ASUS ROG Strix GS-AX3000 WiFi 6 Gaming Router: features and who it suits

The ASUS ROG Strix GS-AX3000 is a WiFi 6 router from ASUS's gaming line. It combines a speed class of up to 3000 Mbps with features aimed at online play: a dedicated gaming port, a mobile game mode and traffic tools that prioritise game data. It also adds network security tools and Aura RGB lighting.

What "up to 3000 Mbps" means

The 3000 figure is a combined, theoretical maximum across the router's wireless bands, not the speed a single device will get. ASUS says it uses 160 MHz WiFi 6 channels, which are wider than the standard channels and can carry more data when a device supports them and conditions allow. In practice, your speed depends on the device, the distance, walls and your internet plan. WiFi 6 (802.11ax) in general also handles many connected devices better than older standards, which helps in a busy household.

Gaming features

ASUS lists these gaming tools:

• Gaming Port: a LAN port that gives priority to whatever is plugged into it, typically a console or gaming PC.
• Mobile Game Mode: a one-tap setting to optimise the connection for gaming on a phone.
• Gear Accelerator: designed to optimise traffic for PC, console and mobile games.

Prioritising traffic can help when several people share a connection, but it can't lower the delay that comes from the game server's distance or from your internet provider.

VPN Fusion

VPN Fusion lets the router run a VPN and an ordinary internet connection at the same time. ASUS says this allows maximum speed for devices that don't need the VPN, even when other people on the network use one. That is useful when, for example, one device needs a VPN for work while a console plays online with no VPN delay.

Security: AiProtection Pro and Instant Guard

AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro, is described by ASUS as commercial-grade protection for the home network, and the listing says the security is subscription-free. Instant Guard gives a one-click, shareable VPN that secures public WiFi connections back through the router while you're away from home, which requires the router to be reachable from the internet and set up as the manual describes. Treat any router security feature as one layer, and keep the firmware updated.

AiMesh and the Aura RGB lighting

The router is AiMesh compatible, so you can add any other AiMesh-compatible ASUS router to extend coverage with seamless roaming, instead of buying a separate extender. It also has customisable Aura RGB lighting, which can be adjusted or turned off. Port forwarding is listed too, for hosting games or remote access.

Power and size

The power supply accepts 110V to 240V (50 to 60 Hz) AC and outputs 12V at up to 2A. The router measures 10.6 x 7.1 x 6.5 inches and weighs 1.5 lb (about 0.7 kg), with extendable antennas.

Who it suits

It suits households with gamers, streamers and many connected devices that want a straightforward WiFi 6 router with prioritisation controls. It is a router, so you still need a modem or internet connection to plug into.

What to check before you buy

• Your internet plan: the router can't be faster than the service connected to it.
• Device support: a WiFi 6 benefit needs WiFi 6 devices, and 160 MHz channels need device support too.
• Home size: a large house or thick walls may call for an AiMesh node.
• Modem: confirm you have a modem or an ethernet source, as the router doesn't replace one.
• Ports: check the manual for how many LAN ports there are and which is the gaming port.
• Software: features such as Instant Guard and VPN Fusion need setting up in ASUS's router interface.

The short version

• A WiFi 6 gaming router rated by ASUS at up to 3000 Mbps.
• Dedicated gaming port, Mobile Game Mode and Gear Accelerator.
• VPN Fusion and Instant Guard, plus AiProtection Pro from Trend Micro.
• AiMesh compatible and has customisable Aura RGB lighting.
• 10.6 x 7.1 x 6.5 inches, 1.5 lb, with a 12V 2A power supply.

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