Looking for assistance on how to "gear up" my laptop and trying to find out how much it can run.

[Primary]

Hello, obviously I am new to multiboxing and am looking to start. I am looking for information on how to upgrade the weaker parts of my laptop and how many WoW's I can run without lag on this puppy.

My stats:

3 Gigs of ram (4 in the computer, trying to figure ***how I access the fourth***)
Running on 32-bit (Can get 64 with that fourth gig I believe, again need help)
Model: HP Pavilion dv9500
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo CPU T5250 @1.50ghrz (Definitely trying to upgrade this, need tips!)
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce 8600M GS

Thanks for the help.

[Naysayer]

You're not going to be able to do much on that laptop. Maybe a 2 box with lots of lag.

Not sure what you're trying to ask for with the "tips" stuff. Are you asking for tips on how to change the hardware or what to replace it with? Try checking the laptop manual to see what's compatible for upgrades.

[Primary]

Well, thanks anyway I guess. Not sure where my laptop manual is atm anyway. Em.. I'm going to try building a 5 desktop computer setup. I've got the whole monitor deal down and have read the hardware posts but would anyone know a good combination of things that would work out? I have never build a computer before and could use any help. I'm talking just like help on a working desktop computer for a cheap price (video cards, motherbards, etc.)

[Naysayer]

Try opening a few trial accounts and see how many you can run comfortably for yourself. Easy to do and you'll know without a doubt what your current setup can do.

[Primary]

Oh I know that I will lag slightly with two up and quite a bit with 3 (pretty much can't do 3). That isn't the problem anymore I suppose now that I'm told I can't do it on my laptop. My problem now is building the 5 comps... -.-

[Biz]

Oh I know that I will lag slightly with two up and quite a bit with 3 (pretty much can't do 3). That isn't the problem anymore I suppose now that I'm told I can't do it on my laptop. My problem now is building the 5 comps... -.-

IMO one computer will be much easier to deal with than 5.

[Primary]

every pro boxer I've talked to uses 5. I could do 1 but I would need the zomg uber quad core. That would work too but I still need to figure out the parts and stuff

[-silencer-]

Try opening a few trial accounts and see how many you can run comfortably for yourself. Easy to do and you'll know without a doubt what your current setup can do.

Best solution.

Laptops really aren't meant to be upgraded well - they're sold more as a sealed package. However, you can do a couple things like add more RAM, replace the CPU, and replace the hard drive. You're usually stuck with whatever graphics card the laptop came with, and sometimes replacing the CPU is much more difficult than on a desktop due to some funky heatsink design to keep the size of the laptop small, yet provide decent cooling.

[-silencer-]

every pro boxer I've talked to uses 5. I could do 1 but I would need the zomg uber quad core. That would work too but I still need to figure out the parts and stuff

Pro? I'm not aware of any boxers getting paid a salary to play WoW.

I wasn't aware that a $199 quad core was zomg uber.. WoW doesn't really require a lot of resources. You can 5-box smoothly on a $1500 machine, which will cost much less than 5 separate boxes in initial cost and upkeep (power, heat, noise). If you've never built a machine before, have someone physically help you - it's easy to make expensive mistakes. I personally prefer playing 5 accounts on one machine, since my WoW windows are very close together. Have you every sat in front of 5 monitors? That requires a lot of head movement to look around.. I use 4x displays at work.. a 30", 24" and 2x 20", and it can be a neck workout. I'd prefer being able to see all 5 WoW windows across two or three displays without having to turn my head.

[Primary]

every pro boxer I've talked to uses 5. I could do 1 but I would need the zomg uber quad core. That would work too but I still need to figure out the parts and stuff

Pro? I'm not aware of any boxers getting paid a salary to play WoW.

I wasn't aware that a $199 quad core was zomg uber.. WoW doesn't really require a lot of resources. You can 5-box smoothly on a $1500 machine, which will cost much less than 5 separate boxes in initial cost and upkeep (power, heat, noise). If you've never built a machine before, have someone physically help you - it's easy to make expensive mistakes. I personally prefer playing 5 accounts on one machine, since my WoW windows are very close together. Have you every sat in front of 5 monitors? That requires a lot of head movement to look around.. I use 4x displays at work.. a 30", 24" and 2x 20", and it can be a neck workout. I'd prefer being able to see all 5 WoW windows across two or three displays without having to turn my head.

Now when you say this - I mean obviously for me one large computer would be more convenient especially when I need someone to build it for me. Would I buy extra monitors though for my "Grand computer"?