What firmware to run on new RT-AX86U_PRO?

[marcoe]

I recent bought an Asus ax86u Pro and is super happy with that one!

But Merlins latest version is based on ver 3004 of AsusWRT and in my version of ax86u Pro I have AsusWRT version 3.0.0.6.102_34313.

So should I now install Merlins version even thu its based on the "older" 3004 AsusWRT version or should I wait
until Merlin has included the 3006 version in his releases? And if I do upgrade Merlins version which today is still
based on Asus 3004 version, is their any benefit for me to do so or is it better to just wait until Merlins version is
with 3006 version?

What is the general recommendation here? Thx!

And a hugh big thank you to RMerlin for doing all this work for all of us!

 

[Dedel66]

@marcoe
Would be nice if you would start another thread for this. Otherwise here will start another OT Diskussion.

This thread should be about problems or bugs with 388.8

 

[Analog-1]

I recent bought an Asus ax86u Pro and is super happy with that one!

But Merlins latest version is based on ver 3004 of AsusWRT and in my version of ax86u Pro I have AsusWRT version 3.0.0.6.102_34313.

So should I now install Merlins version even thu its based on the "older" 3004 AsusWRT version or should I wait
until Merlin has included the 3006 version in his releases? And if I do upgrade Merlins version which today is still
based on Asus 3004 version, is their any benefit for me to do so or is it better to just wait until Merlins version is
with 3006 version?

What is the general recommendation here? Thx!

And a hugh big thank you to RMerlin for doing all this work for all of us!

I would hold off. Use the stock 3.0.0.6 there is no reason to run Merlin until it's updated with the newer code line. 388.8 is based on code that's 8 months old already.

 

[bbunge]

I recent bought an Asus ax86u Pro and is super happy with that one!

But Merlins latest version is based on ver 3004 of AsusWRT and in my version of ax86u Pro I have AsusWRT version 3.0.0.6.102_34313.

So should I now install Merlins version even thu its based on the "older" 3004 AsusWRT version or should I wait
until Merlin has included the 3006 version in his releases? And if I do upgrade Merlins version which today is still
based on Asus 3004 version, is their any benefit for me to do so or is it better to just wait until Merlins version is
with 3006 version?

What is the general recommendation here? Thx!

And a hugh big thank you to RMerlin for doing all this work for all of us!

Depends upon what you want. Both are good firmware but have different features. FWIW, I have switched between the two several times in the last couple weeks and have landed with Merlin.
The Asus firmware has VLAN and Guest Network Pro as well as its normal features and can be managed almost fully from the phone app.
Merlin firmware has better VPN client features, which I do not use, better DNS control and a host of very good add on of which I use Skynet and Diversion.

 

[kuchkovsky]

I recent bought an Asus ax86u Pro and is super happy with that one!

But Merlins latest version is based on ver 3004 of AsusWRT and in my version of ax86u Pro I have AsusWRT version 3.0.0.6.102_34313.

So should I now install Merlins version even thu its based on the "older" 3004 AsusWRT version or should I wait
until Merlin has included the 3006 version in his releases? And if I do upgrade Merlins version which today is still
based on Asus 3004 version, is their any benefit for me to do so or is it better to just wait until Merlins version is
with 3006 version?

What is the general recommendation here? Thx!

And a hugh big thank you to RMerlin for doing all this work for all of us!

If you need VLAN/Guest Network Pro, use the stock firmware. Otherwise, use Merlin.

I’m missing the VLAN feature a bit, so I’m hoping @RMerlin will port it to the RT-AX88U Pro soon. But generally, it’s not a big deal for me because Merlin still rocks with user script support and much better VPN clients.

 

[bennor]

What is the general recommendation here? Thx!

Use the firmware that fits your use case. Try each of the firmware's out and see which one works best for your needs. There are certain features that only the Asus-Merlin firmware has so people will use that for those features. If you need Guest Network Pro/VLAN features then use the stock Asus 3.0.0.6.102_34313 firmware.

For my use, I wound up back on Asus-Merlin after trying out the 3.0.0.6.102_34313. While 3.0.0.6.102_34313 worked fine for the most part, found I didn't have the control I'd liked that I get with Asus-Merlin firmware and it's addon scripts. But your use case and desires may be different. So use what works best for you.

 

[Tech9]

I recent bought an Asus ax86u Pro and is super happy with that one!

Why do you want to make changes then? Use it with 3.0.0.6 firmware and don’t plan unnecessary tinkering so your network users are happy too.

 

[jerry6]

use whatever works for you , I use Merlin because it updates security patches much quicker than Asus stock FW plus I like the simple GUI and it does not break the terms of warranty

 

[marcoe]

Thanks all for your answers!

 

[Tech9]

I like the simple GUI

RT series have this blue GUI by default. Your routers are ROG with the gaming red GUI.