Getting into multi-boxing- Need help with what computers to buy.

[Randal]

Hello, my name is Randy. People call me Randal. I am very interested in starting some multi-boxing. I quit WoW a year ago and decided to come back for a little bit and have some fun.. multi-boxing seemed like the way. I'm looking to buy a computer (maybe 2, 3, 4 or 5) that can run four instances of WoW at the same time, with decent FPS on all. I would like to spend no more than $600 on each. The only requirement would be that it's on a 32-bit OS, so I can run a few programs I have that are not compatible with 64-bit. Direct links to pre-built computers would be a great help. I'm not the smartest when it comes to computers and their insides but I do know more than most people, I would say.

Also, would a 16-man multi-boxed team be possible?

[Coltimar]

Hey Randal, Welcome! I may not fully answer your question. But here is how I roll. I run 5 instances of WoW one 1 machine. Here is what I use:

2.5GHz quad core process
512MB Raedeon 3870 Video Card
6 GB of 1066 Mhz RAM
Multiple hard drive setup (important to have imo)
2 22" Sceptre monitors

I have little to no lag in Shattrath (this is the worst place I have found for lag on my high pop server). I run my main with moderate graphic settings and my clones are turned way down. I'm running 10-15 addons at any given time. Unless you are just bent on hardware boxing, I would suggest spending $2000 on a very nice system and software boxing, and buy me something with the $1000 you'll save ;/

Seriously, if you are interested in this option just post here or feel free to PM me if you want more info what system you could use.

Colt

[Randal]

Thank you, Colt. I would much rather have multiple computers than one. I've already ordered this ('http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229052') and this ('http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001092') for my main computer.

Is there an easy way to change a computer running on 64-bit OS to a 32-bit? I was thinking about getting a few of this ('http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227098'), but they run 64-bit.

[Coltimar]

What other stuff are you wanting to run? I'm not sure what you are wanting to run that won't run on 64 bit. Even it isn't a 64 bit app, as WoW is not, 64 bit should dumb it down. If you go with vista I highly recommend running 64 bit. I have ran every flavor of Vista and I finally stuck with Ultimate 64. As for rolling back, reinstalling is your only route :(

[Tsunami]

your new main computer can multibox by itself. if you got a better 30" monitor you could put all 5 toons on that one screen. but as it is now i think have a main screen that big will really hurt you when trying to keep track of what your other toons are doing because they will be out of your vision, unless you put the screens about 5 feet away from you.

I would recommend getting 2 good 24" screens for the money. put your main on one screen and the other 4 on the other screen. if multi boxing is for you and you find that the 1 computer set up is not working for you and want to add more comps than it will be easy enough.

if you really need to run a 32 bit operating system because of some programs than partition your hard drive with 2 different versions of vista. one with vista 64, which will be able to use the 4+ gig of ram you will need to multibox, and the other with vista 32 or windows xp.

5 comp multiboxing is really not for someone that is don't a serious computer geek, like you say you are not. there is a lot more to it, you have to link all 5 computers, which may sound easy, but read some guides from people who have and you may realize it is not for you. save yourself the time and aggro and software mutlibox using 1 machine. change your monitor setup and partition your harddrive or add a second drive that you can boot in 32 bit windows.

[Randal]

Well, I have a few custom programs that, simply put, will not function on 64-bit Vista. I actually don't know first-hand why, it's just what I've been told. I wouldn't be able to get the code re-done for two months or so.


EDIT: I was planning on ditching the 30" after thinking about it. I'll take that advice and go with some 24" monitors. I'm still set on multiple computers, I don't know why. I have a friend that could link the computers together, no problem.

The partition bit is what I was thinking about when I was wondering how to get 32-bit on one that has 64.

[Ellusionist]

Well, I have a few custom programs that, simply put, will not function on 64-bit Vista. I actually don't know first-hand why, it's just what I've been told. I wouldn't be able to get the code re-done for two months or so.
Download VirtualBox ('http://www.virtualbox.com') and run Windows Vista (or XP) 32-bit inside of x64. Two operating systems, one machine, same time.

Or you could dual-boot, which would be more of a harsh transition, having to restart every time.

[heffner]

If you are purchasing 5 computers you most definitely do not need a 64-bit OS.

Currently WoW doesn't need much "computer power" to run. You can get pretty much any new computer and it will run fine on it. I'd say anything with at least 512MB RAM, 80G HD and a dedicated video card (not even needed really) would work fine. I'd aim for the $300-$350 mark for a computer. I am sure you could even get some for $150 refurbished and they would be fine for slaves. Check newegg.com for some systems. I don't live in the USA so I don't really know where else people shop for good values on computers. Tigerdirect.com maybe?

Of course, I would likely go with 1 or 2 decent computers instead of the cheaper boxes. It really depends on what you like and if you plan on focusing on PVP or not.