Any gamer — whether novice or professional — knows high-speed connection, great graphics and zero lag are the necessary ingredients for the best gaming experience. Looking for the best internet connection for gaming? Look no further. We’ve done the research for you— helping you understand the most important aspects of internet speed for online gaming —so you know exactly what kind of connection you need to get the most out of your online gameplay.

Read on as HomeLinkd breaks it down and answers all your questions about the internet and online gaming.
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What is considered “fast internet speed”?

As an avid gamer, here are some things you should consider:

1. Fast download speed — around 75Mbps or more
2. Fast upload speed, especially for those who livestream – around 10Mbps or more
3. Low ping speed — around 50ms or lower 4.An optimized setup
5. Uncapped line — so you'll have enough data for game patches and new downloads
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Who are the best internet providers for gaming

We searched high and low to find out which provider has the best internet plan for the gamer extraordinaire.

1. AT&T
At the top of our list is AT&T.

With download speeds between 300 –940Mbps, expect to pay around $45 -$80 per month for AT&T's unlimited data fibre options.

2. Spectrum
Our runner up is Spectrum Internet.

Offering download speeds of 400 –1000Mbps, you can choose between various uncapped options for prices between $69.99 -$109.99 per month.
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How does ping affect online gaming?

Ping speed is the bane of any gamer's existence. It isa measure of latency—or how quick a signal is sent to and from your computer.

A high ping speed causes your game to lag. And this causes a delay between the action of the players and the reaction of the game server. Gamers become increasingly frustrated because it doesn’t matter who pressed the button first—if your game lags, the server will not react instantly, so if your opponent’s game is faster, they will gain the advantage and have a much better chance of winning.
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How can I minimize game lag?

We've got a few tips on how you can minimize game lag and ensure ultimate victory:

• Check your internet speed – run a speed test to see what your current internet speed is. Online gaming usually requires around 20 –30Mpbs for your game to run smoothly. If your speed is lower than 20Mbps, consider upgrading your internet plan.
  
• Close all your background apps – closing any apps that could be hogging your bandwidth can reduce your game lag.
• Get closer to your Wi-Fi router or use an ethernet cable –the further away you are from your Wi-Fi signal—the more likely it is you'll experience an increase in latency. Using an ethernet cable can also provide a more steady and consistent connection. Did we mention that ethernet cables are fairly cheap to purchase?
• Update your GPU Drivers – an outdated GPU Driver can affect the running of your game, so making sure your Drivers are up to date makes room for better gameplay.
• Change your power settings –If you're gaming on a laptop, make sure your power plan is set to “High Performance”–this won’t lower your CPU speed, and ensures a seamless gaming experience. You can always change your power plan back when you're not gaming.
  
• Upgrade your hardware – your gaming system could have a hard time keeping up with the latest games and their requirements, if you haven't upgraded your hardware in a while. Increasing your RAM, upgrading your video card,or purchasing a new CPU could enhance your gaming experience.
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How to test your internet connection for gaming

Testing your internet and ping speed is a quick way to determine your internet provider's performance –and if your internet connection is the reason your online gaming is not at its optimal performance.

Ookla's Speed Test checks your ping, download and upload speed –giving you a fair idea of whether your internet connection allows for peak gaming performance.
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What is the best wireless router for gaming and internet?

We know online gaming takes a lot of skills and time – but more often than not, a good gaming setup goes a long way as well!

We searched the 'net to determine which wireless routers are the best for the avid gamer and found some great options.

1. Asus RT-AX86U
   Boasting a collection of advanced features, this router ensures that your online and network gaming is as lag-free as possible. At just $175, it sounds like a steal!
   Check it out on Amazon here.
   
2. TP-Link Archer GX90
   This high speed, reliable Wi-Fi 6 router might be a bit pricey at $250 on Amazon, but what you get in return is worth it! The Archer GX90 has a list of features that makes even the most hard-core gamer giggle in excitement!
   Check it out here.
   
3. D-Link DIR-867
   A budget friendly option at just $90 on Amazon, this router performs just as well as their more expensive counterparts.
   Check it out on here.
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Get the best internet for gaming deals

Whether you're a beginner or an avid gamer, making sure you have the best internet connection and system is essential to making sure you slay those enemies before they slay you!See some of the best internet for gaming deals on HomeLinkd.

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