The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Upgrade worth it?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Rob.In.AZ, May 3, 2012.

  1. Rob.In.AZ

    Rob.In.AZ Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    46
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I debating upgrading my network...if it's worth it.

    I have an m14x with an Intel 1000 BGN NIC, and a Linksys WRT120N router. I have 5 other devices that connect to the network, all are G devices. I know the router maxes out at 150Mb/s, as does my NIC. I have Comcast 20Mb/s Internet.

    The problem is streaming TV shows (laptop to TV via HDMI), the picture quality is crap. Gaming is fine as far as I can tell.

    If I upgrade my NIC (Intel 6250 WiMax) and my router to a true N dual band router will I see a major improvement?
     
    Rob.In.AZ, May 3, 2012
    #1
  2. saturnotaku

    saturnotaku Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    4,879
    Messages:
    8,926
    Likes Received:
    4,705
    Trophy Points:
    431
    I have the same Internet service as you. My PS3 (original 20 GB, non-WiFi model) is hooked up to an Apple Airport Express, connected to an Airport Extreme Base Station router on the 5 GHz band. Streaming HD video via the Amazon instant application works fine. I only get occasional 1/2-second pauses at the very beginning of a video. It performs perfectly after that and the picture quality is surprisingly good.

    Moving to a dual-band wireless card and router should help. 5 GHz works best with fewer obstructions between you and the router, so keep that in mind.
     
    saturnotaku, May 4, 2012
    #2
  3. Rob.In.AZ

    Rob.In.AZ Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    46
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Thanks for the input saturn.

    Quick question about the equipment.

    NIC-Intel 6250 or 6230?

    Router-E4200 or E3200?

    Thoughts?

    6250 w/ refurbed E3200 would be ~$85
    6230 w/ refurbed E4200 would be ~$110
     
    Rob.In.AZ, May 4, 2012
    #3