Trading computers?

[MBrown]

I have a friend who wants me to build him a computer for trading. He said that he was looking online at some trading PC that had a core i7 that costed $1500. I looked at him strange because I assumed you don't a processor like that for trading. But it got me thinking because I have never knew that people build PCs specifically for trading.

Anyway I need to know what kind of CPU or graphics do you need for a good trading PC? Do you need an extremely fast processor or graphics card for this?

 

[AstroManLuca]

I think the most important things would be a very fast, low-latency connection and lots of screen real estate so you can monitor a lot of things at once.

A super-fast processor probably wouldn't help THAT much but if you're running several instances of whatever browser you're in, I suppose it might. And you may need multiple video cards if you want more than two screens at once.

But seriously, what? What kind of trading? Are we talking day-trading or eBay sniping? Any more details?

 

[nerp]

He needs a quad (i7 is probably overkill), 4 or 8GB of ram, dual video cards so he can run 4x24 inch LCDs. Not for gaming or SLI, but quad monitors.

I'd also make sure the mobo he gets is ROCK SOLID. Also, PSU needs to be top quality. The key for a reliable trading computer is excellent stability with no chance of the machine breaking down or lagging out when markets are open.

 

[TidusZ]

The people in the infomercials did all that on laptops with small screens, and they made tons of money and now their lives are totally changed. Four 24" lcd's may be a bit much. I'll watch the dvd a bit more and let you guys know.

 

[Billb2]

Originally posted by: MBrown

Anyway I need to know what kind of CPU or graphics do you need for a good trading PC? Do you need an extremely fast processor or graphics card for this?

No. Processing power, a nice dual core (6600?) would be plenty. And all the charts and graphics are 2D, so even old 64mb PCI cards are fine, just a lot of them. I also think that more than two 24" monitors would be overkill, three/four 19's are about right. It all depends on how good your eyes are and how much information your brain can process. I had a 4 monitor set up and usually only "used" two. The other two were for research/news tracking/etc..

All the brokerage houses make a big effort to K.I.S., equipment wise. I've traded on a PentiumIII with dual monitors, not the best, but workable.

As others have said, reliability and a fast internet connection is where it's at. A mid range CPU and two dual output video cars is plenty...there's no FPS in trading!

 

[Denithor]

Q8300
EP45-UD3P
2x2GB DDR2-800
4670 x 2
WD6401AALS
DVD-RW
Antec 300
Corsair 650TX
Vista Home Premium 64-bit

Should be $850 or less for all those parts.

UPS with cable filtering & line conditioning.

Then pick up 4 24" LCD panels (about $1200 if you shop around).

 

[Crusty]

4 screens isn't enough.
8GB ram is overkill, but if the price is right might as well.

A quad core is more than enough for desktop trading.

Stability is more important than having the absolute fastest computer for trading. Every second your computer doesn't work during the day is money lost, whereas being able to place your order 2ms faster on your computer only to have it take 150-200ms to be confirmed in the market isn't worth all the cost.

The vast majority of trading applications on the market right now are single threaded, so I don't see any reason to have more then 4 cores. At most you'll have your broker application, a charting program, and maybe 1 or 2 standalone trading applications.