Xzin, certainly
World of Warcraft's master of multiboxing and the only one we know of to have reached Warlord rank in PvP with five characters, has been working on a resource to answer all of the questions he receives about mutliboxing and his own setup. It's an excellent getting started guide, but before you get reading, you need to be aware that it's a pricey proposition. If you're wanting to upgrade your current setup to a 5-box configuration, here's what you should plan to spend, according to Xzin:
- $2000: Four more desktop computers.
- $600: Four LCD monitors. Thank goodness they're cheap these days.
- $250: Monitor mounts, to get all of your new LCDs in a position where they're easily visible without needing to swing your head around.
- $400: Keyboard multicaster(s), which will send the output of one keyboard to multiple computers.
- $120: KVM, that allows you to swap which computer your keyboard and mouse are sending commands to. (You can get cheaper KVMs these days, but the one Zxin recommends is high quality.)
- $60: Y-mouse. Allows you to plug multiple keyboards/mice into a single machine.
- $120: X-keys. Programmable keyboard hotkeys.
- $400: Keyboard(s).
- $80: Mice.
- $200: Four copies of the game and expansion.
This gives you a total of $4280 in expenses before you consider the cost of monthly subscriptions, increased electricity costs, etc... But if multiboxing is something you're interested in trying out,
this is the guide to help you get started.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-19-2007 @ 9:56PM
epsilon343 said...
Maybe it's just because I'm still kinda new to the game and what not, but what is the allure of this? Obviously this is one of those "it's their money" kind of things, but is it really all that worth it? All I know is if I was going to spend that much money, I'd just get a single rig that was top of the line.
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7-19-2007 @ 10:53PM
dreadlorde said...
LOLZ
no..waste of money.
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7-19-2007 @ 10:54PM
GL said...
All I want to know..is where can I get that wallpaper!? Sweet setup though.
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7-20-2007 @ 2:50AM
Luclan said...
The allure is not only mastering the control of one class. But multiple classes, and being able to play them all at the same time, in unison as one group.
Think about it like this; you will NEVER have to pug (shudder), you will always get every piece of loot. you have a brand new challege, a new experience, essentially you have recreated the whole game into a new game. Had I the time and money to run 5 comps, id easily give this a try.
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7-20-2007 @ 4:03AM
loutr said...
@3 : you'll find it on deviantart.com. Can't remember the name, but have a look under Customization->Wallapapers->Dual Screen or stg like that...
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7-20-2007 @ 4:39AM
Xzin said...
Keep in mind that those costs are for a top end PvP setup. You can 5 box on 1 machine with some software tools but with FAR more limited options (can't see but 1 screen at once, far slower FPS, harder to cast targeted AoEs, cannot accept quests without restoring each window, etc). You can do it on a bit of s budget if you are willing to accept some drawbacks.
Still costs $75 / month though. Double that if you 10 box, like I do.
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7-20-2007 @ 4:45AM
Cadarn said...
I just dont get it, one of the real bonus points of playing WoW is the interaction with other people. Yes Pugs can be a pain in the ass but thats the attraction, you never know who you might meet on your travels.
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7-20-2007 @ 10:02AM
Attapooch said...
This is a form of mental illness.
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7-20-2007 @ 10:18AM
Tiago said...
Look out, somebody thinks differently than me and does things that I would not. :O
Quickly, call the mental hospital while I insult the dude into submission!!
Live and let live people.
And on topic:
Interesting way wo play, would like to see a vid of someone playing a full party all by themselves...
It looks like the challenge to manage everything going on.
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7-20-2007 @ 12:44PM
Xzin said...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3697765098130473147
Extreme SM Farming - Xzin - World of Warcraft
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3471302298396612214
Xzin - TBC Beta Arena 5v5 5 Boxing (Multiboxing)
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=810022759312163710
5 Shamans, 1 Man. AV PVP VIDEO
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7-20-2007 @ 1:41PM
SadButTrue said...
He may have been the first to 5-box, but has he experienced 1-girlfriend?
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7-20-2007 @ 2:07PM
Attapooch said...
@9
I'm not saying they're not free to do what they like, but that doesn't mean there's not something wrong with their brain.
Let's put this another way: if a grown person spent thousands of dollars on Real Dolls, sat them around a table, and pretended he was at a party with them would you be so quick to defend their sanity?
What this guy is doing is down the same road.
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7-20-2007 @ 2:59PM
10pound said...
That is absolutely amazing. Its not for me but I have to admire his talent set. GG
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7-20-2007 @ 3:42PM
Tiago said...
Thanks a ton Xzin, gonna watch those when I get home. =)
Hope they include both ingame footage and you interacting with your computer(s). ;)
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