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View Full Version : Cable Modems--which are the best?

cursor
11-06-09, 11:31 AM
I'm tired of paying $5/month for a rental of a crappy modem. I'd like to buy one that isn't the entry level crap Comcast gives out.

I see this one, and am intrigued:
http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-SB6120-SURFboard-eXtreme-Broadband/dp/B001UI2FPE/

Motorola SB6120 SURFboard DOCSIS 3.0 eXtreme Broadband Cable Modem

Can anyone compare/contrast/recommend something better for similar $$ (~$100)?

Thanks in advance for your help. :beer:
tool_462
11-06-09, 11:35 AM
Sorry I can't help but I also rock the "stock" Comcast modem and I'm curious if buying my own will possibly perform better?

Not that I'm suffering, I pay for 12Mb down 1.5 up and get this:
http://www.speedtest.net/result/614498699.png (http://www.speedtest.net)
PLOBBY
11-06-09, 11:41 AM
I paid $60 for a surfboard modem 2.5 years ago now. I was paying $3 a month and it has already been cheaper doing it this way.

Also they had me on a modem with docsis 1.0/1.1? and I was getting like 2mb/s down when paying for 8 down. Yes...its worth it
MattNo5ss
11-06-09, 11:53 AM
I've never had high-speed internet, but a lot of people (including friends of mine) seem to like the Linksys CM100 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16825120001).
mrskruvy
11-06-09, 12:08 PM
I have that modem. First one was DOA but second seems to work but Comcast cant get the high speed to work upstream. Had it for nearly a year with no probs other then the lack of high up.
Ashura
11-06-09, 12:26 PM
The enthusiast aftermarket cable modem favorite definitely seems to be Motorola Surfboards. I've used them for years with great results and none of the random downtime problems that I used to get with the stock TWC modems. If you're going to purchase your own, I heartily recommend a Surfboard.
psionic98
11-06-09, 03:15 PM
just get something with docsis 3.0 since most cable companies are moving to this in the future.. though 2.0 should be fine for another year or more
hitokiri_808
11-06-09, 04:02 PM
Doesn't most ISPs only allow the mac address from their modem to connect?
Ashura
11-06-09, 04:06 PM
Yes, you have to call the ISP and give them your new modem's MAC address.
cursor
11-06-09, 10:49 PM
Thanks for the advice, guys. Seems like everyone agrees that this is a good modem for my purposes, so I picked it up. I really appreciate the help!
FireMogle
11-07-09, 09:14 AM
The surfboard I had a few years ago worked great. The only reason I sold it was due to getting DSL.
xtkxhom3r
11-07-09, 09:33 PM
dont mean to thread jack but i hate to make a 2nd thread with a similar question...

i have a ambit modem from TWC would it be worth it to upgrade to one of those motorola ones?

i dont really have any problems with my internet but if it can perform better why not right...
SuperDave1685
11-07-09, 09:54 PM
The Surfboards tend to be good. I've owned a couple over the years and they worked really well for me. I'd say go ahead and get a surfboard if you can. They tend to have a bit more informative diagnostics page than other modems if I recall.
onefstsnake
11-07-09, 11:57 PM
Sorry I can't help but I also rock the "stock" Comcast modem and I'm curious if buying my own will possibly perform better?

Not that I'm suffering, I pay for 12Mb down 1.5 up and get this:
http://www.speedtest.net/result/614498699.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

Damn wish my comcast was that fast. Im running the same 12/1.5 setup.

http://www.speedtest.net/result/615906849.png (http://www.speedtest.net)