[SOLVED] Does RAM and flash memory of a router matter?

[Mahbub1]

i have two choices, asus ac53u (128mb flash, 128mb ram) or asus ac53 (8mb flash, 64 mb ram), both routers have mimo and i need to connect two devices wirelessly. now the ac53 is cheaper but the less ram and so much less flash compared to the 53u is making me afraid. so i want to ask do flash memory and ram matter? especially flash memory? because theres a huge difference.. one has 128 mb flash another just 8mb flash.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Is this router to be used for gaming devices OR for streaming, at all, whether inbound or outbound?

 

[SamirD]

The flash is typically where the firmware lives and the ram is where all the work is done (similar to computers really). But just like computers, having a bigger ssd and more ram doesn't necessarily mean a particular system will be faster than another.

And with the myriad of processors and architectures out there in networking equipment, it makes more sense to look at the rated specs of each unit especially when made by the same manufacturer.

What's really important to know is how fast your internet access is, and how many wireless clients and router features like storage, etc you plan to use. If you have a fairly basic Internet speed and just a handful of wireless clients with nothing else, the lower end model may work for you. But if you've got a faster Internet connection, lots of wireless clients, a drive and printer you want to connect to the router and want to use more of the router's built-in features, you might be better off with the more higher end model.