Merlin's Custom Build

[conquer22]

I am learning custom build now but again I believe to have its improve on wireless range and performance(such quick responsive on browsing internet). I recently found lots of Merlin’s modified build such as Fork by john or Merlin's custom firmware. I have no idea what are difference among and I wonder why they have so many custom out???? I belive Merlin's is father of Asus custom build. Is there any link I can learn more about this? or can anyone brief my in short please what are different among these builds

Quick question, please advice if I ever tried any of these builds(those pinned sticky thread) would they be safe to my hardware? I would prefer performance tweaking then those features I use. But again I do not prefer the overclocking or to harm my hardware which will reduce my hardware life time. Can you please advice what are these different.

Many thanks,

 

[conquer22]

http://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-fork-rmerlin-firmware.21489/
http://www.snbforums.com/threads/fork-update-for-374-43-available.18914/

 

[wh7qq]

With the proviso that you follow instructions for selecting and loading the new firmware, Merlin, DD-WRT and the TomatoUSB builds are perfectly safe with the hardware for which it is built. Some will be better than others with regard to wireless performance and features. I would suggest searching on the particular version you are considering before loading it. Again, follow instructions and be sure to erase the NVRAM and manually re-establish your settings, as this seems to be the biggest source of problems after upgrades.

Especially for Asus routers, the TomatoUSB and Merlin forks are easier to get started with. The overwhelming volume and complexity of the DD-WRT forums make it difficult to know what to choose there.

 

[Chrysalis]

merlin's firmware has one huge advantage over both dd-wrt and tomato, and that is CTF is implemented and working. This massively lowers cpu usage and improves performance. Which in turn has the benefit of prolonging the router's life and preventing overheating.

Also its worth mentioning merlin is way more active on here supporting his users than developers of the other firmwares. His time is dedicated to supporting asus routers, whlst dd-wrt e.g. is across 100s of devices so wont get the same attention to device specific issues.