Computer Issues

[Scelesti]

Here's my specs:
Built 2 years ago...have been using the same PSU since its creation
4 gigs of RAM
EVGA Nvidia GeForce 9800 Gx2
AMD Dual Core Processor @ 3.0 Ghz (I think the series name is Windsor)
ASUS M2N32-SLIDeluxe Motherboard
X3 Ultra PSU @ 1000-Watt PSU

I think that's all the relevant information you should need regarding that.

Here's my problem. I can barely run WoW right now...let alone 5 box. I have never been able to 5 box efficiently however I would really like to see if it's possibly my power supply, or maybe my video card is a little shot. I have already reformatted a couple times, as well as made sure all my drivers are in order.

I really think it's my power supply but I really have no way of checking, at least not any time soon.

On to my questions...:
1. With this computer setup, should I be able to 5-box, if even not that effectively(i.e. 30 fps on main screen, 10 fps on the slaves)?
2. What is a good way to check if it's my power supply?

I know I'm making quite a bit a wall of text, but I'm also looking to build a new computer here in the future capable of multiboxing. I've come up with a shopping list, but honestly, I'd rather see someone who is more experienced at multiboxing possibly put together a list. My budget will be around 800-1200 dollars. I'd really like to go quad core with 12-16 gigs of RAM.

Thank you for any answers/support :)

[Khatovar]

I'm certainly no expert, but your first problem, I'd say, is RAM. I believe the general rule of thumb is ~1g per instance, plus 1g for the OS. If you drop everything to minimum graphics settings and framecap the slaves, you may be able to run 5, but upping the RAM will certainly be a noticeable help.

[Scelesti]

yeah the problem is I'm running on Windows XP Pro 32 bit, which has a max of 4 gigs of RAM. I do see that being an issue, but without getting a 64 bit OS and new RAM, I can't fix it.

Also, since I'm currently having issues with either my PSU and/or video card, I don't really want to dump more than a couple hundred bucks into this PC. I am planning on building a new PC built for multiboxing specifically here soon.

[MiRai]

Just a quick reply but...

That PSU is unbelievable overkill for that system, you'd be lucky to push 600W at most out of that system at full on non stop load. As for testing the PSU you would either have to download some power monitoring software which might only work if you motherboard supported it and could still give erroneous readings, or... swap out PSU's to physically check it. I wouldn't recommend breaking it open so you could hook a DMM up to it to monitor the different rails but that is always an option as well.

One upgrade that helps everyone is moving to a 64 bit OS, because using a 32 bit OS just plain sucks. I only assume you're still using a 32 bit OS because those specs are a little old at this point. As for successfully 5 boxing at 30FPS/10FPS, I'm guessing the most limiting factor you have is that CPU. Each expansion takes more of a toll on your system, and Cataclysm is only going to continue the trend.

Back in the day I had a Core 2 Duo and I wasn't happy with it always being pinned at 100% while 5 boxing, so I got a Core 2 Quad and it made a world of difference. Some people here will tell you that they box "fine" using a dual core processor, but everyone's definition of "fine" is different. When I was using a dual core processor Azeroth was "fine," Outland was "fine," Northrend was not "fine," it was laggy. This next statement comes as no surprise -- You will be much happier with a newer system if you can afford it. :)

EDIT: I need to learn to hit the "Reply" button as soon as I finish a post or else I end up behind the conversation. :) Keeping post in its original form because I'm lazy.

[Harrypott]

I run on a Intel Core 2 Duo, 4gb ram, W7 32bit, ATI 5870...
Running 3 Wow's, 1920x1080, view distance set max on tank, min on other two, most other gfx settings on lowest including shadow..
Tried 5x boxing on it but didn't consider it good enough for what I wanted.. leveled for awhile in classic before using my old machine to run 2 of the instances. Lots of people do\did run 5x though, just depends what your willing to put up with.

It's not overly cost effective to get a 64bit os and upgrade your existing ram. You more or less need 4 cores to 5x box on a single machine well (if you like nice gfx and any lag/stuttering free)

If you can't 1x box your first pirority should be to fix that. PSU issues can be strange sometimes... the easiest option is to simply try a different one, often not that easy with spending the cash or having a friend who doesn't mind you pulling theirs out.

trying some other games or doing some benchmarks to determine if it's just wow that is an issue and when the issues arrise helps narrow it down.

Oh and as someone else said, that is a stupidly large power supply for what your running. A good quality 450 would be more than enough unless your running millions of hard disks etc. Best to check what your video cards minimum requirement is though before buying a 450w to try it!

[tripleboxed]

but honestly, I'd rather see someone who is more experienced at multiboxing possibly put together a list. My budget will be around 800-1200 dollars. I'd really like to go quad core with 12-16 gigs of RAM.

Thank you for any answers/support :) I agree, i just upgraded my pc with a quad core so it's quite smooth but not as much if i had that 12gb ram and that new video card im goin to order haha

[Scelesti]

This computer was my first build, and unfortunately I goofed on the power supply. The 9800 Gx2 requires a PCI and a PCI 6+2x2 so I really just wanted one that would work...

I do appreciate the support unfortunately I just moved to Chicago from Saint Louis, and I don't know many people up here, especially no computer nerds, so I'm probably better off just waiting to build a new one.

Does anyone have any computer shopping lists that they recently built that has an i5 processor 12-16 gigs of RAM and a budget of 800-1200 dollars?

[MiRai]

Seeing as you're in Chicago, there are 2 Microcenter (http://www.microcenter.com) locations. They always have cheaper processors than online retailers do, usually $100. Even with the crazy tax in Cook County you still come out at least $80 ahead.

[Scelesti]

So here's a list I came up with...:

$170 - Core i5 760 Quad-Core @ 2.8 (http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0341729)

$135 - BIOSTAR T5 XE CFX-SLI LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138162)

$90 CORSAIR 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Desktop Memory Model CMV4GX3M1A1333C9(x3)(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145322

$115 Antec TruePower New TP-750 750W Continuous Power (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371025)

$230 EVGA GeForce GTX 460 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130565

Total: 920
+ Case/HDD/OS = 220
Grand Total = $1140

[MiRai]

Looks good. I would recommend doubling that RAM to 8GB if it's in the budget.

EDIT: In fact, might just want to re-use the PSU you've got. Giving you the option to double the RAM and save $25 for gas and lunch on your trip to and from Microcenter.

[Scelesti]

I put a x3 at the end, so I'm going to be buying 12, and I added to the total as well

[MiRai]

I put a x3 at the end, so I'm going to be buying 12, and I added to the total as well
With dual channel RAM you want to stick with an even number of modules. 2 or 4. Resulting in 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB in this case.