Looking for advice on a new computer spec

[Kamlyn]

I'm looking for recommendation on a new machine to run my quad box setup more smoothly. I prefer to run all four instances of WoW on one machine.

Here's the problem I have right now. I have all my settings on low, all WoW instances capped at 15 FPS, two-three add-on on main screen and none on followers, but there is still lag when I enter cities or places with more than 10 players. When I do Karazhan or Sunwell, my FPS goes down to around 5 which is nearly unplayable. In Alterac Valley, my FPS drops drastically when I approach a battle. There is also problems in 5v5 arenas when the fight starts. With such low FPS, /follow and spell casting are hardly responsive making my toons cast at different times and the need to click multiple times for spells to work.

My current system spec is as follow:

Operating System: Microsoft XP Professional
System Model: Dimension 9100
Processor: Intel Premium D CPU 3.00GHz (2 CPUS)
Memory: 3326MB RAM


I would like some recommendation for a new computer spec that can handle the following:

1) Max Settings on all four instances of WoW
2) 50+ FPS on all instances of WoW even in extremely populated areas with lot of spells and actions going on
3) 20+ addons ( custom Unit Frames, Auctioneer, recounts meters, addons that are huge resources hogs)
4) smooth video recording (fraps)
5) ability to open even more programs at the same time
6) two monitors

I'm not sure if I'm pushing it or if this is even possible but I would really like to run everything smoothly on one computer instead splitting it between multiple computers.

[Naysayer]

A price range would help.

but, I'd recommend

processor- Q6600 or higher (quad cores are great for boxing more than 3 accounts) If you go dual core just make sure it's a very fast one.
windows vista 64bit
RAM- DDR2 800 or higher 4gigs with be ok but if you want smooth than 8gigs is best
Graphics card- either Radeon 4850 or higher, or Nvidia gforce 8800 or higher. 150$ or higher is what you want.
Motherboard- Something that supports all of the above of course. Intels x38 is decent and cheap, the x48 is amazing. The p5n is decent. Plenty of nice boards out there, whatever you pick just make sure it works with everything.
Power supply- get a decent rated brand and at least 600 watts or higher.

[Kamlyn]

Here is a computer I was recommended at buydirectpc.com. They are asking for $3100. Is it reasonable for this equipment or could I get it much cheaper?

Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 2.66GHz x 4 1333FSB 12MB cache overclocked to 3.2GHz 1600MHz FSB
Motherboard: EVGA 790i Ultra (NVIDIA 790I SLI)
DDR3 Memory: 8GB dual-channel: 4 x 2048MB DDR3 1333MHz
Hard Drive: 320GB 16MB cache 7200RPM SATA2
Optical Drive: LG 20X SATA DVD-Burner with Software GH20NS15 and LG 22X SATA Lightscribe DVD-burner with Software GH22LS30
Video Card (PCI Express x16): 2 x 9800 GTX 512MB in SLI XHD Gaming
Removable Storage Device: Internal 8-in-1 Card Reader
Sound Card: On-board high-definition sound system (???????)
Network Card: Integrated LAN with 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet Controller
Power Supply: Silverstone Decathlon DA850 850W modular Active PFC
CPU Cooling: Stage 4 Cooling: Self-contained maintenance-free water cooling system
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit

[Hypothermia]

Just wondering something.
3) 20+ addons ( custom Unit Frames, Auctioneer, recounts meters, addons that are huge resources hogs)
Why not only have that on your main? As, in my case, I mostly online have the main's window visible. Meaning that those addons'd be a waste of memory.

Another small thing, you might want to give Linux a try? Wine with WoW & Keyclone works perfectly. And you're getting a LOT more FPS than on Windhooz.

[Naysayer]

Here is a computer I was recommended at buydirectpc.com. They are asking for $3100. Is it reasonable for this equipment or could I get it much cheaper?

Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 2.66GHz x 4 1333FSB 12MB cache overclocked to 3.2GHz 1600MHz FSB
Motherboard: EVGA 790i Ultra (NVIDIA 790I SLI)
DDR3 Memory: 8GB dual-channel: 4 x 2048MB DDR3 1333MHz
Hard Drive: 320GB 16MB cache 7200RPM SATA2
Optical Drive: LG 20X SATA DVD-Burner with Software GH20NS15 and LG 22X SATA Lightscribe DVD-burner with Software GH22LS30
Video Card (PCI Express x16): 2 x 9800 GTX 512MB in SLI XHD Gaming
Removable Storage Device: Internal 8-in-1 Card Reader
Sound Card: On-board high-definition sound system (???????)
Network Card: Integrated LAN with 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet Controller
Power Supply: Silverstone Decathlon DA850 850W modular Active PFC
CPU Cooling: Stage 4 Cooling: Self-contained maintenance-free water cooling system
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bitYou could build that pc yourself for about half the price.

This is more towards what you would need for 5boxing at a lower price.
http://store.buydirectpc.com/controler.jsp;jsessionid=9C1603168716F256177129B76 36ADCB3?trx=ProductBrowse&id=DI-700-SLI&mode=highlights&from=session
You'll need to order some monitors. I'd suggest Newegg.com, their 22" Acers are amazing for around 200$ a piece. If you want a sound card, you'll need to find one of those as well, but you really don't need one for WoW, or at least you don't need a pricey one. You can find your own keyboard and mouse I'm sure, if you want something really nice and new go for the logitech g15.


What you had listed in your reply would definitely work well and be exactly what you were asking for in a powerful pc, but I wouldn't pay the 3 grand for it unless I were an Oil Tycoon. If money isn't an issue, go ahead and get the one you were recommended. If you want to spend a lot less, the spec I marked for you in the link will suffice.

[Kamlyn]

Hey Naysayer

Do you think it'll be possible to build the spec (similarly) you linked under $800? And if so, where are some good places I can find cheap parts?

[Naysayer]

Hey Naysayer

Do you think it'll be possible to build the spec (similarly) you linked under $800? And if so, where are some good places I can find cheap parts?You can get close to $800, but it's pretty barebones. You'd have to use some of your existing parts in the new system.

Here's a newegg shopping list @ $730 after rebates.
http://secure.newegg.com/Shopping/ShoppingCart.aspx?Submit=view

That system will run 5 accounts pretty easily, you'd just have to sub in some parts like your own monitor, drives, keyboard/mouse. You can find a cheaper motherboard as well, the one I list is one of the best, but I list that one because I think you should always have a decent foundation to build on whenever you upgrade, and the motherboard is your foundation. I think the P5 is $100 cheaper if you want to go that route.

Oh, and add $90 if you don't have vista64 already.