is this too much or just enough computer

You don't need much computing power with today's hardware level for average back testing. Are you testing on years of tick based data? Is your backtest framework extremely complex and multi threaded? Then you might need specific components. But for the needs you described even a fast quad core CPU is way sufficient. I would rather go for 32gb vs 16gb memory than opting for a 6core vs 4core CPU in case of budget constraints..

OK, here my summary: from what you described you don't need to spend that much on a computer. You clearly are a beginner in this field which is perfectly fine. Get a machine with i5 CPU which is way sufficient for your needs, 16gb or 32gb memory, an ssd drive for the OS, 256-500gb, an a physical hard disk perhaps 2-4tb. Don't ever waste a penny on a fancy graphics card. You don't need that for trading. The computer should definitely lie way below 1000 dollars for such setup, in fact it should costs closer to 700. The Dell machine is way overpriced for what it offers.

And I take a stab at recommending a single machine. You want to spend time on backtesting algorithms not on maintaining 2 or 3 operating systems and machines. With 2 or 3 machines you just doubled or tripped the chance of a defect. A secondary computer comes into play after you found an edge in trading and now want to employ real capital and safeguard against hardware failures. You don't need to worry about a hardware failure when you back test. I believe keeping priorities straight is the most important.


im working back through some of the more helpful earlier posts.. and saw this one

what about this?
http://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell...jc0OSwiT3B0cyI6W3siSWQiOiJDSTVTTUwifV19XX0%3D
 
Nonsense. Faster ram has virtually zero effect even for gamers, much less so for trading. Many motherboards also do not support the currently fastest advertised speed of memory modules. I would actually recommend to go with slower memory for compatibility reasons (if buying a complete box then the modules should be compatible with all other components by default)

If they offer faster RAM for the same price (2666 MHz versus 2400 MHz) I would advise to take the faster version.
 
I scalp. I use a laptop..Ipad and pay as you go internet connection for trading using my ipad as a hotspot..ROFLMAO. Scalp while my wife drives 70 mph down interstate. Scalp while traveling in the Motor Home. Can scalp while fishing on the river bank or in a fishing skiff. Can scalp while eating breakfast or lunch BUT that one does piss my wife off.

If I scalp 1 to 5 points OVER and OVER in ES, and 10 to 50 points in the YM, and 3 to 15 points in the NQ, all while racing down the highway using THE IPAD as a hotspot. So.....if I can scalp using minimal equipment and minimal connection why does a body need all that fancy gear?

When at home I trade on satellite hughes net internet as no cable where I live but i can scalp while gardening...ROFLMAO.

I can even plant curvy sexy rows of corn with my curvy sexy wife and trade at the same time!

View attachment 185554

View attachment 185555

View attachment 185556

View attachment 185557
You're not a real trader until you've scalped during a root canal while skydiving.
 
Nonsense. Faster ram has virtually zero effect even for gamers, much less so for trading. Many motherboards also do not support the currently fastest advertised speed of memory modules. I would actually recommend to go with slower memory for compatibility reasons (if buying a complete box then the modules should be compatible with all other components by default)
In this particular case does Dell recommend both RAM versions (2400 and 2666 MHz). So I assume that both are compatible with the other components of the desktop computer.
 
Back
Top