Making 1 pc = 2 pcs.

[ti1706]

This may be the wrong category (perhaps Graphics Cards would have been better)... but, regardless....

For the past few weeks, I've been trying to find a way to let my younger brother join in on the online gaming fun. Unfortunately, he's both broke, and lacking in a good gaming pc. So... I was hoping (and I know it's a bit of a silly idea) that my computer could run two clients of the same game, using a usb mouse/keyboard, and a second gpu/monitor.

PC:
(I'll be using hyperlinks for convenience purposes)
Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160
Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131407
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115215
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277
GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125277
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171037
HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181
... and Win7 Pro 64-bit.

Since I'm using stock cooling, and a single gpu... I've already assumed that a better cpu fan, and a second graphics card will need to be purchased.
I also assume that a bit of oc-ing may be necessary... and though I'm not eager to try, with better cooling, I'd be willing to give it a shot.

So... here are my questions.

Even with these enhancements, is this idea viable? (My main question)
If so, will it be able to fluidly run multiple clients for:
Left4Dead2 (doubtful, but hopeful)?
WoW?
... or low-end mmorpgs (which I can effectively triple client with already)?
and lastly, assuming this will work, would someone be so kind as to post an explanation how?
(I'm a tad iffy on how to run two monitors... though a Google search will probably clear things up.)

That last one, isn't horribly important, as I'm not adverse to doing some legwork.

Many thanks for your time.


For Requirements Reference Purposes:
Left4Dead2: http://informationtypes.blogspot.com/2009/10/system-requirements-for-left-4-dead-2.html
WoW: http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/faq/technology.html
Flyff (a sample of the low-end): http://flyff-wiki.gpotato.com/index.php/System_Requirements

 

[batuchka]

One look i can say your config is horribly lopsided - a $180 mobo and a HD 4670 gives very poor frames in games and awful bang for the $$ i'm afraid

 

[ti1706]

Yes, I know.. but I had a strict budget when building the computer (being a student, my parents were funding the majority of it).

Assuming that I have the capital to upgrade, however, is the idea viable?

On a side note, Left4Dead2's frame rate is fine... no slow down at all.

 

[MadAdmiral]

It would be better to buy an entire new build and throw some of the worst parts of your build into it to give to your brother.

I would do the following:

Buy this:
CPU/Mobo: X3 440 and Gigabyte GA-770TA-UD3 $160 after rebate
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws 2x2 GB 1600 mhz CAS Latency 7 $115
GPU: HD 5770 $150 after rebate
HDD: Seagate 7200.12 500 GB $55
Case/PSU: Antec 300 Illusion and Earthwatts 650W $130
Optical: Cheap SATA DVD burner $23

Total: $633.

Swap out:
PSU: Put the Earthwatts in your build
GPU: Give your brother the 4670 and keep the 5770
RAM: Give him your sticks (CL 9) and keep the new ones (CL 7)

 

[ti1706]

I'll assume that it is not possible to run two copies on my pc, then... ah, well....

Thanks for the advice, guys.

Best answer goes to MadAdmiral for his not horribly out of budget suggestion.

 

[ti1706]

Best answer selected by ti1706.

 

[False_Dmitry_II]

The main question of how to do what you originally wanted is really how to make 1. multiple copies of a game run and 2. how to tell the computer to use the input from one set of keyboard/mouse in only one of the programs.

You can do 1. in WoW I've seen people alt-tab and use a different character or whatever. But that's one specific game.

If they supported this kind of thing it would be possible, but they don't because it's too out of the box thinking and uncommon need to bother coding for. So I really doubt that it's actually possible.