Just when we’re getting used to the idea of a super-fast Wi-Fi 6E wireless gaming router, Asus is trying to beat the competition with the new ROG Rapture GT-BE98. The ROG Rapture GT-BE98 ditches Wi-Fi 6E and embraces the new Wi-Fi 7 standard, while he ups the total wireless network bandwidth available to users to a whopping 25,000 Mbps.
ROG Rapture GT-BE98 offers four wireless bands, one at 2.4GHz, two at 5Ghz, and one at 6GHz. The 2.4GHz band provides up to 1376 Mbps bandwidth and the two 5GHz bands each provide up to 5762 Mbps. Finally, the 6 GHz band offers 11,525 Mbps.For comparison, the current generation of Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 Up to 4,804Mbps in the 6GHz band.
Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 and RT-BE96U specs
| Header Cell – Column 0 | ROG Rapture GT-BE98 | RT-BE96U |
|---|---|---|
| antenna | 8 | 8 |
| Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Wi-Fi band | 2.4 GHz: up to 1376 Mbps (4096 QAM) | 2.4 GHz: up to 1376 Mbps (4096 QAM) |
| 5 GHz: up to 5762 Mbps (4096 QAM + 160 MHz) | 5 GHz: up to 5762 Mbps (4096 QAM + 160 MHz) | |
| 5 GHz: up to 5762 Mbps (4096 QAM + 160 MHz) | 6 GHz: Up to 11,525 Mbps (4096 QAM + 320 MHz) | |
| 6 GHz: Up to 11,525 Mbps (4096 QAM + 320 MHz) | ||
| CPU | 2.6GHz quad core | 2.6GHz quad core |
| memory | 256MB Flash, 2GB DDR4 RAM | 256MB Flash, 2GB DDR4 RAM |
| port | 1x 10Gbps WAN/LAN, 2x 10Gbps LAN, 4x RJ45 10/100/1000Mbps LAN, 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0 | 1x 10Gbps WAN/LAN, 1x 10Gbps LAN, 4x RJ45 10/100/1000Mbps LAN, 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0 |
Asus says a 2.6GHz quad-core processor backed by 2GB of RAM and 256MB of flash storage will run the show. The company doesn’t skimp on wired connectivity, offering three 10 Gbps LAN ports (one of which is for WAN) and four 1 Gbps ports. It also has one USB 2.0 port and one USB 3.0 port.
Design-wise, the ROG Rapture GT-BE98 inherits Asus’ familiar inverted spider design, with eight prominent antennas in full view. However, in an additional design twist, Asus has used a partially transparent top casing for the router, allowing you to take a peek inside.
If the ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is perfect for your wireless needs at home, Asus also announced the slightly more modest RT-BE96U. The Asus RT-BE96U continues to leverage the new Wi-Fi 7 standard, but only features three wireless bands (compared to ROG Rapture GT-BE98’s two, the RT-BE96U has a 5762 Mbps 5GHz band. there is only one). As a result, the maximum bandwidth drops to a still impressive 19,000 Mbps.
The RT-BE96U uses the same processor/RAM/storage settings as the ROG Rapture GT-BE98, but loses one 10 Gbps LAN port. The router also features an eye-catching 8-antenna design in a discreet black and gray color scheme.
Unfortunately, Asus has not announced pricing or availability for the ROG Rapture GT-BE98 or RT-BE96U.
