What should I look for in a multiboxing computer?

[Ryan]

I've been three boxing warlocks for a few months now, and I just started some shamans, and it's incredibly fun, but I feel I need to upgrade my computer a bit. I still get some lag and low (less than 10) frame rates out in the middle of nowhere, and most cities are just impossible. I just walk my characters through one at a time. And since I've been meaning to upgrade anyways, I figure that's a good excuse.

Now, even though I spend between 4 and 14 hours a day at a computer, I somehow managed to not know too much about them. So what exactyl should I be looking for and what's important? I already have monitors and various input devices (mouse, keyboard, N52, etc) covered, but I'm looking to get a whole new set up otherwise. Looking at anywhere between 500 and 1000 dollars for the whole thing.

[zanthor]

I would suggest an Intel Core 2 Quad with 4GB of ram and an 8800GT video card with 512mb DDR3 Video Ram, you'll want a beefy power supply, I'm a big fan of Antec but they can be a bit pricey so if your budget doesn't support that, you can go with another brand, I know there are some other good ones I just stick with what I know :) .

[Tonuss]

You didn't say what you're using now, so I have no basis for comparison, but my suggestions would be:

> Dual or quad-core processor, running at 2.4GHz or better. Probably cost you $200-300, not counting a motherboard ($100-200).

> 2GB RAM minimum. 3GB recommended. You can get 4GB, but unless you are using a 64-bit operating system you will lose access to about 750MB (at least with 32-bit Microsoft Windows). On the other hand, the prices of memory are very low right now, and it might be worth it to buy four 1GB or two 2GB modules even if Windows wastes some of it.

> Decent video card, like a NVIDIA 8800GTS with 320/640MB memory. Prices starting at $300? Not sure.

For comparison, I 5 box using two systems. The system that runs four of the characters uses an Intel quad core CPU at 2.4GHz, 2GB memory, and a NVIDIA 7800GTX card with 256 or 512MB memory. I run four WOW instances in 800x600 with all graphics options turned down but running tiled on a 1600x1200 screen. They run smoothly pretty much anywhere, 30-60 FPS even in cities.

[Tamu]

Would this be a good retail system to buy for 5 boxing? The power supply seems a little small.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3431328&CatId=3423

[Diamndzngunz]

To 3 box..

Intel Core 2 Duo
2gb Ram
8600GTS (I have 2)

I rock that and I can Quad box without problems, a little lag when loading the game and in between zones but thats it.
You can build that for cheap now. $500 without a PWR Supply. $600with.


Now here is a suggestion if you want to go big.


http://www.dual-boxing.com/forums/../forum/icon/quoteS.png Quoted

Wilbur:
Q6600 - Recommended Processor
4GB DDR2 PC6400 - Recommended RAM
8800GT 512MB(+) - Recommended Graphics Card
Good brand 500(+)watt Power supply.

Without the above you'll only be gimping yourself if you want to do a 5 in 1.

[Taipan]

Greetings Ryan,

I have tested and experimented different setups under XP and Vista.

Here's what I would buy today, starting from scratch, in order of priority.
Or recommand to a friend starting to multi-box.

1. An Intel QUAD core 6600 (a 6850 DUO core really suffers when you multi-box, for a similar retail price as a Quad).
Plus you can easily overclock it to 3.0ghz through Bios.

2. A GFX card with 512 mo ram (256 isn't enough for sure and 312 is barely coping).
Get a Nvidia 8800GT or an ATI 3870 with 512mo, based on what you favor as a GFX brand.

3. At least 3Go of system Ram (by far the cheapest component to upgrade from 2Go anyway).

4. A case with 500watts power supply, 650watts offering a safer margin.

This should easily come below your USD 1,000 max budget.

Note : with this setup, I can get 30 FPS on my main and 40-60fps on my alts. Pretty comfortable for multi-boxing.

/salute

[zanthor]

That linked system would do fine, you can do better building one yourself if you don't mind getting yer hands a bit dirty.

[Tamu]

Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated.