104 Modems to Avoid: The Ultimate PDF List of Unreliable Modems[2024 Updated]

If you are experiencing issues with your internet connectivity like frequent disconnects, lag spikes or slow speeds that are intermittent, the underlying issue could very well be the chipset in your cable modem. Specifically, modems using Intel’s Puma 6 or Puma 7 chipsets have been known to cause performance and stability problems.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the problematic Puma chipsets, which cable modems are affected, the defects explained, how to identify them, the legal implications, and your options going forward.

Complete List of Unreliable Modems to Avoid Purchasing or Renting

Here is a frequently updated list of cable modems documented or confirmed to be using Intel’s Puma 6 or Puma 7 chipsets.

Avoid purchasing or renting the models below:

What is the Intel Puma Chipset Defect?

Intel Puma chipsets are built into the modems offered by many popular brands like Arris, Netgear, Linksys and others. However, these chipsets have a serious hardware flaw that manifests itself by causing the following connectivity problems:

Frequent disconnects and modem reboots
High spikes in latency leading to lag
Severe network jitter (variable latency)
Slow page loads and buffering issues
Packet loss and connectivity drops during gaming or video calls
Modems keep resetting

The main culprit is that the chipset has an inefficient processor that struggles to handle network traffic properly. Essentially, it fails to prioritize time-sensitive network packets quick enough before a maintenance routine hogs up resources causing delays and congestion.

This results in highly variable speeds and ping times, making activities like online gaming, video streaming and even web browsing a frustrating experience.

Initially discovered by gamers complaining of lag spikes, the Puma 6 defect gained widespread attention in 2016 leading to a class action lawsuit against Intel and modem vendors using the faulty hardware.

Why are Puma 6 and Puma 7 Modems Still Being Sold?

Despite awareness of the issue, many cable ISPs continue supplying customers with defective modems containing Puma 6 or Puma 7 chipsets. Partly because Intel has released patches that mitigate some problems, but don’t eliminate them entirely.

For vendors, replacing inventory is expensive. And some cable providers rent modems to subscribers, profiting from periodic fees. There is little incentive for them to swap out devices until faults are very noticeable.

So should you avoid Puma 6 and 7 modems? While not everyone encounters severe problems, the risk remains. And there are affordable, reliable alternatives without these chipsets.

How to Identify an Intel Puma Modem?

Here are some tips for identifying modems with Intel’s Puma chipsets:

• Chipset branding – Modems will usually have “Puma 6” or “Puma 7” branded on the packaging or device.
• Intel logo – Some modems feature Intel’s logo on the front or back. If visible, it likely has a Puma chipset inside.
• Model numbers – Refer to the list below of affected modem models by major brands.

How to Check if Your Modem Uses Intel Puma

If you can’t identify the chipset from model numbers, packaging or manuals, here are some ways to check:

• Command prompt – Access your modem administration console and check what hardware is listed under the model name
• Contact ISP – Your Internet provider can look up the model and confirm the chipset
• Chat support – Initiate a chat session with the modem manufacturer and ask what chipset it uses

The Legal Implications

The widespread issues spawned several class action lawsuits led by the law firm Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP. Arris, the modem vendor most heavily targeted, agreed to settlements offering partial refunds or discounts on new devices.

While plaintiffs still seek further litigation, it signals that companies selling products with known defects can face legal repercussions. For affected customers, registering your experience creates documentation that may assist future consumer action to claim compensation.

Should You Keep Using a Puma Modem?

Intel Puma modems don’t impact every customer. Light internet users may never notice connectivity problems or write them off as regular ISP issues. But the risk remains for instability which can hamper work productivity or leisure online.

For equipment owners, replacing your modem is recommended. Renters can request a swap from their provider. Opt for a reliable modem with a Broadcom, Qualcomm or Cavium chipset instead.

If upgrading isn’t viable, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Ask ISP to disable OFDMA upstream channels which seem error prone
• Enable bridge mode to bypass the modem’s router
• Use wired connections instead of WiFi where possible

Avoiding latency and stability issues should be the priority. The Puma defect is hardware-based, so software updates only provide partial fixes.

Top 3 Puma-Free Modem Recommendations

Here are some excellent and affordable Puma-free alternatives to consider for a fast and reliable connection:

1

ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem , Approved for Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum, & more , Two 1 Gbps Ports , 1 Gbps Max Internet Speeds ,...

9.9

View Latest Price

Amazon.com

2

Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem - Approved for Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Charter Spectrum, Supports Cable Plans up to 1000 Mbps | 1 Gbps Ethernet Port

9.3

View Latest Price

Amazon.com

3

NETGEAR Nighthawk Multi-Gig Cable Modem (CM2000) - Compatible With All Cable Providers Incl. Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox - For Cable Plans up to 2.5Gbps - DOCSIS 3.1

9.3

View Latest Price

Amazon.com

Amazon price updated: December 19, 2024 3:19 am

1. Motorola 8600

The Motorola 8600 tops the charts with its Broadcom chipset that alleviates the Puma problems. It works on cable plans up to 1000 Mbps and is capable to handle upto 6 Gbps speed.

2. Netgear CM2000

Another reasonably priced modem praised for stability is the Netgear CM2000 with its Broadcom chipset. Supports plans up to 1000 Mbps.

3. ARRIS Surfboard SB8200

If you want an Arris modem without Puma, check out the ARRIS Surfboard SB8200 and its reliable Broadcom chipset. Handles plans up to 1000 Mbps.

Conclusion

In closing, all internet subscribers deserve a modem free of hardware flaws that hamper connectivity. Avoid using or renting devices with Intel’s Puma 6 or Puma 7 chipsets that come with instability risks.

Check your equipment against model numbers listed and consider better alternatives recommended if you face frequent lag, packet loss or slow speeds. Let’s hope that one day cable providers only offer modems vetted to deliver consistently smooth performance.

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Afroz Ahmad

I'm Afroz, a Network Engineer and CCIE with 17 years of experience in Computer Networking, Data Centers, Telecom, Internet Services and ISPs. Currently, I work as a Network Designer for a leading ISP equipment vendor. I share my expertise through my blog and courses, aiming to share my knowledge and simplify complex networking concepts for both beginners and experienced professionals.

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