Buying my First Trading Rig - What Should I Buy?

Most computers nowadays are equipped with a lot more power and memory then you will ever need. Just a few years ago, guys were trading on half as much power and memory.

So, with that said, buy the quietest, smallest HP computer. Usually the fan on most computers makes the most noise. The noise of the fan from your computer will drive you crazy.

I wouldnt worry about CPU or memory. Any new computer will run your trading software with ease.

I have an HP A1383W purchased in 2006. At times, it runs all night long and sometimes I dont turn it off for days. There are 15000 hours on the hard-drive according to the SMART software (625 days of continuous on operation). The hard drive never crashed.

Go with the slimline HP. I just looked at the HP website and you can get a fully optioned out slimline with quadcore processor and 3 GB memory with lots of gadgets for $1300.

Since you might have to stash it under a desk or move it around a bit, then its best to go with the slimline...
 
Here are the measurements. Get the slimline. You will thank me when you are trying to position, stash or move the PC. The regular size is this huge box whereas the slimline's size is a lot more tolerable to live with.

Eventually all these computers will become outdated and what you are left with is this huge metal box. Its best to get the smaller metal box as that will save room and be more convenient to move about.

Slimline:
13.89"(L) x 4.21"(W) x 10.87"(H)

Regular Size:
16.28"(L) x 6.89"(W) x 15.24"(H)

Quote from aeliodon:

Here is what I'm considering:


1st Option
HP Pavilion a6660t customizable Desktop PC - Around $1100
FK481AV#ABA

* – Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
* – Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor E8400 (3.0GHz)
* – FREE UPGRADE! To 3GB DDR2-800MHz dual channel SDRAM (2x1024,2x512) from 2GB
* – 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 9300 and TV Tuner Card/PVR
* – FREE UPGRADE! to 750GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive from 500GB
* – Wireless-G LAN card and external modem
* – LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive
* – 15-in-1 memory card reader, 2 USB, audio
* – Integrated 7.1 channel sound with front audio ports
* – Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
* – No additional security software
* – No speakers
* – HP wireless keyboard and HP wireless optical mouse
* – HP Pocket Media Drive bay
* – HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
* Two 19 inch monitors included

2nd Option

HP Pavilion Slimline s3600t customizable Desktop PC - Around $1000
FK479AV#ABA

* – Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
* – Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor E7200 (2.5GHz, 3MB)
* – FREE UPGRADE! To 3GB DDR2-800MHz SDRAM (1x2048,1x1024) from 2GB
* – 128MB NVIDIA GeForce 9300 [DVI, VGA adapter]
* – FREE UPGRADE to 500GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive from 320GB
* – Wireless-G LAN card and external modem
* – LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive
* – 15-in-1 memory card reader, 2 USB, headphone port
* – No TV Tuner w/remote control
* – Integrated 5.1 channel sound with front audio ports
* – Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
* – No additional security software
* – No speakers
* – HP wireless keyboard and HP wireless optical mouse
* – HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
* Two 19 inch monitors included


I guess both are pretty much the same.

I'm I missing something?
Are the selected computers inadequate?
Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks.
More...
 
Quote from Port1385:

Most computers nowadays are equipped with a lot more power and memory then you will ever need. Just a few years ago, guys were trading on half as much power and memory.

I wouldnt worry about CPU or memory. Any new computer will run your trading software with ease.

More...

This is my thinking when it comes to my business/personal computer. The medium range is the price sweetpoint.

And this is also probably true for many traders who do not use terribly intensive trading software.

However, there is plenty of hardcore financial analysis software that works better with the extra juice.

On my new computer I spent an extra $600 from the medium-range knowing that this will pay for itself.
 
Any gaming PC will be good for trading, it will have the memory, HD space, and a powerful enough video card to run at least 2 screens. I use a SONY VIAO..it was little over 2k.
 
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