DescentBB

I'm moving in a bit and need to pick up a cable modem. Back in the day, the Motorola Surfboards were recommended. Is that still true, and if so, what model? Or does it even matter what cable modem I buy these days?

I'd like something that can withstand HD Netflix streaming, torrenting, and gaming, a.k.a. the works. I'm using Comcast if it matters. I don't mind throwing down extra money for a really good cable modem, but only if I get something for it in return.

With Comcast, I rented a Surfboard SB5101 for a while, and now use my own SB5100 (to avoid the rental fee, which was getting way too high). No complaints, they're solid.

Get a DOCSIS 3 modem, you will be needing one in a year or two most likely because Comcast will push channel bonding and you can't get the higher speeds offered without one. Another reason to stick to a DOCSIS 3 modem is because the IPv4 depletion is underway and DOCSIS 3 modems generally include IPv6 support.

Ah, good to know. Any DOCSIS 3 recommendations?

the one i use is the UBEE model. its rock solid.... though it did have some issues when i first started it up for the first time

UBEE is often used by ISPs (the modem I rent from my ISP is a UBEE DOCSIS 3 modem), compatibility should be excellent.

One word of caution though: save the receipt for it, since it will be a battle to get the ISP to NOT charge you a modem rental and one of the weapons you will need is a receipt showing that you actually bought a modem. My ISP is raising the modem rental fee from $5/mo to $7/mo, so I am likely to buy my own modem soon. Most stories I hear say it takes several months of complaining in order to get the ISP to quit charging a modem rental and sometimes they will resume charging it after a year or so for no reason so keep watching the bill afterwards.

Ack, OK, good to know all of this.

I just ordered this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6825122009
It has comparatively good reviews, and it's the only Surfboard they sell with DOCSIS 3.0 without builtin router capabilities.

It doesn't look like we'll be getting DOCSIS 3.0 here until the end of the year though, but it's nice to be ready.

I've been considering that one as well, since I should probably quit renting them...