Quote from CodeX:
So for backtesting i will need another system with high end CPU and memory. Whereas for trading, i will not need as much CPU / Memory Power
One system for charting / order entry (with medium specs) and for back testing, an advanced system?
correct... and like @Scataphagos said, it is a good idea to get your trading one first... but mostly because backtesting is all about how quickly you want those answers, that determines how much "power" you need... if you are impatient, get the most power you can, if you can wait a day or two, then something medium..
but again, my simplest point that I cant stress enough: if you can get the best for $500-600, just do it...
here... look at this site when comparing CPU's in terms of what "work" they can do..
http://www.cpubenchmark.net ... it will help you a bit, but dont just focus on that... remember that a system is a combination of things... you can have a great engine in a car, but crappy tires... and while your engine can go at 150MPH without issues, your tires will give out @ 80MPH...
so your SSD's, memory @ 1600MHZ, right amount of memory (8GB at least), being 64bit will all be things you want to keep in mind...
and go refurb!... I dont think we can stress that enough... you get a year warranty for the most part on desktops, but that is really all you need... I dont think I've ever called support on my desktops (laptops and monitors is another thing)...
and here... email this person and ask her for the latest deals on HP refurb.. I dont have any association, I am merely subscribed to their mailing list...
Ronnie Carrell
SMB Inside Sales Representative
Hewlett-Packard Company
Main 1-855-707-0279 Fax 1-505 796-5316
ronnie.gai.carrell@hp.com
and I just went to their site and you can also find the list here..
http://h71016.www7.hp.com/html/hpremarketing/daily.asp
oh, and at the risk getting flamed...stay away from AMD... they used to have the lead... they lost it a long, long time ago once Intel started losing market share... that is reality... nothing wrong with their CPU's... am sure, just that all my experience has been with Intel with a brief stay with AMD (less than 2 years)...