New Tower Components

gnome · Dec 23, 2002

Quote from wan2BTrader:

my HD is a maxtor and comes w Blast II. I'm thinking partition it to make it more efficient. Regarding backup, right now I have no need, otherwise I would bought a raid version MB. I may consider in the future. It actually presents a problem if I want to add a HD. There will be no more power plug left once I add DVD unless I disconect a fan.

1. Partitioning will probably not make your HD more efficient.
2. "... no need [for backup]"... a dangerous thought.
3. I didn't mean "add a 2nd HD to present system", but rather have one handy to swap out should you catch a virus or HD failure... a 5 minute process. Even for those with 2xHD systems... a virus might corrupt BOTH of them before you can stop the carnage. That's why it's good to have a backup outside your machine.
4. Disconnecting any fan is probably a baaad idea.

Just wondering, do you take the same type of risks with your trading capital as your trading computer?

wan2BTrader · Dec 23, 2002

Quote from canyonman00:

And now you're really dangerous.

wan2BTrader · Dec 23, 2002

Quote from gnome:

1. Partitioning will probably not make your HD more efficient.
2. "... no need [for backup]"... a dangerous thought.
3. I didn't mean "add a 2nd HD to present system", but rather have one handy to swap out should you catch a virus or HD failure... a 5 minute process. Even for those with 2xHD systems... a virus might corrupt BOTH of them before you can stop the carnage. That's why it's good to have a backup outside your machine.
4. Disconnecting any fan is probably a baaad idea.

Just wondering, do you take the same type of risks with your trading capital as your trading computer?

I may use it for trading and right now it is still uncertain. However, if I use it for trading, I'll definitely considering your "clone" HD idea and I agree this is very cost effective.

I have another question to those who use cable modem and dial-up as back up (this is what I'll do if I trade from home), can anyone explain how to set this up?

spadger · Dec 24, 2002

Quote from canyonman00:

But my pride is a Beowulf cluster which is based on PII's and runs rings around the other equipment. Maximum speed drives and fully populated high end RAM makes it quite a formidable setup.

I'm thinking of building a Beowulf cluster for market modelling. Grateful if you could give me a bit more detail of your setup.

There seems to be a lot of information on University clusters but little information for the enthusiast - or more likely I'm looking in the wrong place.

Many thanks

canyonman00 · Dec 25, 2002

I'm thinking of building a Beowulf cluster for market modelling. Grateful if you could give me a bit more detail of your setup.

There seems to be a lot of information on University clusters but little information for the enthusiast - or more likely I'm looking in the wrong place. Many thanks

Not much more to tell. No exotic hardware setup to brag about. All pretty standard stuff. I developed it as a personal toy and then improved upon it as a demo platform for a client. It was never pressed into any trading duties however, with its ability for scaling and multitasking I see where it could be an asset. It has been an extremely good thoroughbred handicapper though.

wan2BTrader · Feb 3, 2003

Quote from Stock_Lover:

keep us posted on how you do

I have been running this thing for about a month and very satisfied. I haven't run into any problem.

This is summary of components.
MSI mb $77 non bluetooth non raid(box)
AMD xp 1700 $60 (box)
Maxtor 80 GB 7200 $60 after rebates(box)
Samsung 512 MB PC2700 $122 (OEM)
Enermax 501w case w/ 300w power $59 (box)
Pacific Digital CDW $35 after rebate (box)
matrox g450 dual head video card $70
win2k pro (gift I got a year ago)

Additionally, to disable password prompt, goto control panel -> users & password, uncheck users must enter a user name and password to use this computer. I did check the reg and looks like that window just reset reg entries.

nitro · Feb 4, 2003

Quote from canyonman00:

... It has been an extremely good thoroughbred handicapper though.

Dude,

I gotta know what this thoroughbred handicapper is.

nitro

Roscoe · Feb 4, 2003

I did a lot of digging before spec'ing my new system, and I am extremely pleased with the result:

AMD +1800 (Intel is slow by comparison)
ASUS A7X266 mobo (for reliability)
512MB RAM
40G HDDs x 2 (using Duocor's XactCopy backup)
Win2000Pro OS (XP has some funnies I hear)
Matrox G550 dual head video card
Zalman flower cpu cooler & 92mm/40cfm fan
another Zalman 92mm/40cfm fan as a case fan
QuietPC.com Silent power supply & HDD silencers
plus the usual - good keyboard, optical 5-button mouse.

This thing is rock steady and fast!

Cost a bit more but the reliability is worth it IMHO.

I've bought cheap systems before and regretted it.

canyonman00 · Feb 4, 2003

Quote from nitro:

Dude,

I gotta know what this thoroughbred handicapper is.

nitro

A few years ago I wrote a book on Handicapping Thoroughbreds (Handicapping Thoroughbreds With Confidence). Part of the task involved taking what I called the ultimate challenge, self-use. I took $400 and three days and followed the technique. I watched the funds grow to over $4,000 net during that stretch. I documented the whole episode in chapter 14 and proceeded to complete the writing.

Chapter 20 is titled, "Making the Software." The book never came to market for I am not too sure that I'd like everyone to know how to pick the correct 7-1 shot regularly. For 12 years now, I have existed just under the radar. At the local OTB I am considered a freak who gets lucky and I am still virtually unknown by most of the patrons.

Since the cluster was completed, online wagering has been added to the package and now I visit the parlor for laughs and generally entertaining with friends. Last week (Tampa, Jan. 28th, race 7) I took down a $9,584.80 superfecta without even leaving the house. That was for a $2 wager, I had a $10 superfecta investment along with a win investment of $200 and a place investment of $200. I love my job!

nitro · Feb 4, 2003

Quote from canyonman00:

A few years ago I wrote a book on Handicapping Thoroughbreds (Handicapping Thoroughbreds With Confidence). Part of the task involved taking what I called the ultimate challenge, self-use. I took $400 and three days and followed the technique. I watched the funds grow to over $4,000 net during that stretch. I documented the whole episode in chapter 14 and proceeded to complete the writing.

Chapter 20 is titled, "Making the Software." The book never came to market for I am not too sure that I'd like everyone to know how to pick the correct 7-1 shot regularly. For 12 years now, I have existed just under the radar. At the local OTB I am considered a freak who gets lucky and I am still virtually unknown by most of the patrons.

Since the cluster was completed, online wagering has been added to the package and now I visit the parlor for laughs and generally entertaining with friends. Last week (Tampa, Jan. 28th, race 7) I took down a $9,584.80 superfecta without even leaving the house. That was for a $2 wager, I had a $10 superfecta investment along with a win investment of $200 and a place investment of $200. I love my job!

I love it!

nitro