Originally Posted by Dorvan
I realize that this issue is always thorny, but as a raid leader I'm interested in the following:
How does Arcane/Frost compare to fire in terms of DPS for various combinations of support and fight length. For example, with no support, with just a shadow priest, with just a shaman, and with both, what kind of DPS comparison can one expect in T6 level gear on:
a 4 minute fight? 6 minute fight? 8 minute fight?
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A lot depends on the degree of support given to the arcane mage. But generally, 4 minute fights are perfectly managable for arcane mages at T5/T6 level with just one shammy or one SP in group. With both shammy and SP in group, I think 6 minute fights are comfortable. 8 minute fights are going to be challenging, though I venture to say that there aren't that many 8 minute boss fights. Certainly most of the fights in MH and BT are short, around the 4 minute level.
The DPS capability of arcane mages depend directly on how much they can spam AB. And as raid leader, if enough mana support can be given to your arcane mages. Their DPS will definitley be very good. Taking me as an example, as a T6 level geared raider. On a theoratical basis, if I am allowed to spam arcane blast 100% of the time without moving, then based on Rawr, I would be doing 2000 DPS just by doing that. In practise, because of movement, etc, arcane power, COS on boss, etc etc, this will vary. But it gives a ballpark idea how much an arcane mage can do just spamming his most powerful spell.
You may have a not as well geared arcane mage. But as long as he has two piece T5. and you feed him enough raid mana support so that he really just do nothing but cast AB. I assure you his DPS will be good, not just good, it should be great.
I wonder if I should add on another portion where we detail and discuss how to push arcane mage DPS for every single notable MH/BT fight. (not sure if its worth it putting in SSC/TK fights). But if I did, you will find that arcane mages with good support should and will be able to spam AB close to 100% of the time for most MH/BT fights and do very competitive good DPS.
The biggest DPS stumbling blocks to a raid progressing through MH and BT is mainly ROS though I think. Most other T6 fights are execution fights. People not dying is more important than trying to zerg down the boss.