I love my RT-AC66U, but ....

[tokyo_networking]

I love my RT-AC66U, but it is getting a bit old. Any suggestions for a replacement?

I am not looking for faster wireless as most of my house is running wired gigabit LAN with only my mobile devices connected through wireless.

So I mostly look at upgrading the CPU. I more interested in a solid firmware implementation with a complete feature set.

I would consider the RT-AC68U, but I cannot put it flat.

Other routers are ugly monsters with power bricks which are bigger, heavier, and hotter than your typical stone brick.

Anyone has any suggestions? I am more looking for a sleek BMW than an outrageous monster truck.

 

[L&LD]

The RT-AC56U is still the most inexpensive 'current' router you can buy (on sale, around $50 or so).

With RMerlin's firmware (or the forks thereof) installed on it, it has almost all the features all current routers have. Plus, it is small/cute looking too.

While the processor upgrade seems like a nominal 33% at first glance, don't forget to take into consideration that the 'AC66U is a single core 600MHz model and the 'AC56U is a dual core 800MHz unit. It easily feels twice as fast to me when I use both back to back for different customers.

If you want the best bang for the buck, the RT-AC1900P was recently featured for $175 (on sale) at Best Buy. This is the best version of the venerable RT-AC68U series and will give you 233% (1.4GHz) faster processor (plus dual core too) over the single core 600MHz powered 'AC66U you have now. I don't know if this will lie flat, but the even more current RT-AC3100 with the same processor, double the ram and double the NVRAM does. The RT-AC3100 has been on sale in the $191 range. Easily the best bang for the buck winner at that price.

 

[Ryansr]

Wow! Don't replace just because of FOMO! My RT-N66U is still happily chucking along and able to serve my content to my Chromecast 2 plus other devices connected through it's AP function. My only real push for upgrading would be if most of my devices started to have support for the AC standard.