New Dell Computer-Slower Modem ! Help!

I had a problem similar to yours with my new Dell XPS that was shipped with a Broadcom v92 pci modem.  The solution for me was to change modems in my new computer.  Wal-Mart has one of the best modems I've ever used for about $70 - $75.  It's a US Robotics Fax/Data Controller modem.  You can find it here:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1951578&cat=4432&type=19&dept=3944&path=0%3A3944%3A3951%3A4432

This modem works so well that I've purchased 4 of them, one for every computer I own.  It's not a voice modem though, so if you want to use your computer as a very expensive answering machine, this modem won't work.  Also, remember that just because the connection icon in the system tray says that the initial connection is 48k doesn't mean that the true downstream speed is 48k.  The connection between your modem and server is constantly renegotiated while you surf, so what appears to be a fast connection, may in fact be much slower.

You could pull the modem from your old win me machine (if you still have it) and try it in your new computer.

Undrdwg:

 

Thanks for the reply. It seems to me Dell is missing out on a huge opportunity for customer loyalty if they are sticking cheap modems in some pretty powerful boxes. It appears this is a fairly common problem. Oh well, Wal-Mart to the rescue!

 

Mark

I know what you mean. I bought a new system and the same thing happened. Can't get over 28.8 with the v.92. I am still under warranty, but the dell support group says its the phone line, software or hardware. They don't want to replace them.  It's just what we all know, the modems are "not up to speed with the rest of the world" . I'll head to Walmart too. Thanks. 

Mark read your post and I just recieved my new dell 8300 with xp and curious on how how you find out what the true speed is.I am new to most of this and curios o see how mmine runs or how i can tell Thanks Dano49

I place my mouse in the lower right hand corner of the computer screen where the icon of two computers are. After a second it comes up with my ISP, speed,  and how much info sent and received.

For those with slow Dell modems, I just installed the US Robotics 56K Performance Pro Modem and it is indeed several times faster. I actually grabbed the last one off the Wal-Mart shelf and they were blowing them out for $55 because they said it may be discontinued soon. My modem port speed is dialed at 115,200 and that is what my speed is reading. Sure beats 26.4K.

 

Yeah. Here's a brilliant Question If Dell knows of this problem... why don't they offer a new modem to people to fix the problem... I mean I'm having the same issue and I thought it was my phone lines... but... I'm getting no better than 26.4 kbps... and I'm currently unemployed seeing as I got the computer as a christmas gift.... I have no way to fix the problem... and the 26.4 kbps is constantly causing me to get disconnected from my ISP's server... Dell come on... what's the deal?

Sorry if I hit the wrong reply button,,,

If anyone cares, and is looking for this modem.....

Local Wal Marts (Phoenix area) are having the USR modems you mentioned on clearance for $40....

(I have the BCM you had bad luck with, and always connect at 49k or so...)

darkpredator:

I actually sent a link to this thread to the Dell support techs but got no reply. You might want to do the same thing...it can't hurt and maybe if you yell loud enough, they might send you a different modem. Good luck!