifications

Design

Port Count	1
Switching Method	Not a switch — CAT5-based console extension over up to ~500ft

Video & Features

Video Standard	VGA
Max Resolution	1920x1440
USB Hub Ports	2
Audio Support	No

In the box and price

Price	246.01 USD

Brand	IOGEAR
Model	GCE500U
List Price	$339.95

Expert Review

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Expert rating7.8 / 10

A solid, purpose-built point-to-point console extender; not a substitute for an actual multi-computer KVM switch.

Best for

Server rooms where the console needs to sit far from noisy or inconvenient equipment
Single-computer setups needing up to ~500ft of console distance over CAT5
Facilities wanting a simple point-to-point extension without IP networking complexity

Not for

Anyone needing to switch between multiple computers (this connects only one)
Setups needing HDMI/DVI rather than VGA video
Deployments already using IP-based remote access like Raritan Dominion KX III

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the IOGEAR GCE500U USB/VGA KVM Console Extender?

The IOGEAR GCE500U USB/VGA KVM Console Extender is a KVM switch from IOGEAR. Key specs: Port Count 1 computer to 1 remote console (point-to-point extension), Switching Method Not a switch — CAT5-based console extension over up to ~500ft, Video Standard VGA, Max Resolution 1920x1440, USB Hub Ports 2 USB 2.0 ports at the remote console unit.

Who is the IOGEAR GCE500U USB/VGA KVM Console Extender best suited to?

It suits server rooms where the console needs to sit far from noisy or inconvenient equipment, single-computer setups needing up to ~500ft of console distance over cat5, facilities wanting a simple point-to-point extension without ip networking complexity.

What are the drawbacks of the IOGEAR GCE500U USB/VGA KVM Console Extender?

It is a poor fit for anyone needing to switch between multiple computers (this connects only one), setups needing hdmi/dvi rather than vga video, deployments already using ip-based remote access like raritan dominion kx iii.