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ASUS AC2900 Dual Band Gigabit WiFi Gaming Router Expired

$151
$169.99
+ Free Shipping
+55 Deal Score
65,591 Views
Walmart has ASUS AC2900 Dual Band Gigabit WiFi Gaming Router (RT-AC86U) on sale for $149.99 > now $150.95. Shipping is free.

Amazon also has ASUS AC2900 Dual Band Gigabit WiFi Gaming Router (RT-AC86U) on sale for $149.99 > now $150.95. Shipping is free.
Thanks to community member wingsandfloats for finding this deal.

Key Features:
  • Dual-band (2. 4 + 5 GHz) AC2900 wireless router with the latest 802. 11AC MU-MIMO technology for data transfer speeds up to 2900 Mbps
  • 1. 8GHz 32bit dual-core processor optimizes network traffic and connectivity speeds from the USB 3. 1 Gen1 and 4x Gigabit LAN ports
  • Designed for lag-free online gaming and flawless 4K UHD streaming with WTFast game Accelerator and adaptive QoS; Product Segment: AC2900 ultimate AC performance: 750+2167 Mbps
     
No longer available

B&H Photo Video also has ASUS AC2900 Dual Band Gigabit WiFi Gaming Router (RT-AC86U) on sale for $149.99. Shipping is free.

Alternatively, Abt Electronics ASUS AC2900 Dual Band Gigabit WiFi Gaming Router (RT-AC86U) on sale for $149. Shipping is free.
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Edited July 12, 2021 at 11:04 AM by
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$151
$169.99
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Model: 2.4 GHz Wireless Dual-Band Gigabit Gaming Router

Deal History 

Sort: Most Recent
Post Date Sold By Sale Price Activity
11/24/22Amazon$99.99
23
06/06/22B&H Photo Video$139.97
0
07/29/21Amazon$150.73
11

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Featured Comments

Same price at b&h

No wifi 6

lacks tri-band capabilities
·
Upgraded from T-Mobile TM-AC1900 Router, Worth it so far
·
Wondering how it compares to the AX3000, since they're currently about the same price.

Presumably there's a reason why someone would pay the same for an AC router vs. AX?

https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-RT-AX...B084BNH26P
·

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Joined May 2006
L10: Grand Master
> bubble2 6,242 Posts
754 Reputation
dealstorm
07-15-2021 at 04:24 AM.
07-15-2021 at 04:24 AM.
Quote from lottathought :
I own the AX3000..and would take this router every day of the week over it.

Yes, the AX3000 has Wifi6. It also tends to lock up 2-4 times a week with Wifi6 enabled. Turning it off does reduce this to 1-2 times a week on average.
Thanks for this and other feedback on the comparison.

My very old router seems to provide adequate coverage. The main concern is it reboots every now and then.

Rebooting is annoying as connection is lost for 2-3 minutes, but I suppose better rebooting than locking up (which I assume requires manual rebooting).

So when I read about all these more recent routers I'm tempted to count my blessings and leave well enough alone.

Although in another setting I have an older ASUS and it's been rock solid...
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Joined Jul 2010
L5: Journeyman
> bubble2 777 Posts
45 Reputation
misterv1
07-15-2021 at 06:05 AM.
07-15-2021 at 06:05 AM.
......
1
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Last edited by misterv1 July 15, 2021 at 06:18 AM.
Joined Jul 2009
L5: Journeyman
> bubble2 959 Posts
203 Reputation
bargaindeal
07-17-2021 at 05:35 PM.
07-17-2021 at 05:35 PM.
anyone have problems with the ac68u with the latest firmware? I think since upgrading to the latest firmware my node (which is connected to another 68u with wireless backhaul) keeps disconnecting. Thinking of downgrading to the last non-beta version. Thoughts anyone? do I just use the admin page to downgrade using the older firmware? Thanks!
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Joined Dec 2015
L7: Teacher
> bubble2 2,954 Posts
697 Reputation
WB_K
07-19-2021 at 10:36 AM.
07-19-2021 at 10:36 AM.
Not sure why but mine was used and had scratches. Maybe it works fine but I don't recall in description stating like new condition. Returning.

Wish mine wasn't so scratched and box wasn't so damaged. Had white label hiding cuts

Update: returned to Walmart store only to be looked at bc it had Amazon prime sticker that Walmart sold to me. So not only did they pawn off a likely $99 open warehouse item for $150 on me that's scratched up I was criminalized in-store for the content and turned away citing they don't do third party. When I thought Walmart was bad at times this is way worst experience. Wanted to give anyone other than Amazon a chance and Walmart came close but this set them back hard for me. Will avoid Walmart when possible.
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Last edited by WB_K July 19, 2021 at 11:23 AM.
Joined Dec 2012
L9: Master
> bubble2 4,336 Posts
305 Reputation
Slickone_
07-20-2021 at 09:52 AM.
07-20-2021 at 09:52 AM.
Quote from bargaindeal :
anyone have problems with the ac68u with the latest firmware? I think since upgrading to the latest firmware my node (which is connected to another 68u with wireless backhaul) keeps disconnecting. Thinking of downgrading to the last non-beta version. Thoughts anyone? do I just use the admin page to downgrade using the older firmware? Thanks!
Would the Merlin FW be better?
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Joined Sep 2010
L6: Expert
> bubble2 1,087 Posts
355 Reputation
arcasinky
07-20-2021 at 10:12 AM.
07-20-2021 at 10:12 AM.
I bought one of these last week. The CPU in this guy runs pretty warm. It was 95C when I checked. Wound up propping a spare 120mm case fan against the router's rear vents. Running the fan at 7.5V. Now the router's CPU reports 66C.
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Joined Jan 2008
L7: Teacher
> bubble2 2,946 Posts
113 Reputation
leiff
07-20-2021 at 09:17 PM.
07-20-2021 at 09:17 PM.
Two days after setting up, my 2.4 radio failed. I had both my 2.4 and 5.2 radios combined in a single Network. I read these models are known to have 2.4 radio problems. Can I try downgrading firmware or does anyone have any suggestions before I returned to Amazon with my limited return window closing August 6 for me since mine came used from Amazon Marketplace?
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Joined Nov 2009
L5: Journeyman
> bubble2 1,453 Posts
91 Reputation
baraclude
07-22-2021 at 06:56 AM.
07-22-2021 at 06:56 AM.
Quote from TenFive :
You guys are talking about t-mobile router what is it and how to get it?
TMobile AC-1900. It was frequently on sale for like $40(sometimes free). Basically ASUS router but for TMobile. You can "jailbreak" it and turn it into Asus AC-68U which is worth hundreds of dollars.
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Last edited by baraclude July 22, 2021 at 07:07 AM.
Joined Jul 2009
L5: Journeyman
> bubble2 959 Posts
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bargaindeal
07-22-2021 at 07:07 PM.
07-22-2021 at 07:07 PM.
Quote from Slickone_ :
Would the Merlin FW be better?

Do you use the admin firmware page to upgrade or downgrade to a lower firmware or Merlin fw? And you can go back to stock firmware using that same page?
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Joined Oct 2015
L2: Beginner
> bubble2 58 Posts
Vop
07-23-2021 at 11:17 AM.
07-23-2021 at 11:17 AM.
Did some digging to see if there would be any drawbacks for me to go this route for a possible upgrade. I did find some reasons, for me, to spend a bit more for some newer tech instead. The security upgrades that come with newer ASUS Wi-Fi 6 models are worth serious consideration. The link aggregation is a "nice to have" since my internet speed is now technically 1.2 gig and my modem supports it as well.

The ASUS AC2900:
> Does not support WPA3 encryption
> Does not support SMBv2+ (still uses v1)
> Does not support link aggregation

Edit: Just upgraded my current RT-AC68U B1 with Merlin, which added support for SMBv2. I assume this would work for the AC2900 as well.
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Last edited by Vop July 23, 2021 at 01:23 PM.
Joined Jan 2008
L7: Teacher
> bubble2 2,946 Posts
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leiff
07-25-2021 at 08:17 PM.
07-25-2021 at 08:17 PM.
Where in settings do I locate router temperature?
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Joined Dec 2015
L7: Teacher
> bubble2 2,954 Posts
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WB_K
07-26-2021 at 02:15 AM.
07-26-2021 at 02:15 AM.
Quote from bchill :
Several reasons: First of all Amazon has been out of stock a few times since last fall which means they had to order new stock at that time. The warehouse unit I got last week was a 2020 model. I think you are safe to run with any of these primary retailers. B and H is matching the price as is ABT. Both of them offer no tax to many states and I know they have also been out of stock in the last six months. Best Wishes..
How do u check it's 2020 model directly? I'm getting amazon order and hoping not a used item.
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Joined Dec 2015
L7: Teacher
> bubble2 2,954 Posts
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WB_K
07-26-2021 at 02:47 AM.
07-26-2021 at 02:47 AM.
Quote from Vop :
Did some digging to see if there would be any drawbacks for me to go this route for a possible upgrade. I did find some reasons, for me, to spend a bit more for some newer tech instead. The security upgrades that come with newer ASUS Wi-Fi 6 models are worth serious consideration. The link aggregation is a "nice to have" since my internet speed is now technically 1.2 gig and my modem supports it as well.

The ASUS AC2900:
> Does not support WPA3 encryption
> Does not support SMBv2+ (still uses v1)
> Does not support link aggregation

Edit: Just upgraded my current RT-AC68U B1 with Merlin, which added support for SMBv2. I assume this would work for the AC2900 as well.
How important is wpa3 and is it affiliated with wifi6?
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Joined Nov 2010
"Buy Low-Live High"
> bubble2 3,193 Posts
572 Reputation
bchill
07-26-2021 at 01:44 PM.
07-26-2021 at 01:44 PM.
Quote from WB_K :
How do u check it's 2020 model directly? I'm getting amazon order and hoping not a used item.
The unit is stamped on the backside with production year. I don't see a month. I think you are pretty safe to get a newer model from Amazon. I got one from the Amazon used warehouse in June and it is 2020. Go for it.
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Joined Dec 2012
L9: Master
> bubble2 4,336 Posts
305 Reputation
Slickone_
07-28-2021 at 08:27 AM.
07-28-2021 at 08:27 AM.
Quote from Vop :
Did some digging to see if there would be any drawbacks for me to go this route for a possible upgrade. I did find some reasons, for me, to spend a bit more for some newer tech instead. The security upgrades that come with newer ASUS Wi-Fi 6 models are worth serious consideration. The link aggregation is a "nice to have" since my internet speed is now technically 1.2 gig and my modem supports it as well.

The ASUS AC2900:
> Does not support WPA3 encryption
> Does not support SMBv2+ (still uses v1)
> Does not support link aggregation

Edit: Just upgraded my current RT-AC68U B1 with Merlin, which added support for SMBv2. I assume this would work for the AC2900 as well.
The AC2900 is the RT-AC68U
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