is this too much or just enough computer

[jinxu]

Whatever; you haven't a clue! No, you don't need to install four graphic cards. And if they are expensive, wouldn't that mean that their system is even more expensive? I'm done!! LOL!!!

I don't know why you are arguing with this. It's morning and this is a extremely low priority discussion for me. So having said that, First you didn't say what PC option you are referring to so I have nothing to critic on. Second, you only need 1 very powerful graphic card to use as your main one. The rest just need to be capable of running 4K resolution so you can buy cheap parts there.

I'm done too. Further to add. A powerful PC does not make a good trader. Hehe.

 

[Joebone]

Are you able to identify from your current computer what the bottleneck is in the backtests? Are you using so much data that RAM isn't sufficient? Or are so many calculations involved that the CPU is not powerful enough and takes a long time?
Once you know what the limitations are of your current computer in your intended use cases are you better able to define what requirements you have for your new computer.

in response to Proptrader as well

i have no idea if this tells me me anything?

Im not running TWS atm either so i would expect more drag then.. maybe i should fire that up as well

 

[Scataphagos]

Wrong dude! I looked and what they want over $1900 for a lessor computer than I built for $1400 that is more powerful, Their system won't handle my four 4K monitors.

Wrong on YOU, dude. The ad is for refurbished. (Workstations often run 10 years or more. Those off-lease ones are likely 3-years in service.) That one is 6-core, passmark ~12700.) Anybody's system will "handle four, 4k monitors" with the proper video card.

 

[Scataphagos]

From my experience, Dells are also difficult to clean and accumulate dust, become noisy and rust on the inside.

Overly generalized and innacurate, misleading.

1. All computers gather dust. Blow them out twice a year.

2. All fans become noisy evenually. Replace when they do.

3. "Rust in Dells"? I've had Dell Precisions for years and have never seen it. What did you do, dump a coke in yours and not clean it out?

 

[HobbyTrading]

in response to Proptrader as well

i have no idea if this tells me me anything?

Im not running TWS atm either so i would expect more drag then.. maybe i should fire that up as well

You should be looking at the CPU usage and the "System Memory" usage while a backtest is running. And see whether any of those is hitting the ceiling.
TWS does not consume much CPU. And its system memory (i.e RAM) usage depends on how many charts and windows you have open at the same time.

 

[Scataphagos]

Though for advanced usage and someone with a proven trading edge I always recommend to self build

And I... lonnnnng time computer user for trading.... recommend NOT building your own for trading, (If you want to BIY just for the thrill of it, do it for a recreational use computer.)... especially if using more than one machine. Workstations preferred for trading.... Dell, HP, Lenovo... take your pick, but Dell usually has the better price.

 

[Scataphagos]

So how do i figure this out? Do i need some analytic software to tell me whats the bottle neck?

also.. MC doesn't run on a mac.. so a new PC is coming no matter what... the question is how much Umph do i need today?.. and how much can I save without severely hampering my ability to backtest?

thanks

You should consider how much you're going to run concurrently.

"Windows multi-tasking" is a great thing, but it doesn't have infinite capability. (I don't run nearly as much as you say you're going to, and I use 2 computers for trading set-up... spread the task load, so to speak.)

 

[Scataphagos]

The one thing missing from Dell systems is a decent cooling system.

Not true. In Dell Precision models, ambient air is drawn across the CPU heatsink. (Lesser models, not recommeded for trading, may have a fan mounted on the CPU. That's never the best cooling solution.)

So... what's your deal? You've knocked Dell TWICE in this thread.... and been full of crap in both cases. Facts don't matter to you... just a Dell hater?

 

[Starspa]

Anybody's system will "handle four, 4k monitors" with the proper video card.

You're kidding, right? LOL!!!

 

[Scataphagos]

You're kidding, right? LOL!!!

Not kidding at all. You don't know that? If not, maybe you should just STFU when it comes to offering hardware advice. (Jeez... you've already made a fool of yourself... maybe you should cut your losses and keep quiet... or maybe get informed before you flap your gums.)