Table of the Numbers:

Althought the test results were somewhat predictable, there were a couple of surprises.
The Ambient (CNet) PCI winmodem with the Cirrus Logic chipset, showed the fastest initial connect speed (50,333), it quickly retrained 3 times to a final connect of 46000, and then promptly disconnected. After changing the maximum connect speed to 44000 by using an init string modifier, it stayed connected well, but downloads suffered at only 4132 bytes/second. We talked with CNet about the problem and they said they were aware of it. It’s caused by a driver/chipset problem, and they have programers currently working on a new Driver series to correct that situation. We were also told that CNet might switch to Conexant Chipsets if the problem can’t be fixed by a driver update.
The Pegasus (CNet) USB modem has (by far) the smallest footprint, (smaller than a Slot 1 CPU), only one light that changes colors depending on function, however the cabling is not ergonomic. The USB cable goes in one end, and the phone cord in the other, which makes for cable routing on your desk a little strange. This USB modem is also fully MAC Compatible, because of the use of the standard Lucent Chipset.
The Viking USB modem is a stand up type, also with a very small footprint, including lots of flashing lights.The test model came in a nice translucent blue case, although one needs a magnifying glass to read the front panel.

As predicted, the external 9-pin serial modems out-performed all other types, both in stability and download speed. The Boca Tidalwave with the Rockwell/Conexant chipset was a nice surprise, as well as the Cnet SinglePoint serial external, both rock solid at 49,333 with downloads ~5157 bytes/second.

By far the best software package is included with the Multitech PCI Multimodem.. It’s processor usage was a little high (@55%) for a “hard” modem, but it’s features outweigh it. This modem does it all. Aside from Data/Fax/Voice, this modem has automatic incoming call detection, and allows multiple voicemail boxes for multiple users. It also includes pre-defined voice scripts, or you can create your own, and (in conjunction with your phone company) has Caller I.D. Reporting.
If you have a use for all these features, this is definitely the modem to get. Based on the Lucent Venus chipset, upgrades are readily available, and easy to install, without the headaches associated with winmodems. Initial connects of 42,666 to 49,333 and downloads averaging 4788 bytes/second makes this not the fastest modem tested, but very stable, and packed with features. Both CD and floppy install disks included.

The most stable (and fastest as it turns out) is the Diamond Supra Express external (model 2730). A “standard” type of external modem, it’s installation is easy, with drivers being up to date, and upgrades easily found. It contains the workhorse of the modem chipsets, the Rockwell/Conexant. Documentation is excellent, and the current price of this modem make it the best buy of all modems tested. Typical modem software is included, with a good shareware fax program, and flash installers included on both CD and floppy. Initial connects at 49,333 with no retrains, and constant download speeds of ~5363 bytes/second.

The worst stability and speed came from the aforementioned Ambient.

In testing by chipset, the Rockwell/Conexant comes out in front every time, with the Lucent Venus a close second. These are the chips found in the external 9-pin modems tested. The most difficult to install, as well as least stable are the Cirrus Logic and PCTel. The Rockwell/Conexant and Lucent winmodems fall somewhere in between, with initial connects as fast as the hard modems, but data transfer at a slightly slower rate. This actually boils down to “you get what you pay for” in terms of the models tested. The cheapest winmodems (in this case the PCTel, and Cirrus Logic) provided the most headaches, both installing and browsing, with frequent disconnects, and low data transfer rates. The more expensive models (usually the externals because of the fancy box) provided better stability, although the USB models also have their stability problems. This is not necessarily a modem fault, but more likely a motherboard, and/or Windows fault, in poor USB support. The nature of USB requiring CPU cycles to do it’s job can make the system resources needed to run a USB modem run higher than those needed to run any other type of 56k modem..

The best overall choice of the modems tested is the Diamond Supra Express 9-pin external. It’s ability to connect fast, and maintain that connection under questionable line conditions make it my first choice. The model tested only retrained once, and did it in less than 5 seconds. Sub 200 pings make this the online gamers choice. It’s suggested retail price is less than most other externals, and well worth it for the serious surfer and gamer alike.

The best value for those on a severly limited budget, is the Viking PCI. Based on the Lucent winmodem chipset, driver upgrades are readily available, and Lucent has carved their own niche in the modem market with this excellent chipset. It’s price is only slightly less than that of the Supra, and I would recommend saving a few pennies for another month, and getting the Diamond. This is a worthy surfing and email modem, with good stability and speed, although not recommended for online gaming.

The best USB modem honours also go to the Diamond Supra. It’s initial connects are a little lower than the other USB modems tested, however, it maintained it’s initial connect speed with no retrains, and constant data flow for hours on end. If you absolutely MUST have USB (because you have no resources or slots for any other type) the stability of the Diamond line of modems just can’t be beat. A nice blue translucent case, easy to read panel, extremely easy to install, and good software (CD only). Again, not recommended for online gaming, as pings can go astronomically high for minutes at a time.

The best internal modem is a tie between the Diamond Supra Express ISA, and the Multitech MultimodemPCI. The Diamond is fast and stable, but only available in ISA format, which is being phased out as we speak. The Multitech may not be as fast, but is reliably stable, and has all the bells and whistles anyone could want. Pricing is a huge difference here. The Supra is avialable directly from Diamond for less than $50, whereas the Multitech is currently going for around $135.

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