Linksys Gaming Router Auto-Detects Killer Network Cards

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New Linksys gaming router automatically detects Killer networking adapters on PCs, optimizes performance accordingly.

It's been quite a busy CES for Linksys. Earlier today (Jan. 3), the company took the wraps off the Velop, the router maker's first entry into the growing mesh networking market. Linksys has followed that up with the Max-Stream EA8300, a tri-band AC2200 addition to the company's router lineup, set to arrive for $199.99 this spring.

But the most significant change can be found in the firmware: Linksys partnered with Rivet Networks, which makes the Killer networking adapters found in many high-ending gaming systems, to optimize network performance on the router.

Starting Price: $299.99

Availability: April 2017

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Key Specs: The WRT32X is a tri-band AC3200 with MU-MIMO support for efficiently managing traffic on your Wi-Fi network. But the Killer optimization is the quite literal killer feature here. Linksys' new router can automatically detect a Killer-enabled PC, syncing its engine with your PC's network manager. This "Killer mode" lets the router manage things such as game traffic, downloads and streaming video for a smoother gaming experience that shouldn't impact other users on the network.

Why You Should Care: The WRT32X looks like promising networking gear for the hardcore PC gamer, particularly if you've got a system that already has the Killer networking adapters inside (and given Rivet's leadership in this market, you probably do.)

The shade-under-$300 price tag might give more casual gamers pause, but if you're looking to maximize your gaming rig's performance, this router seems tailor-made for you. We're looking forward to getting the WRT32X into our lab later this spring for testing.

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Philip Michaels
Philip Michaels

Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom's Guide. He's been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.