When it comes to internet connectivity, having a reliable modem is vital. However, some modems with Intel Puma 6 and Puma 7 chipsets have been known to experience latency and connectivity issues. These issues can cause frustration for users who rely on a stable and fast internet connection for work or leisure activities.
In this article, we’ll provide a list of bad modems with Intel Puma 6 and Puma 7 chipsets, along with an explanation of the issues that have been reported. We’ll also provide some alternatives to these modems that have been tested and proven to provide a stable and fast internet connection. Whether you’re a gamer, streamer, or casual internet user, a reliable modem is essential for a seamless online experience.
Everyone should avoid buying modems with Intel Puma 6 or 7 chipsets. Below is a complete list of Intel Puma 6 modems, and explain why you should not purchase these brands.
Complete List of the Intel Puma Modems to Avoid
Here is the list of all the residential and business modems with Intel chipset, including the Puma 7. Do not buy or rent any of the modems listed below, even if your ISP recommends it.
- Arris G36
- ASUS CM-32
- Cisco DPC3848
- Cisco DPC3848V
- Linksys CG6350
- Linksys CG7500
- Linksys CM3016
- Linksys CM3024
- NETGEAR C6300-100NAS
- NETGEAR C6300v2
- NETGEAR C6300BD
- NETGEAR CBK40
- NETGEAR CBR40
- NETGEAR CBR750
- NETGEAR CBK752
- NETGEAR CG4500
- NETGEAR CG4500TM
- NETGEAR CM700
- XFINITY XB3 (Cisco DPC3939, ARRIS TG1682G, Cisco DPC3941T, Cisco DPC3941B)
- XFINITY XB6-A (ARRIS TG3482G)
- XFINITY XB7 (ARRIS TG4482)
- ARRIS CM3200
- ARRIS DG1642
- ARRIS DG1660
- ARRIS DG1662
- ARRIS DG1670
- ARRIS DG2460
- ARRIS DG2470
- ARRIS DG3260
- ARRIS DG3270
- ARRIS DG3450
- ARRIS MG2402G/CT
- ARRIS SBG10
- ARRIS SB6190
- ARRIS SBG6950AC2
- ARRIS SBG7400AC2
- ARRIS SBG7580AC
- ARRIS SBG7600AC2
- ARRIS SBG8300
- ARRIS SBV2402
- ARRIS SBV3202
- ARRIS SVG2482AC
- ARRIS T25
- ARRIS TG1642
- ARRIS TG1652
- ARRIS TG1662
- ARRIS TG1672
- ARRIS TG1682
- ARRIS TG2472 (TG2472G)
- ARRIS TG2482
- ARRIS TG2492
- ARRIS TG3452
- ARRIS TG3462
- ARRIS TM1602
- ARRIS TM3402
- Compal Broadband Networks CH7466
- FRITZ!Box 6430
- FRITZ!Box 6460
- FRITZ!Box 6490
- FRITZ!Box 6590
- Hitron CDA-32372
- Hitron CDE-32372
- Hitron CDA3
- Hitron CDA3-20
- Hitron CDA3-35
- Hitron CGN3
- Hitron CGN3ACR
- Hitron CGN3ACSMR
- Hitron CGN3AMF
- Hitron CGN3AMR
- Hitron CGN3M35
- Hitron CGNM-2250
- Hitron (CGNM) CGNM-2252
- Hitron CGNM-3550
- Hitron CGNM-3552
- Hitron CGNV4
- Hitron CGNVM-2559
- Hitron CGNVM-3580
- Hitron CGNVM-3582
- Hitron CGNVM-3589
- Hitron CHITA
- Hitron CODA-45
- Hitron CODA-4502
- Hitron CODA-4580
- Hitron CODA-4582
- Hitron CODA-4589
- Hitron CODA-46
- Hitron CODA-4602
- Hitron CODA-4680
- Hitron CODA-4682
- Hitron CODA-4689
- Hitron CODA-47
- Hitron CODA-4702
- Hitron CODA-4780
- Hitron CODA-4782
- Hitron CODA-4789
- Hitron CODA-5519
- Hitron E31N2V1
- Hitron EN2251
- SMC D3G2408
- Technicolor TC4350
- Samsung Home Media Server
- Virgin Media Super Hub 3 (Compal Broadband Networks CH7465, ARRIS TG2492LG-VM or VMDG505)
Issue with Intel Puma 6 Defect and Fix
The Puma 6 chipset’s main issue was high spikes in network latency & network jitter, which causes slow web page loading. It not only caused an issue with web surfing but also online gaming and streaming.
The problem is with the CPU in the modem is taking too much time to process network packets. After every couple of seconds, the system executes a high-priority maintenance task, which ends up hogging the Intel Puma 6 processor.
With many complaints by consumers, intel released few firmware updates, which only temporarily fixed the problem. However, Intel failed to permanently resolve the issue, which caused a lawsuit against a modem maker company ARRIS.
How to identify a defective Modem?
The easiest way to spot a defective modem is by looking at the front side of the package. If you see a blue Intel logo, then you should stay from it. Even if it says Puma 7 chipset in specs, you should avoid it.
However, not all Intel Puma modems have a logo print on the front of the box. Some modem manufacturers do not have logo print on the modems package. Make sure to check out our Intel Puma 6 modem lists before you make a purchase.
Should I buy Intel Puma 7 Modem?
No, modem consumers with Intel Puma 7 chipset also reported the same issue. It’s better to stay away from any Puma based network equipment. Instead, you can opt for modems with Broadcom chipset, which suffers no such issues.
Is there any Fix for Puma 6 Chipset issue?
Companies are rolling out firmware updates to fix the issue on Puma based modems. However, the problem seems to fix temporarily, not in the long term. It’s better to get a Broadcom chipset modem/router whether you are with Spectrum, Verizon, Xfinity, or AT&T.
The best fix is to avoid all the bad modems we have listed in this article.
You can add AVM FRITZ!Box 6660 to the list of problematic modems…
FRITZ!Box 6660 with hardware Version v3 have a Upgrade and is not Problematic anymore
The NETGEAR CM700 is a Puma chipset. The NETGEAR Cable Modem CM600 is Broadcom. I had to look up the specification sheets for each modem sub-model. Its irritating that they don’t stick to the same chipset for modems of the same model line but it is what it is.
@Aram, do you have a source for this?
also, we should list v1 and v2 hardware in the list then.
if we are not to buy cable modem with Puma 7, then what is the alternative ? There is hardly any alternative. I know only Broadcom BCM3390 which does not offer the performance of Puma 7, all manufacturers build on Puma 7 for docsis 3.1
I was getting 12% packet loss with a puma based modem/router combo rented from our local cable company. I bought a NETGEAR CM600 (Broadcom chipset modem) and paired it with a NightHawk wireless router and I’ve had no issues since. The technical support for my service provider told us our service was working as expected. It’s pretty clear the providers know they’re giving their customers shoddy modems and don’t care. Its unfortunate as many people work from home.
You can also add the e31u2v1 modem to the list as well.
Arris S33 has a Broadcom chipset. Same with Netgear CM2000
Does Arris G34 and G36 have the Intel Puma chipsets?
On their specs list, I haven’t seen the chipsets listed.
Arris G36 has the Intel Puma chipset. That chipset is known for severe issues, including DoS attack vulnerability, and several performance issues (jitter, etc). G34 had the same chipset. You’d be better off looking for a Broadcom based modem/router.
This is referencing a SOFTWARE issue ****FROM 2017*** that has long since been resolved with software updates. While you certainly can get another newer model, this particular article shouldn’t be the reason you do. This is well known in the operator community. It WAS an issue back then. Is no longer.
It is still an issue, that’s why there are so many topics about the PUMA 6/7 chipsets.
Lucky for us, there are still some ISP who don’t know about this problem or they just don’t care at all, to buy a bit more expensive modem.
Unfortunatelly this problem can not be solved with firmware or software update, I had the plesure of one of those software updated PUMA chipset modems and can confirm with mesurments there a minimal improvemnt, but the problem was still present.
Still an issue which I have just resolved as of November 2023. Virgin still using Hitron kit that has this fault in the UK.
Thank you for this list. It will be very helpful in my current modem search. Unfortunately, in my research I’ve stumbled upon a severe security issue called “Cablehaunt” that all Broadcom chips are susceptible to. You can go to and read all about it. Sounds absolutely terrifying. So the big question is, where do we go from here? I need a new modem but I’m afraid of virtually all of them now. Is there another chipset besides these two?
I have Optimum 500 with telephone service and they list ARRIS TM1602 for up to 500 and ARRIS TM3402 for up to 1G as the ONLY modems for the 500 and above service. Both of these modems are on your list. I used ARRIS TG862, which is not on your list, with the Optimum’s 200 service with no issues. But it cannot support 500. The highest it goes is around 300. Any suggestions?
Thanks.
ah oh, Tom is terrified of cable haunt. [ insert long howl here ] Broadcom beats intel every time in the cable modem arena. intel is too spread out and you can’t be the ‘best’ in anything if your spread yourself out too much.