Best router / modem for PC gaming

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J0E24

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Oct 20, 2013
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Hello, So i have decided to upgrade my router, one reason is that my provider ATT is making me pay 7$ a month to use there product. And i feel like i dont get the best speeds with the basic product they provided.

This is what they have me using.

http://imgur.com/a/SE4Lr -- front
http://imgur.com/a/26mCi -- back

Im assuming this is a router/modem combo? So if i want to get my own products do i need to get an individual router and modem? or another router/ modem combo?

As well if anybody can provide suggestions on which ones to buy. Not sure on which companies are better for routers and modems thanks. My price range is anywhere between 150-300$

Thank you!
 
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With AT&T you are pretty much stuck using their modem, you can get your own router but it does not sound like in your case that it is going to bennefit you.

Even a 6-7 year old 150mbps wireless N modem/router is going to be sufficient for an 18mbps internet connection. It is the people who need fast speeds between their devices (like laptop or phone to a file server) who can greatly bennefit from buying their own routers. The other big bennefit to your own router is that the higher end aftermarket routers get better range then ISP provided ones, but it also does not sound like that is really being an issue for you.

EDITED:
Just to clarify: you should be able to purchase the same modem model they use, but you cant buy a universal...
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J

J0E24

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Oct 20, 2013
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I pay for 18 MBS.
http://beta.speedtest.net/result/6258723889 this is the test for wifi on my mac,
http://beta.speedtest.net/result/6258726517 this is for the gaming pc.

For my PC for gaming it is wired. But also have a mac that is WIFI.

The other thing is, is that when im watching tv and playing games i was told by att that usually my internet will be throttled for the amount of services that are being used at that time.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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If you're paying for 18 megabits, and seeing 17.37megabits...that is right on track. There is nothing to "improve".

The 9 mbps on your Mac, via WiFi, could be a whole host of issues. A newer or different router may not change that at all.
WiFi is very environmentally sensitive.

And AT&T is mostly correct in saying that "my internet will be throttled for the amount of services that are being used at that time".
That bandwidth is shared among all devices in your house.
If you had 10 devices, all actively downloading something at the same time....they might each only see 1.7mbps.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Any device with the word 'gaming' in it incurs an automatic 20% price increase. Because GAMING!
It uses the exact same chips inside, it just has a better paint job.
 
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J

J0E24

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so is it not worth it to buy my own router / modem to avoid having to pay att to use there products?

Thanks for explaining all this so i dont just jump out and buy one.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Buying your own IS a good idea, just to keep from paying them monthly.
Just don't pay extra because it says "gaming" in the description.

Contrary to what some might say...the ISP supplied devices are not always crap. Sometimes yes, but not always.

For your use...you have to determine what modem is actually compatible with your service. And I generally recommend buying the modem at least...off their recommended list.
That way, when there is an issue, they can't say "well, you have a crap modem".

The router that sits behind the modem can be anything.
 
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J0E24

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I just spoke with a ATT Representative over online chat, and he said that it is mandatory that i used the modem/router combo they provided. As well, as that i cant avoid paying the $7 a month charge for the modem/router product usage.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Not so sure that is true.
I have no direct experience with Uverse, but look through their website. See if there is an option to 'purchase', rather than rent.
It may be the same device, but a one time cost rather than month after month after month.

I have Verizon FiOS, and buying the upgrade modem/router from them was 1. a better device than the default, and 2. the $100 price was simply spread over the next 3 regular payments.
No more rental.
 
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boosted1g

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With AT&T you are pretty much stuck using their modem, you can get your own router but it does not sound like in your case that it is going to bennefit you.

Even a 6-7 year old 150mbps wireless N modem/router is going to be sufficient for an 18mbps internet connection. It is the people who need fast speeds between their devices (like laptop or phone to a file server) who can greatly bennefit from buying their own routers. The other big bennefit to your own router is that the higher end aftermarket routers get better range then ISP provided ones, but it also does not sound like that is really being an issue for you.

EDITED:
Just to clarify: you should be able to purchase the same modem model they use, but you cant buy a universal DSL modem like you can with Cable. Uverse only works with AT&T modems that have their digital certificate on it.
 
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