Looking for a gaming router


Recommended Posts

I'm in the market for a new router. The one I currently have (Linksys WRT54GS v6 with DDWRT) is really starting to show it's age. My needs are small really, I'm looking for a router with good signal strength since it will be in the basement of a 3 story house, and will need to handle online gaming well. I have done some research and found 3 routers that are constantly suggested: The Netgear WNDR4500

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122435&Tpk=WNDR4500, the Linksys E4200 v2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124444&Tpk=Linksys%20Wireless%20N%20Dual-Band%20N900%20Router%20%28E4200V2-, and the Asus RT-N56U (or N66U) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320091&Tpk=RT-N66U.

My budget is at max 250$, so feel free to make any other suggestions. Thanks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's the same router I have. It's fantastic but I don't think they make them anymore. Also, Newegg.com doesn't have it on stock.

you can buy it from that link, right under overview box

Link to comment
Share on other sites

yup same here. No static IP management from the router which is a big deal breaker for some...

Do people buy these routers and not put a 3rd party firmware on them?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yup probably 99%. Usually an up sell @ the shop.

Poor schmucks

Of course these are people who aren't going to be turned off by it not having static IP management.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Steer clear of the Netgear. I have the DGND3700 which is the ADSL modem version of the WNDR3700. This is in the same small family of routers to the one you're looking at (same casing and stand design).

While the specs on paper are to be drooled at (dual core processor and simultaneous dual band wireless anyone? :-o ), I've had nothing but trouble with it. The firmware is shockingly bad, with the ADSL connection dropping and not reconnecting (who builds a router that doesn't auto reconnect the line if it drops?) at regular intervals. This is a well documented problem on the forums. Even several beta firmwares have failed to resolve the issue 7 months on. So given that the firmware is still rubbish now, I don't anticipate the WNDR4500's firmware to be much better. Although it's fair to say that you won't have the exact same issues given the WNDR doesn't have an ADSL modem.

In conversations with second line support, they have admitted that this router uses substandard hardware components, and they are releasing a DGND3700v2 to correct the hardware flaws. Needless to say I am ****ed at this and am demanding they replace my "not fit for purpose" router with one of the new model. See below an extract from my conversation with Level 2 support regarding the addition of IPv6 which they have been promising for 3-4 months, and have just now cancelled.

They have stated that they will include the feature on the release of the NETGEAR DGND3700v2, with more stable hardware components. For as you are aware that the DGND3700 is experiencing a stability issue with regard to Internet connection. However, there is no ETA yet of the release of the DGND3700v2.

Additionally the build quality of these routers is fairly poor. They're extremely plasticky, and the way they've built the stand is exceptionally poor. The stand attaches to the router on one side, meaning the router wobbles with the slightest tap on your desk. Also over time the router will start to droop to one side. Mine is leaning like the tower of Pisa.. it's over at about 2 or 3 degrees after 7 months.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

E4200 v2 doesn't have 3rd party firmware yet due to it using a Marvell dual core processor...

E4200 v1 uses a Broadcom and is supported by the usual suspects..

Netgear products look nice but the build quality is quite horrendous

Link to comment
Share on other sites

E4200 v2 doesn't have 3rd party firmware yet due to it using a Marvell dual core processor...

E4200 v1 uses a Broadcom and is supported by the usual suspects..

Netgear products look nice but the build quality is quite horrendous

Ah, in that case I'd either look for an E4200 v1 or wait until dd-wrt is out for the v2 (if it ever is). I'm partial to Linksys routers.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This topic is now closed to further replies.