Hardware boxing

[Jaws5]

I started boxing a in early 2007. At the time (pvp) hardware switch box and 5 individual PCs where the only option. Swtich box is Ps2 based. PS2 ports on motherboards are getting harder to find. I like the setup and abilty to watch each toon on its own screen. This also gives me reason to buy a new PC (parts) every 6months and change out all 5 every 2.5 years. Would I be better of just getting a highend PC and going software based? I guess it wold help on the power bill.

Thanks

[Ualaa]

There are strengths to each approach.

I used to three box Everquest (1), via three computers.
Had no software or even broadcast options.
Just moved from each keyboard and mouse as needed.

Multiple computers don't need to be as strong individually.
And a monitor per toon is nice as well.
At the same time, this takes up more space, and will use more juice.
If one PC crashes, the team is not automatically all dead.

As far as WoW goes, I've only ever software boxed.
Keyclone and Innerspace are both excellent options.
There are probably other strong options to consider too.
Innerspace is a really nice option, a very strong and flexible program.
I've not really found anything I want to accomplish which cannot be done with it.

One strong PC will likely cost you less then five moderate PC's.
With Symbolic Links, Junction Points or Virtual Config files, you can adjust options for each account individually.
I'd imagine you could stick to the upgrade every 2.5 years model fairly well.
You can easily run two or three monitors on newer video cards, for screen real estate too.

[Fizzler]

I started hardware boxing and have 4 PC's in my office and can do it again but I really like the ease of software.

There are plus and minuses to each method. With Hardware boxing you will have less of an issue with Blizzard changing the way macro's and software interact with the game. This to me is the biggest plus... well this and managing lag. I am a hardware geek I felt more of a sense of accomplishment with hardware boxing.

I suppose it really is a personal preference. With keyclone and ISBoxer software boxing flexibility is pretty amazing. I would rather drop my money into one killer PC that will have multiple uses than spreading the wealth across several platforms. During the next expansion if the graphic intensity goes up I might spread my toons across two PC's instead of one.

[Fizzler]

Its all about what you want in the end.

Innerspace basically reinvented the software boxing world. If I was to do it over again, I'd probably go single PC + Innerspace/ISBoxer.

But I'm also happy with my full hardware rig. (and its not as expensive as some will tell you it is)

You can definitely put together a value rig for $500 or so. Even less the price of components dropping. I would fire up my hardware setup i have all the parts but honestly the biggest issue for me is keeping my office at a comfortable temperature and my Pre-referral vision just sucks even across two monitors.