[Octavian]

What do you think a Desktop computer needs for trading online?




im under the impression that top-of-the-range isnt needed, as running trading/charting software is surely way less taxing than running a recent pc game online, for example World of Warcraft.

Ninjatrader and tradestation's sites have both said 2GB RAM minimum, so im thinking 8 GB to be safe.

ive also heard that the video card is probably the most vital in keeping lag down, so 32bit? also coupled with 6 mb broadband

seems like a 400 - 500 dollar PC would do.

[khamore1]

Computers

click on the link

[MightyMouse]

It really is going to depend on the type of trading you are going to do and the number of markets you are going to trade.

If you're new, then you'll probably get away with your current laptop or desk top computer. Multiple screens and a lot of power aren't going to give you an edge starting out.

For 2 bucks, get a can of compressed air and clean out your computer. It will run like a new one.

[Obsidian]

Having 2*monitors would be a great choice, besides you don't need a special graphic card for that.

[TheNegotiator]

Originally Posted by Octavian »

What do you think a Desktop computer needs for trading online?




im under the impression that top-of-the-range isnt needed, as running trading/charting software is surely way less taxing than running a recent pc game online, for example World of Warcraft.

Ninjatrader and tradestation's sites have both said 2GB RAM minimum, so im thinking 8 GB to be safe.

ive also heard that the video card is probably the most vital in keeping lag down, so 32bit? also coupled with 6 mb broadband

seems like a 400 - 500 dollar PC would do.

For trading you don't need a high end video card. Gaming maybe, trading no.

What you need is a good and reliable internet connection to start with. Then you need a clean installed operating system that you dont piss about with. Then, if you are using ninja or tradestation, just understand that the more you have open(different product charts, indicators etc) the more taxing it will be- mostly it's not a problem, just when there's a burst of activity. Clearly this is when you need the system to be running smoothly the most. The other important point to recognise is that your router and network card(or chip if it's onboard) are going to have a big part to play in system performance.

What pc spec do you have now?

A simple suggestion for many people is buy a new hard disk, install a new copy of your OS then run the machine off this HDD for trading only and then you can leave your other stuff untouched.

[Octavian]

i currently have a low spec macbook which is pretty much useless for software as nothing except TOS is compatible , and TOS doesnt let users in the UK sign up for some reason.


i want to buy a newish desktop that will last a good amount of time and i can use solely for trading . i can use my mac for all other things and will use it for news whilst using desktop for trading.

my plan is to swing and day trade, using Ninjatrader to demo for a months to get the feel.


How much RAM do you guys have? and what spec network card?

cheers for feedback so far

[TheNegotiator]

It really all depends what you want tbh. But if you want something which will last you a little while there are several options.

Have a look at systems with sandybridge intel i5 2500k/i7 2600k -imho they are blindingly good value cpus compared to last gen i5/i7(overall). Caveat is that there will be some new ivy bridge cpus released by intel in april. Memory is cheap right now. If the system is expensive to upgrade memory, downgrade it ditch it and buy 8/16gb of ddr3 1600(really all you need) and install it yourself- 8gb is like £35 in UK right now. Graphics is not so much of a problem- just make sure the spec has at least two monitor output capability(which in 99.9% it will). Hdd are a little pricey right now due to a shortage because of the thai floods(still). SSDs are not all equal and a pc manufacturer will rip you off for a crappy one. My advice is comprimise and get a better one later. Network you should be fine so long as the motherboard is either p67 or z68 however I'm not totally sure you'd get that. If it is fine-intel spec has a better intel network chip(imo). If not, see how you go with the onboard realtek(most board manufacturers use them). Apart from that take a look at Speedguide.net for optimising your connection.

It's a lot to take in I know, but don't panic! Share you ideas/progress on your search and I'm sure people will help!

[Octavian]

wow thanks for the info


ive found this....

ACER Aspire PT.SGKE2.159 Desktop Computer - Intel Core i7 i7-2600 3.40 GHz from Hardware Saints - the best prices on the web

seems to have a real good processor for the money , 4GB DDR3 RAM that i can upgrade as well and 1TB hard drive

i think this could be the one