Quote from justrading:
I started this thread but it seems to have been lost over the weekend so I've got to post all over again. I am looking for advice on specs for a new PC, either custom built or a Dell Precision. If custom built it will be assembled at a shop that specialises in building high end gaming rigs, so please provide detailed specs, because if asked if I prefer A or B I would not have a clue.
I typically run all at the same time;
OS-Windows 7 home premium 64-bit
IBs TWS - tracking 58 symbols in watchlists. Used for order entry, portfolio management, receiving option chains and charting about 10 option spreads. Number of symbols tracked/charts will increase.
Sierra Charts - 3 separate installations, 10 chartbooks tracking 58 symbols in 232 charts. 75% of the charts have about 16 studies and the remainder 6-8 studies each. All charts have attached spreadsheet studies which capture real-time data. Using native spreadsheets, not Excel.
Excel - 6 workbooks plus 3 from Hoadley running macros. Fairly large.
Firefox - email, browsing, 4-6 tabs at a time
Webinar software whenever I am not actively trading.
Budget $1,000 to $1,500, but I could stretch this a bit if justified. Looking to run 4x23 inch monitors. Tower configuration preferred. Ambient operating temperature 25C-30C (77F-86F), machine on during RTH to capture data, but I don't watch full time. I don't day trade, positions are held for days-weeks.
@Scataphagos - I managed to make some notes from your posts, thanks
@ofthomas - I saw the post about 2 machines, but unfortunately did not have time to make any notes. Thanks for the response to my PM. One question did come to mind when I read about 2 machines;
My existing machine is an Acer Aspire M3910 with core i5-760. It cost $961 excl. monitors and keyboard. The first Mobo (EIH57MK) failed after 3 months, the replacement failed after 2 years and 1 month.
The same machine obviously would cost much less now, but assuming that the comparative level of technology and quality would be at the same price point today, how does buying a cheaper machine ensure greater reliability?