Trading Computers
A Guide To Trading Computers

Introduction

Trading computers allow traders to perform better by providing efficient and organized information to enhance the decision making process. 
The following will be a comprehensive guide for all levels of computer and trading knowledge. Understanding what makes a good trading computer can seem complicated but the resources and explanations below will clear up any confusion in a simple and easy to understand format.

It is highly suggested you bookmark this page or add this page to your favorite tabs for later reference as their are a lot of useful links you will want to return to.

Then compare laptop and desktop computers, followed by a discussion of pre-made computers, brands, operating systems, and product pricing. This will help clarify the confusion that comes from the wide selection of products and pricing in the computer market. 
We will then cover custom computers and see why they may be a better option. This will involve an easy guide to understanding computer specs, and what the requirements of a trading computer are. Several examples and suggestions of pre-made and custom computers will be presented for all budgets and computing power needs.

Finally we will discuss various options and ideas for a custom trading computer setup for all budgets and levels of computing power. This will involve explanations and lists of suggested parts, as well as recommended accessories and additions that traders use to enhance reliability and performance. This will of course involve a discussion of the all important monitor which is just as important to traders as the computer itself.

Computers and computer parts can very in price so it is important to look at various vendors. That is why multiple links have been provided. Some vendors and re-sellers can get better deals since they buy in bulk which allows them to sell for a lower retail price at certain times. 

It is also affordable to buy "used" parts which have often only been taken "out of the box" as listed in many product descriptions. This is literally what it means. Some parts were just taken out of the box and put back in and have never been used. Yet they still see a reduction in price similar to how cars are on discount after being driven just a short distance as a display model. Just check the condition and history of the product before you plan to purchase a "used"/ "out of the box" computer or computer part. 

Why Use A Computer Built For Trading?

A computer built with trading in mind enhances your ability to trade more effectively by relaying information quickly for more informed decisions, and to have buy and sell orders filled at better prices. A better computer provides you with the ability to process and organize information faster and allows for more reliability for performing trades. 

A trading computer should be able to do the following tasks in order to enhance your trading capabilities. First and foremost it must process data efficiently, the faster the better. Second it should be able to perform multiple tasks smoothly. In the context of trading this primarily means being able to display multiple charts and run several programs simultaneously. Closely related to smooth multitasking is the ability to run multiple monitors. While multiple monitors are not necessary they allow for a drastic improvement in the amount of organized information displayed in front of you.

Laptops vs. Desktops

Laptops are capable of performing trades and conducting analysis. However they have several large limitations. The laptop is of course a smaller container for computing parts. It will naturally be limited in its power which results in a disadvantage in performance and lower functionality. They are also less customizable in terms of the parts and configurations you are able to choose from. There is also the lower reliability of laptops given the complications that come with computer parts in a more compact shell.  

It is possible to run trading software and multiple monitors from a laptop but it will not offer a good experience. Software will run but it won't be as smooth, especially for streaming a live chart let alone several live charts at once. Multiple monitors will also function but they will consume more power and increase the chances of instability since the already small laptop is spreading out its limited resources. 

It is understandable for laptops to be used for those who travel a lot. They can get the basic job done but they should not be your main hardware and should only be used for very simple trade where the analysis has already been done on a main desktop. Laptops capable of running decently for trading are also not exactly what people associate with laptops. They are the most powerful kinds, usually built for gaming and are much heavier than normal laptops. In some cases they are double or even triple the weight of normal laptops. Even with the extra power these laptops will still have noisy fans and get hot because a laptop is a poor design for releasing heat created by the normal functioning of the internal components, especially the processor.

In case you are one of the few interested in a laptop for mobile trading, here are some suggestions. 

Laptops with processors at the level of the Intel i7-4700 mobile series or higher are adequate for trading from a laptop. They are often in gaming laptops such as the well known Alienware series from Dell. 

The other major must have component in a trading laptop is an SSD (Solid State Drive), which is a solid hard drive with no moving parts. This is in contrast to the traditional HDD (Hard Disk Drive) in many laptops and desktops that have moving parts. An SSD is much faster at starting up the computer and your trading programs. SSDs are also safer and more reliable since they have no moving parts which can be damaged more easily. This is especially good for laptops which are moved around frequently in many different positions. 

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Understanding Pre-Made Computer Brands And Operating Systems 

(Dell, HP, Asus, Acer, Mac...) 
(Windows, Mac, or Linux?...)

How are Computers Priced?

When buying a pre-made computer it is important to understand how pricing works. When you buy a pre-made computer you are buying a computer that has been built for you buy a particular brand. Each brand builds computers with the combination of parts they select. What you are essentially paying for is of course the computer parts, then the manufacturing and delivery with the associated labour, along with warranty and customer support. This is all very obvious but the less talked about part of the price is the brand name. In some cases there can be a significant mark up in price if a brand has a good reputation. 

So why do people buy computers even if there are all those extra costs on top of the parts? All computer manufacturers have the same access to computer components just like the average consumer who wants to build their own custom computer. The main reason is because people often don't have the knowledge to build a computer or think it's too complicated. Others don't think they can build a good computer even though the building process for the average person has become simpler over the years. There is also the person who would pay money in exchange for the time and labor required to build a computer. All these reason are understandable and it could be money well spent if you are any one of the type of people described above. 

As for a particular brand of computer manufacturer to buy from there are many. Generally each brand has their own line of computers divided into the general categories of basic budget, intermediate power and budget, and top of the line machine and large budget. There will be a list of examples for each of these categories below.

The other major distinction is based on the computer's operating system. The three major ones are Windows, Mac, and Linux. Linux is an open source software and is not installed on pre-made computers. This means it is a free operating system geared for more advanced and tech savvy users. It is not used for trading or normal computing very often among the general population.

Then there are two operating systems left. Of these two Mac is the more exclusive operating system. By exclusive this means it is exclusively designed and used on Apple brand computers only. That means it is Apple's proprietary software developed and optimized specifically for their own Apple computers. In terms of performance this optimization means Apple computers can run very smoothly with their own Mac operating system. 
However as a consequence of being so exclusive Apple computer's and their operating system have not been as open as the more popular Microsoft Windows operating system. Over the years a lot of software including trading software has been developed around the Windows operating system since it has been more accessible and easier to work with. 

While there is increasing cross platform compatibility with more software including trading software with Apple computers the optimization and selection of software is still lacking for the most part. It is possible to trade on Apple computers but the capability to do more with advanced tools will be limited when compared to the wide array of products and support available for Windows.

From a pure functionality it is best to use the Windows operating system for trading. You will better optimization, access to a much larger selection of technical tools, software, and programs. In addition to having more support for any technical issues that may arise.  

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Understanding Computer Specs Easily And The Technical Requirements Of A Trading Computer

Many people drive cars and use phones every day without knowing how they work. The same is true for trading computers. You don't need to be an expert or a tech wizard to understand and make informed buying decisions. Below is a simple yet effective guide for making sense of all those numbers an names associated with computer components.

Processors, CPUs

Many people drive cars and use phones every day without knowing how they work. The same is true for trading computers. You don't need to be an expert or a tech wizard to understand and make informed buying decisions. Below is a simple yet effective guide for making sense of all those numbers an names associated with computer components.

The processor or CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the first main item of interest. It is the most Important computer part, like the engine of a vehicle. The more cores it has the better it is for multitasking. For trading this means having multiple programs and charts open at once. 

When trading it is more important to have computing power that is spread out stably than raw power that is concentrated.
The faster a processor can process information the more it can reduce or eliminate lag. Your chart and price data will be smoother similar to streaming video. When real time data and connection signals are delayed they can cause "slippage" which is being filled at a different price from what you expected, it is from discrepancies in price data due to slower charts and indicators.

For an easy way to compare processing power go to the site https://www.cpubenchmark.net/
Here you can find a full list of CPUs organized into various categories. You can also search any CPU name and see its benchmark score. 

8000 is a good minimum benchmark score for trading, anything lower increases chances of slippage and run slower overall. In plain words the benchmark score is calculated based on standard test of how fast a CPU can solve a series of mathematical problems. 


Memory, Ram

At a minimum 8gb of ram(Random Access Memory) or higher is suitable for trading. Ram enables a computer to multitask smoothly. It is the temporary memory used to keep track of the multiple operations that are running during trading. DDR3 and DDR4 ram are the most common types DDR3 is slightly older but still performs well. DDR4 is newer and is slightly faster. The bigger difference is that DDR4 uses less power which doesn't matter that much since ram uses much less power than other components like the CPU or graphics card. 

Ram is also rated based on its speed measured in MHz units. For trading it is best to have ram rated at 2200MHz or higher. This will enable for smooth multitasking. The ram you choose will be based on what motherboard you choose. The motherboard is the main component all other components will be connected to. There are lots of choices just make sure your processor, ram, and other components can fit with the motherboard. Checking compatibility is easy, just look at the socket size or pin size of the component and see if your motherboard will support it. If you don't want to spend the time to research it is even easier to consult the person who will build your computer.

Ram can also be split into channels this just means how many slots a motherboard has for ram. The more the better. A computer with 16gb of ram split over 4 channels with 4gb of ram each will likely perform better than a computer with 16gb of ram split into two channels of 8gb each.  

Graphics Cards

Graphics cards or GPUs ( Graphics Processing Units) are another important component. Though you don't need the most powerful Graphics card. The GPU simply translates all the data into a displayed image. For trading this will mainly mean charts and some numbers for price and any indicators you may use. This is not a graphically demanding process when compared to heavier tasks like video games, animation, simulations, or video editing and cryptocurrency mining. You also don't need to have 4k or higher resolutions. Standard 1920 x 1080p high definition which is pretty normal now is sufficient. Monitors will be covered in the accessories section. 

Traders mainly need GPUs to display more data simultaneously. The graphics displayed on your monitor(s) is quite basic as mentioned before just charts and numbers. A graphics card capable of standard high definition display and multiple monitor output is adequate. Multiple monitor output is often listed on the product page of a graphics card as "Max Monitors Supported" or they may list the amount and type of outputs of the GPU. 

Similar to CPUs GPUs can be benchmarked on a related site called https://www.videocardbenchmark.net/ 
The score isn't as important here as it is for the CPU. What traders really need is the ability for multiple monitor output. A higher benchmark score will mean the GPU can run more smoothly and reliably when displaying more information on more monitors. 

Hard Drives Storage

The last major component is the hard drive that stores the operating system, programs, and files. As mentioned in the section about laptops an SSD (Solid State Drive) is highly preferred over a traditional HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and is practically necessary. Any SSD will be drastically faster than a normal HDD. You don't need much space, 256gb is a good minimum. It can store the operating system, and your trading programs. 

If you have other files to store, such as videos, photos, and documents you may want to buy a traditional HDD which is cheaper and can store much more content. An SSD is more reliable as mentioned before since it has no moving parts. It is faster and produces less noise also.

Other components will be discussed in the section about custom computer builds. The components listed above are the main priority functions for traders.

Internet speed

Go to 


to test your internet speed.

For trading you should ideally have a ping below 50, download speed 5mbp/s or faster, and an upload speed 1mb/s or higher. If you are in an area with slower internet it is more important to have consistent rather than fast speed. It is better to have a slow trade with some slippage than a trade that fails because the internet cuts out before an order can be filled. 

Suggested Premade Computers Right Out Of The Box

Below is a list of pre-made computers categorized based on budget and computing power.  

Minimal Budget Computer

Dell OptiPlex 7060 Micro
basic model with default specs, no additions.
Processor i7-8700T(6 core) 
16gb DDR4 ram
256gb SSD


This computer is adequate for trading and is able to run trading software and analytics tools. It is great for beginners and those on a budget. It also works well as a home or office computer.

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Intermediate

The base model with default specs is fine but the 3 specs below are 
preferred selected specs.
16gb ram or higher 
i7-6700 CPU or higher
GTX 1050 graphics card or higher

This computer can multitask smoothly and connect multiple monitors. It is also ideal for home and office use with more than sufficient power for traders of all levels. 

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High End


This is one of the most advanced computers available. It can get any job done when it comes to trading. It is also quite capable of other heavy tasks such as video editing, animations, simulations, and gaming. 

The default options are already powerful they can be upgraded even more from the list of parts provided on the product page. Though this will increase the price.

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Suggested And Popular Custom Builds

The following are examples of custom built trading computers. They are not computer brands. They are the list of components that can be built by yourself or have someone build it. If you don't want to spend the time and energy of learning how to build computers you can ask a tech savvy friend or go to a local computer shop and have them advise you. All you need to do is buy the parts and they can do the work for you.

They are mid to high end specs and budget friendly. You can save plenty of money if you can build them or know someone who can. Even paying a local computer shop to do the assembly can be cheaper than buying a brand name computer. Though remember the money you save from not buying a brand name means you or the people who build your custom computer should know what they are doing and can fix any problems that may come up in the future.

Custom Computer Build Example 1

CPU Cooler: MasterAir Pro 3 
Motherboard: MSI Z270M MORTAR 
(Hard Drive) SSD: Samsung 960 PRO Series 
Optica Drive (Disk Drive)l: ASUS DRW-24F1ST 
Power Supply: Corsair CX430 

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Custom Computer Build Example 2

Powersupply: CORSAIR 850W 
Video Card: AMD FirePro W600 


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Many custom computer builds have multiple hard drives for more storage and speed, as well as multiple graphics cards for more monitor support. Just make sure the motherboard and case you choose can fit extra components. More on that below in the sections about motherboards and computer cases.

Custom Computer Builds And Setup Ideas 

Below is a list of computer part suggestions for trading computers at the basic budget level, intermediate level, and high end level. It will give you a good idea of which components may suit your own custom build for your unique setup and needs. This will be followed by a list of accessories such as the all important monitor and mouse along with some other neglected parts of a trading setup. 

Whether you are building your own computer or someone is building it for you it is important to consider reviews. Star reviews with 1 star meaning bad and 5 stars good, isn't the most reliable system all the time. People aren't always that knowledgeable about the products. They may often pick components based on the suggestion of a friend that isn't appropriate for them, or an impulse buy based on poor knowledge. Look at the product specs and use the metrics described earlier for an idea of how powerful the components are. Then look at star reviews for an overall idea of user satisfaction and look at reviews for reliability and performance from the perspective of your needs. 

The goal for all computers is to be fast, stable, and reliable. Along with being able to multitask smoothly and have multiple monitor capabilities. The components listed below are examples of some common options that get the job done. You may use these exact components or components similar to these. It is all up to your unique setup.

Processor (CPU)




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Ram (Random Access Memory)


Intermediate: 32gb DDR4 ram quad channel 4(8gb sticks)


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Hard Drive (Storage)


Intermediate: An "M.2" ssd is even faster, like the 


A regular HDD such as the Seagate Barracuda Internal Hard Drive 4TB SATA 6Gb/s, is a good option if you want additional storage for files and programs you won't access as often. Such as for videos, photos, and documents.


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Video Card (GPU)


Intermediate: JATON Video PX369 Quad Radeon HD 6570 1GB or the more well known GeForce GTX 1080

High: Stacking multiple graphics cards like the ones listed above on a motherboard that can support multiple graphics cards is how traders can use more monitors without necessarily having to buy the most expensive and powerful graphics cards. Buying more powerful graphics cards will do little to enhance performance. The power in the intermediate graphics cards are more than sufficient for trading as it is far less graphically intensive than gaming or video editing. A more advanced build will add more of the intermediate graphics cards for more monitor output instead of adding more powerful graphics cards

Graphics cards for trading just need the minimum quality of a 1920 x 1080p standard hd output for clear charts, text, and number display. This is almost standard for all graphics cards. Then there is multiple monitor support which is more a matter of increasing the quantity of graphics cards for a higher number of video cable outputs. 

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Power Supply 

Got to

To determine the appropriate power supply for your setup. 
The rating of a power supply is the amount of electricity the unit can handle not how much it consumes. Often 400-600 Watts is adequate for most setups. After going past 800w you should consult an electrician regarding the outlets you will be plugging into.  





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Cooling

It is important to cool the components of a computer especially the CPU. Fortunately CPUs usually have a built in cooler, and computer cases often have a fan or two. However you should add additional cooling to increase stability, safety, and performance. While at the same time reducing power consumption from overheating. 



Liquid coolers cool better than fans, are quieter, and more stable in terms of constant temperature regulation

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Computer Cases 

A case just houses all the components and are usually chosen for their esthetic looks. However they are also chosen for more practical reasons such as how quiet they are, temperature regulation, and size. It is preferable to have a case that looks good and is quiet, while at the same time helping with cooling the computer and providing enough room to comfortably assemble the computer components. Some cases also help with keeping out dirt and are easier to clean. 



High: BeQuiet Dark Base Pro 900 - Case or the Fractal Design DEFINE R6 Case.


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Motherboards

Here are a few popular motherboards. Your choice will be based on which components you choose and whether they are compatible with the motherboard.





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Additional Computer Components 

Some other components to consider are connectivity options for internet and Bluetooth.

For Bluetooth the ASUS USB-BT400 Bluetooth 4.0 USB Adapter is suitable for any Bluetooth connected devices.

For Internet it is best to have a direct Ethernet cable connection as opposed to wireless WiFi, but if you also want WiFi
the TP-Link Archer T6E AC1300 PCIe Wireless WiFi network Adapter Card provides wireless internet connectivity.

An optical disk/dvd drive is still good to have since you may need to install software with a disk from time to time. Most are very cheap now.
The ASUS DRW-24F1ST/BLK/B/AS 24X SATA DVD Writer is a popular choice that gets the job done.


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Accessories And Peripheral Devices

Monitors

The monitor(s) you choose are the next big part of your trading setup. Monitors provide more space and organization to make trading and analysis more efficient and less stressful. For this it is best to have large monitors and often this extends to a multiple monitor setup. As mentioned before visual sharpness isn't that important since traders only look at charts, numbers, and text, not video animations. Many reviews complain about a minimal standard hd resolution, and/or a frame rate below 60hz. Keep in mind most reviews are from the standpoint of those using monitors for video editing or gaming. These two common complaints from monitor reviews do not apply to trading.

A monitor with a standard 1920 x 1080p display is adequate for clear viewing of your trades. Practically all monitors have this standard 1920 x 1080p standard hd display now. It is also best to have a monitor that doesn't have too much glare. As well as providing good viewing angles. This will reduce eye fatigue and allow for easier screen viewing without much effort.   
The Dell U2415 24 Inch Monitor is a popular choice for traders it fits the criteria perfectly.

Normally monitors are 24 inches you can buy ones that are 27 or even 34 inches but 24 is adequate. It is better to have two 24 inch monitors than one 34 inch monitor for trading since you can neatly separate 2 windows on 2 screens instead of one big screen. If you do other tasks that involve more video clarity such as video editing, gaming, or simulations, the Dell P2415Q monitor is a good choice as it was one of the first affordable and reliable 4k monitors that continually gets cheaper. It can be used for trading and other more visually demanding tasks such as home entertainment with movies and games. 

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Monitor Stands

It is possible to just use the monitor base stand that comes with your monitor but for a setup with two or more monitors a monitor stand can help save room and organize your workspace. Monitor stands also improve ergonomics and reduce the stress and strain of poorly angled monitors. Here are two popular stands that have been adapted onto many setups.




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Keyboard And Mouse

While a standard keyboard and mouse are adequate for trading it is preferable to have efficient and comfortable ergonomic tools. Mechanical keyboards and mice used for gaming are often used for work since they are ergonomically designed and efficient.
For example the 
allows for more comfortable and efficient key pressing.

Even more important than the keyboard is the mouse. Using a gaming mouse with multiple programmable buttons can save a lot of time by reducing the number of clicks and key presses. They are also good for reducing wrist strain. Choice will vary more than keyboards since mice are far more dependent on whether you are left or right handed and your hand size.

Mice like the Logitech G502 and UtechSmart Venus Mouse are popular choices that are generally comfortable for most people's hands and are also very comfortable and efficient.

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Surge Protectors

Surge protectors protect your electronics from power outages and regulate inconsistent electricity that may come through your outlets. They also provide a safe way to plug in multiple electronics. Though they have a reputation for being noisy. An affordable choice for a quiet surge protector that can handle a trading computer's electricity demands is the 

The TrickleStar 12 Outlet Advanced Power Strip is more suitable  if you have more electronics plugged in.

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Backup Power

In the event there is a power outage you may still have internet access as long as your internet connection is still available. To significantly reduce risk it is highly recommended for traders to have a backup supply sometimes called a uninterrupted power supply (UPS). This is essentially a big battery that will immediately power your computer if the main power goes out. This power will last for a short time but it will be enough to exit positions and cancel orders. This is far more affordable than having a full blown generator.
Each UPS will vary in how much power they can hold and how long they take to charge. Here are a few suggestions.




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