Very slow download speeds.

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Slamwich 15 Dec, 2012 @ 9:34am

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could help me with my slow download speed issue...

I did an online download speed test and apparently, I am able to get 1.4MB/sec. However when I'm downloading on steam, the most I get is 178KB/sec.

I'm only downloading l4d2, and nothing else.

I'm at a loss as to why it's so slow.. when I'm downloading things via firefox, it's much much faster. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

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Showing 1-7 of 7 comments

DarkCrystalMethod 15 Dec, 2012 @ 9:53am

Take that 178KB/sec.
Multiply by 8
get 1424MB/sec

The difference is some companies use the capital B for bits, others use it for bytes (8 times larger than one simple on/off value). 178Kilobytes is your speed.

Steam is downloading at the rate you are experiencing from your speedtest.
As for why its only 1.4Megabits/s, I suppose you went with the cheapest high-speed internet like I did.
If you paid for 10Megabits/s then you have a problem with your cable company.

Slamwich 15 Dec, 2012 @ 9:56am

My internet service provider is tesco and yes I've tried different download regions.. no change :(

Slamwich 15 Dec, 2012 @ 9:58am

DarkCrystalMethod, I would of thought that it would download at 1.4MB/s rather than just a measly 178KB/s?

DarkCrystalMethod 15 Dec, 2012 @ 10:06am

Actually you missed an important distinction.
1 byte = 8 bits
178Kilobytes = 1424Kilobits

Steam tells you in bytes. Your speed test is telling you in bits. Except that wasn't made clear before you began comparing numbers from the two indicators. Both used capital B. One of the capital B's is officially and technically wrong, but typically accepted by the industry.
They're the same rate per second.