Looking for a Modem. Suggestions?

[icedwarrior]

Hey guys,

So I'm tired of paying Comcast an extra $7 a month renting their modem, so I'm looking to buy one for myself. I don't know the first thing about what makes a good modem... My connection is 1.9Mbps, if it matters.

Budget: $70 max, looking for ~$50, bonus points if I can find it in a store / not order it online.

Any suggestions? And, preferably, some information about what I should be looking for in a modem would be fantastic, as well.

[chazus]

I honestly don't think there are 'good' and 'bad' modems like there are routers. They either supply the speed they're given, or not. The only time I've seen a modem perform poorly, is if it literally is damaged/malfunctioning, or if there is some other issue involved. If it were me (not that I'm saying this is right, or best practice), any cable modem ought to work. I'd probably see if you can lease/buy one off them. Cheapest one on Newegg is like $50. You can also find them on craigslist I'm sure, however you need to ensure that the previous owner has unregistered their serial number with the service. Simply stopping internet service does not 'free up' a modem.

[majinsnake]

The first thing that makes a good modem is that it works and fits your needs.


Are you looking for a modem that does internet and phone?

One person on comcast forum complained not to buy your own modem because he bought the wrong one for his needs.

http://forums.comcast.com/t5/Custome...m/td-p/1270041



Here is comcast approved modem list.

http://mydeviceinfo.comcast.net/

[Cyanotical]

if you don't need phone attached, get the Motorolla SB6121

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...015&Tpk=SB6121

I honestly don't think there are 'good' and 'bad' modems like there are routers. They either supply the speed they're given, or not.

there are, i've gone through 5 modems in the last 3 years, but a good example is a bad modem drops connections, or adds latency, or in the case of one, overheats and dies from normal use

[icedwarrior]

Yeah, I don't need phone or anything -- only looking for internet.

Cyanotical, do you have another recommend? It looks good, but I'm hoping to find one a wee bit cheaper. Closer to $50, the better.

[Cyanotical]

well the SB5101 is an older but very reliable modem

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16825122011

however, depending on your location and internet plan you may need a docsis 3 modem, and the 5101 is only docsis 2

IMO saving up for the 6121 or even the 6141 would be worth in in the long run, because eventually all cable ISPs will all be up to docsis 3 and you will need a new modem to take advantage of it