New Trading Computer

[johnbennett103]

I bought a Dell dual quad core server off lease on ebay for about $600 two years ago. I have used it to run some algos and it has never crashed. I also use it to crunch models after hours. The only downside it puts out a lot of heat.

 

[FSU]

I have had a lot of luck with Powerspec. This is Microcenter's house brand. I recently got this one, http://www.microcenter.com/product/463588/B727_Desktop_Computer
and upgraded the ram to 32g (from 16) for and extra $50, so $849 total plus tax. Have been very happy with it.

 

[Deuteronomy_24_7]

I purchased a Dell T3500 with xeon 2.87 ghz with 24gb ram, nvidia nvs 450 graphics card with 500gb hd all for 180 bucks, ebay free shipping .

That's quite a deal. Can you share the url of the auction?

 

[viruscore1]

That's quite a deal. Can you share the url of the auction?

Sure, I purchased a lot of 3 HP Z400 for $416 and 1 Dell T3500 my processor is 2.87ghz all came with nvidia NVS 420 and multiple 450 graphics card. Lots of ECC ram.

 

[Deuteronomy_24_7]

OK, 6gb RAM, not 24gb. That makes more sense at the pricepoint.

 

[viruscore1]

The HP came with lots of ram, the dell has 12gb.

 

[SoesWasBetter]

Hmm... time to put that old chestnut to bed I think.

No it doesn't "work out a lot cheaper".

Its maybe, possibly a little cheaper if (a) you really,really,really know what you're doing (i.e. no time wasting at any stage) and (b) you're able to source parts at a reasonable cost (which tends to be difficult on low volume) and (c) you value your time at zero.

For your average Joe, it really isn't cheaper because :

(a) Most people who say "its cheaper" are doing so because they are valuing their time at zero throughout the process. Even if you value your time at minimum-wage, if you count the time expended truthfully and honestly (i.e. from the start of the pre-build research and order process right through to the working finished product) it all soon adds up !

Well, since most traders LOSE money, the time spent building the computer is probably money SAVED.
The old chestnut lives.

 

[SoesWasBetter]

This is correct advise. Buy a refurb industrial workstation from Dell or HP, any intel xeon quad core with 16gb ram with ssd would be nice. Don't waste your time at bestbuy or box stores. I purchased a Dell T3500 with xeon 2.87 ghz with 24gb ram, nvidia nvs 450 graphics card with 500gb hd all for 180 bucks, ebay free shipping . I may upgrade to SSD. Installed an nvidia fx580 for total of 6 1080P monitors. Plenty fast as is.

SSD is a no brainer. Do it.

 

[TTStocks]

Thanks lots of good info. I am going to use the computer just for trading. I wont be surfing the internet and will have another computer for this. How much protection does the trading PC need, would you install anti virus on it?

 

[Tim Smith]

would you install anti virus on it?

I'm sorry, but you can't be serious ? Really ?!?

The only computer that doesn't need anti-virus is one that is 100% permanently air-gapped, i.e. :

• NO local network or internet connection, preferably permanently disabled via removal of hardware
• NO CD/DVD drive
• NO usage USB sticks

The moment you have a vector is the moment you have a virus risk.