Best router for my needs?: AC88u vs AC1900p vs AC68u

[dom2114]

Thinking about upgrading from the AC66u, primarily because Im after a USB3 port for faster file transfers + to make the most out of a new external SSD.

I generally like to future proof myself (which would push me towards the AC88u), but I've been reading endless threads about stability issues/returns/having to disable a lot of the features.

My questions:

• Should I skip the AC88u for the time being given all the reported issues, or is it just having some teething issues that will eventually be worked out?
• Is it worth getting the AC1900p specifically from Best Buy, or will the regular AC68u from Amazon suffice? (From what I can tell, the clock speed is the main (only?) difference).

Thanks for the help.

 

[cybrnook]

Let me know if you are interested:
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/f...erted-tm-ac1900-wrt-3200acm-wrt-1200ac.38233/

In my opinion, the RT-AC68 series is still the best bang for the buck. They run both the older code base, as well as the newer and seems just a overall more matured platform (SDK). The 1900P is also a great router (same as RT-AC68, but with a newer chip at 1.4). While you can OC the RT-AC68 series to match the 1.4, the 1900p comes stock very fast. However it is limited to only the newer SDK based firmware which seems to have a lot of things broke in it (of course this is arguable for what you use, and depending on what model, some things work, and others don't), in the newer SDK.

The 88U is in the same boat as the 3100, which I also have for sale

I am currently using the RT-AC68 series overclocked to 1.4 and am very happy on John's fork.

 

[dom2114]

This is very helpful. Thanks for taking the time. A few follow ups if I may...

Am I right in assuming that an overclocked 68u to 1.4ghz will run hotter than an 1900p? Should this influence my purchasing decision, or is an overclocked 68u perfectly fine? Also, does merlin allow you to overclock, or is this achieved some other way?

Finally, you say that the ac68u can support both old a new SDKs, but the ac1900p supports only the new. Do you happen to know how merlin works with the 68u? Is it based off the old/new... Or am I just completely misunderstanding how this works?

Many thanks again!

 

[cybrnook]

Am I right in assuming that an overclocked 68u to 1.4ghz will run hotter than an 1900p? Should this influence my purchasing decision, or is an overclocked 68u perfectly fine? Also, does merlin allow you to overclock, or is this achieved some other way?

I think temps depend on a few factors (load and ambient). What I can personally attest to after testing it myself, is that on my unit that came at a stock 1.0ghz, it ran at 74 C. After overclocking to 1.4 in the same ambient, under the same load, temps increased to 76. This, to me, is completely acceptable and within a margin of error. I believe the CPU's are rated at 110 + C, so the fact that I am over 25 degree's below max, I am completely comfortable.

Finally, you say that the ac68u can support both old a new SDKs, but the ac1900p supports only the new. Do you happen to know how merlin works with the 68u? Is it based off the old/new... Or am I just completely misunderstanding how this works?

I will try to clarify a little more. What I mean by SDK, is the basic platform, tools for compiling that are used to build the firmware we flash. The RT-AC68 series uses an older more matured platform than the newer SDK which is still being fielded out. Both the units based off the old and newer SDK receive the same updates and security fixes, just the "implementation" of them may react different in the final product of the firmware. Something that fixes QoS, for example, on an older unit may also break QoS in a newer unit.

"Merlin" works great on everything. It works at least as good as Asus's stock firmware, only with his add-on's and tweaks. He builds using both SDK's as well, so there is a divide between builds, that's why the "feedback" in the threads is always so all over the map. Basically the "newer" routers use the same SDK, and normally suffer the same issues. The "older" routers use the older SDK, and also live in a boat together. Then you have the one off's the AC87U, which is yet a completely different animal (but also not recommended).

If you want all the bells and whistles (that your clients likely don't even support anyways), and are okay with chasing releases waiting for bug fixes, then get a newer router (like 3100 or 88U).
If you want a more set it and forget unit that "matches" what most clients have TODAY, not TOMORROW and beyond, then get a stable AC1900 platform (RT-AC68 series). The 1900P is a mix of both worlds here..... Same hardware as the RT-AC68 series, but requires newer SDK since it's CPU is newer.

I know, a lot to take in....

 

[joegreat]

Am I right in assuming that an overclocked 68u to 1.4ghz will run hotter than an 1900p?

Useless worries: As long as the chips are not as hot as boiling water, nothing to worry!
Was discussed many times in the forum - do a small search and you find the results.

Should this influence my purchasing decision, or is an overclocked 68u perfectly fine? Also, does merlin allow you to overclock, or is this achieved some other way?

Asus has reduced the possibilities of overclocking in the recent versions on the routers - you will need to try and see...

 

[Pierino]

@cybrnook, still going to have one left for me? Lol

 

[cybrnook]

@cybrnook, still going to have one left for me? Lol

Already in the mail for you my friend.