Mikrotik - hEX 5 Port Gigabit 512Mb RAM Router (E50UG)
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AI Verdict
This is a 5-port Gigabit router with a 950MHz ARM CPU and 512MB RAM, built for users who want RouterOS on a budget.
This router is a strong fit for its intended purpose: an affordable, high-performance wired router for home and small office use. Its upgraded ARM CPU and 512MB RAM provide ample power for gigabit routing and RouterOS features, especially for users comfortable with its advanced configuration.
If you need integrated Wi-Fi or higher performance for very complex routing tasks, look for MikroTik's hAP ax2 or RB5009 series, which offer more powerful CPUs and Wi-Fi capabilities.
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Pros
- Features a dual-core ARM Cortex-A53 950 MHz CPU, delivering up to 134% better performance than prior hEX models.
- Includes 512MB DDR3 RAM, double the memory of its predecessor, for improved multitasking.
- Equipped with 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports for fast wired connections.
- Supports PoE-in on the first port (12-28V), offering flexible power options.
- Comes with RouterOS v7 (License Level 4), providing advanced routing and firewall capabilities.
- Passively cooled design means silent operation.
Cons
- The USB port is 2.0, limiting potential NAS speeds to around 18-20MB/s.
- Lacks a MicroSD slot and a beeper, which were present on some older hEX models.
- Running complex firewall rules or specific services like Adguard Home might strain resources, especially with gigabit WAN connections.
- Some users report initial issues with upload speeds and packet loss, requiring manual configuration adjustments like MTU or fasttrack.
Dimension Scores
The router can easily support a gigabit connection on all ports and offers about 2x Wireguard throughput compared to its predecessor.
MikroTik devices are known for their stability, and the E50UG is passively cooled, reducing points of failure.
RouterOS offers extensive control but has a steep learning curve, making initial setup and advanced management challenging for beginners.
RouterOS v7 provides advanced firewall, VPN, and other security features, allowing for highly customizable and robust network protection.
Best For
- Home users needing a wired router for gigabit internet without Wi-Fi.
- Small office environments requiring advanced routing and firewall features at a low cost.
- Network enthusiasts wanting to learn and experiment with MikroTik's RouterOS.
- Replacing an ISP-provided router for more control and performance.
Not Recommended For
- Users who need integrated Wi-Fi, as this is a wired-only router.
- Anyone expecting high-speed NAS functionality via the USB port due to its 2.0 specification.
- Beginners who are not comfortable with command-line configuration or complex networking concepts, as RouterOS has a steep learning curve.
Watch Out For
- If you're upgrading from an older hEX, you might hit upload speed issues or packet loss; one user saw only 25Mbps upload on a 250/100 connection until they tweaked MTU settings.
- Don't expect to run official Pi-hole or Adguard Home images directly, as it requires ARM/v5 containers, which aren't standard.
- The USB 2.0 port bottlenecks external storage, so don't plan on using it for anything beyond 20MB/s file transfers.
- While it has 5 Gigabit ports, pushing complex firewall rules on a full 1Gbps WAN connection might leave 'not much resources left' for other tasks.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DMWWWL1Y |
| Brand | MikroTik |
| Color | Turquoise |
| Voltage | 24 Volts (AC) |
| Item Weight | 9.9 ounces |
| Manufacturer | MikroTik |
| Case Material | Plastic |
| Interface Type | RJ45 |
| Number of Ports | 5 |
| Item model number | E50UG |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer, Printer, Other USB/Ethernet-enabled Devices |
| Data Transfer Rate | 1 Gigabits Per Second |
| Product Dimensions | 4.45 x 3.5 x 1.1 inches |
| Included Components | 24V 0.38A power adapter |
| Upper Temperature Rating | 70 Degrees Celsius |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 04752224009616 |
What Buyers Say
This hEX refresh (E50UG) is getting a lot of chatter on Reddit, mostly from MikroTik users comparing it to older models. People are stoked about the performance bump, especially for the price, noting it's way faster than the RB750Gr3 for things like Wireguard VPNs. However, some folks are hitting snags with upload speeds and packet loss right out of the box, needing to dive into RouterOS settings to tweak things like MTU or fasttrack rules. The lack of a MicroSD slot and the slow USB 2.0 port for storage are also minor disappointments for those who used those features on previous versions.
“Man, this thing is fast for the price, but seriously, why'd they ditch the MicroSD and make me mess with MTU just to get my full upload speed? Still, RouterOS is awesome once you figure it out.”
Common Praise
- The upgraded ARM CPU and 512MB RAM deliver a noticeable performance boost over older hEX models.
- It's a really affordable way to get into MikroTik's powerful RouterOS v7.
- Can handle basic gigabit NAT routing and firewalling without breaking a sweat.
- The passive cooling means it runs completely silent, which is a big plus for home use.
- Energy efficient, making it cheap to run 24/7.
Common Complaints
- Some users experienced frustrating upload speed limitations and packet loss until they manually adjusted MTU or fasttrack settings.
- The USB 2.0 port is too slow for any serious network-attached storage, capping out around 18-20MB/s.
- The MicroSD card slot and beeper were removed, which some users miss from previous hEX versions.
- RouterOS, while powerful, is not beginner-friendly and requires a significant learning investment.
- Running advanced services like Adguard Home or complex firewall rules on a full gigabit connection can push its limits.
Ownership Tips
- You'll probably spend a few hours in the RouterOS interface getting it configured exactly how you want, especially if you're new to MikroTik.
- Don't expect plug-and-play simplicity; this router rewards those who like to tinker and learn.
- The small form factor and passive cooling make it easy to tuck away anywhere without adding noise.
- If you're planning on using a VPN, the Wireguard performance is a significant upgrade over the older hEX models.
- The power adapter is a standard 24V unit, and it supports PoE-in, so you have options for placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the hEX E50UG have Wi-Fi?
No, the MikroTik hEX E50UG is a wired-only router with 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports. It does not include any Wi-Fi capabilities.
Can it handle a 1 Gigabit internet connection?
Yes, it can easily support a gigabit connection on all ports for basic NAT routing and IP firewalling. However, complex firewall rules or heavy VPN usage might reduce throughput closer to 500-600Mbps.
What operating system does it run?
It runs MikroTik's RouterOS v7 with a License Level 4. This provides a wide range of advanced networking features and configuration options.
Can I use it for a NAS (Network Attached Storage)?
While it has a USB 2.0 port that can connect external storage, the speed will be limited to about 18-20MB/s. It's not ideal for high-performance NAS applications.
Is it passively cooled?
Yes, the hEX E50UG is passively cooled, meaning it operates silently without any fans.
What's the difference between this and the old hEX (RB750Gr3)?
The E50UG is a refresh with a modern ARM CPU (950MHz vs 880MHz MIPS), double the RAM (512MB vs 256MB), and significantly better performance (up to 134% more). It also has more NAND storage.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a router like this, you need to think about what you're actually connecting and how fast you need it to be. This isn't a Wi-Fi router, so you'll need separate access points if you want wireless. The 'Gigabit' part means it can handle really fast wired connections, which is great for gaming PCs or network storage. But the real magic (and complexity) is in the software.
data_rate: 1 Gigabits Per Second
This is how fast data can theoretically move through the router's wired ports. Think of it like a highway with a 1 Gbps speed limit. If your internet connection is 500 Mbps, this router won't be the bottleneck for your wired devices.
ports: 5
This tells you how many wired devices you can directly plug into the router. Five ports means you can connect a few computers, a network printer, or other Ethernet-enabled gadgets without needing an extra switch.
512Mb RAM
RAM in a router is like short-term memory for your computer. More RAM means the router can handle more active connections, process more complex rules, and run its operating system more smoothly, especially under heavy network traffic.
ARM CPU
The CPU is the router's brain. An ARM CPU, especially a modern dual-core one like this, is efficient and powerful enough to handle gigabit speeds and the advanced features of RouterOS without getting bogged down.
Alternatives
If you need integrated Wi-Fi, look for routers with 'Wi-Fi 6' or 'AX' in their name. If you need even more processing power for very demanding VPNs or hundreds of firewall rules, search for routers with quad-core CPUs or higher RAM (1GB+).
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