RT-AC68U hardware versions

[KevTech]

I just picked up a B1 here in the states for 129.95 plus tax.

 

[tyreman]

That's a really good price. Canadian prices usually around $200-$220's

 

[rahzel]

On the box, the white sticker(UPC) with the mac addy,serial number and firmware version.
On the lower left side as you look at it

And of course thats assuming its the correct box for that S/N router
or check the unit itself.

BTW I thought I found a B1 .......they shipped me an A2 ..so back it went.

I think there was some shielding done(A2) to but I am certainly not sure

I sure can't find any mention of processor size on my box or instruction set either.
Newer boxes/instruction set might have that mine doesn't
Although it shows in the router software

Has this been confirmed that the A2+ revisions have properly shielded USB 3.0 ports? Has anyone checked? The version Tom reviewed was A1 correct?

I just ordered an AC68U from Staples Canada online and this USB 3.0 'issue' has just came to my attention. I could have got the Netgear R7000 for about the same price but chose to ASUS because I have good experience with them.

It's not like the USB 3.0 issue would be a big deal for me, but it's something that I would have considered when deciding between the two routers.

 

[RMerlin]

Has this been confirmed that the A2+ revisions have properly shielded USB 3.0 ports? Has anyone checked? The version Tom reviewed was A1 correct?

A lot of reviewers failed to disable the option that forces the USB 3.0 port into 2.0 mode for better wifi compatibility, so be wary about any review that mentions not being able to get above 25-30 MB/s - this is most likely the reason.

 

[rahzel]

Thanks, I wasn't aware of that setting.

So no one knows about the shielding though?

 

[sfx2000]

Thanks, I wasn't aware of that setting.

So no one knows about the shielding though?

Shielding of the port only gets so far...

A lot of the times that I've seen issues are with the USB cables attached to the port, and there, it really depends on vendors doing the right thing...

I've seen some eBay cables that don't even have grounds attached - and they look nice - braided and all sharp looking, but taking out the DMM, and measuring continuity across things.. and they're not connected..

When I find them, I usually clip off the ends of the cable before dropping it in the eWaste bin...

 

[sfx2000]

So no one knows about the shielding though?

Asus does a pretty good job with the shielding of the port, heck, most of the vendors, at least the top tier vendors do, as they know the issues with USB3 and 2.4GHz.

At least Asus gives users a choice to enable/disable USB3, some vendors go very conservative and disable it, even though the chipset can do it...

 

[rahzel]

Thanks.

Basically I'm curious if the new 'U' versions have the same shielding that the RT-AC68P has, as shown in SNB's review here: http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wire...-band-wireless-ac1900-gigabit-router-reviewed

Again, not a deal breaker... just more curious than anything.

 

[gffmac]

At least Asus gives users a choice to enable/disable USB3, some vendors go very conservative and disable it, even though the chipset can do it...

Is this referring to the 'Reducing USB 3.0 interference' option in the professional section of 2.4GHz? Cant see any other disable usb3 option, only reason is I'm pretty sure I have a usb 2 drive connected to the usb3 socket, so disabling and putting in usb 2 could potentially improve 2.4GHz?

 

[tyreman]

Thought shielding was addressed by a2 but don't quote me

 

[BillG]

Where are people getting the C1 revision?

 

[tyreman]

I just got a B1 today so they are appearing now in K-W Area Canada Computers

 

[tyreman]

Where are people getting the C1 revision?

Don't know maybe someone will say.

 

[citizen3rased]

Hey guys. I ordered an AC68u from Amazon last week and received a C1 revision. I didn't know it was C1 until I did everything I could to try to get Advancedtomato running on it. I thought I was doing something wrong for the longest time, but successfully flashed merlin and DD-WRT without an issue. I checked the back of the router and sure enough is says "C1" on it.

 

[catspit33]

If all I can find in my city is a A2 version.. Should I just settle and get a r7000 nighthawk? (Not looking to order online so it's kinda A2 or nothing)

 

[RMerlin]

Hey guys. I ordered an AC68u from Amazon last week and received a C1 revision. I didn't know it was C1 until I did everything I could to try to get Advancedtomato running on it. I thought I was doing something wrong for the longest time, but successfully flashed merlin and DD-WRT without an issue. I checked the back of the router and sure enough is says "C1" on it.

HW revision C1 requires an updated SDK, and is currently not compatible with Tomato. Shibby will have to upgrade to a newer SDK to support it.

 

[rahzel]

If all I can find in my city is a A2 version.. Should I just settle and get a r7000 nighthawk? (Not looking to order online so it's kinda A2 or nothing)

I too can only find A2's in my area. I'm also torn between the R7000 and AC68U A2. I've already been running the AC68U for a few days now and it has been nothing but solid. But shortly after getting the AC68U, the R7000 went on sale for slightly cheaper. I went ahead and ordered it but I dunno if I should just cancel/return it unopened, or test it out to see which I like better. I have ~24 days left in my return window for the AC68U.

I plan on just using the stock firmware. And my main priorities are stability, reliability, speed and range (in that order).

 

[L&LD]

I too can only find A2's in my area. I'm also torn between the R7000 and AC68U A2. I've already been running the AC68U for a few days now and it has been nothing but solid. But shortly after getting the AC68U, the R7000 went on sale for slightly cheaper. I went ahead and ordered it but I dunno if I should just cancel/return it unopened, or test it out to see which I like better.

I plan on just using the stock firmware. And my main priorities are stability, reliability and speed (in that order).

Asus > NG (firmware).

 

[rahzel]

Asus > NG (firmware).

In terms of options and design, or stability? Or both? I'm not one to care for advanced options... I usually leave mostly everything at default. I just want a fast and stable connection. So far the AC68U has been just that. However the Netgear is cheaper, and if it performs just as well (if not better) then I'm tempted to go with the NG.

As I also said, I'm also concerned about reliability. I plan on using this router for several years, just as I did with my ancient WRT54GL (which still works fine BTW).

 

[catspit33]

It sounds like we are both in the same situation Rahzel, AC68U, Can only find A2 Revision. and the Nighthawk is cheaper. both torn on what to go with and which to get for stability