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djemzine
Jul 18th, 2012, 01:03 AM
Hi hi,

This time my query is for a friend:


I am looking for a computer that can handle online trading. I will need fast speed and the ability to handle a lot of open windows at the same time on multiple monitors (3-4 monitors).
So I am guessing 4 GB RAM minimum.
Computer will be on most of the day with streaming real-time data, not sure what needs upgrading to handle that kind of pressure.

Processor speed preferably 2.7 GHz or higher.

How much would something like this set up cost to build in parts and supplies? Thanks.

Any suggestions folks:

Here is what I came up with, maybe you guys can add/remove info based on what I replied?


Okay, so based on the information/requirements you have stated, here is what I suggest:

1) The 2.7GHz CPU would be suitable for sure and I assume you won't be overclocking the CPU at all? I highly also suggest that you leave it at stock.
2) 4GB of RAM is fine, but with the prices of RAM being reasonable in terms of affordability, perhaps 6GB or 8GB will be sufficient as well.
3) I would definitely recommend an SSD for the main installation of Windows, and its easier for multi tasking as it does not have mechanical parts like a regular HDD and makes caching/accessing data easier. For storage you can definitely use regular HDDs around the 1.0TB/2TB Capacity.
4) The key part here is the video card. Since you would want to be able to have a 3 to 4 monitor setup, a good video card will be suitable.

As for the price points here is what I found:

1) CPU - Intel Core i5 2300 2.8Ghz, $193, but for $20 more you could get the i5 2500K 3.3Ghz for $210. Better performance wise. Can't go wrong and its very popular.
2) RAM - You can find 8GB of DDR3 RAM @1600Mhz for roughly $45 to $50 depending on the sale.
3) SSD - Perhaps 120GB for installation of Windows and programs that don't take up a lot of space. 240GB if you need the extra space but gets expensive. 120GB SSDs usually range from $80 to $110 depending on the brand and if on a sale. I highly recommend Intel as the choice for SSDs. You get better reliability and a less chance of it failing.

Sadly the price of regular HDDs have not drastically fallen in price and its quiet rare to see a really good sale. They can be in the $70 to $100 again depending on a sale/brand.

4) Video cards, well you might be looking roughly around $200 to $250 for a really good one. I'd have to double check on this one though based on a 3 - 4 monitor set up.

As for the case, it doesn't really matter what case you get. They vary in price and they come with fans, etc. They're usually reasonable in price around $50 for a decent one. Forgot to mention the Power Supply Unit (PSU). I'd suggest 650W for your kind of set up for sure. Motherboards usually range from $70 to $180 again depending on price, sale and what features it has. I'd recommend a motherboard with at least 2 USB 3.0 ports and at least 2 Sata 3 ports.

TheRed
Jul 18th, 2012, 01:39 AM
Whats your friend's trading platform? If its java-based, duh, you'd need 8GB ram minimum and maybe Core i5 quad core. I am assuming your friend is day trading and therefore monitors 100's of stocks and live streaming the quotes and graphs which take a lot of toll on the processor and a lot of memory as well.

For comparison, I was using my 2009 Macbook Pro with 8GB of RAM and using only a web-based platform and monitoring only 20 of stocks or so and my processor is already running at 100% and this is dual core 2.6ghz something.

Do not overclock when you're trading! You need stability and a windows crash could well mean a little crash in your friend's portfolio lol.

MkmBandit
Jul 18th, 2012, 01:51 AM
-Get your friend a 5770 or 6770 for multi monitor support. ATI/AMD do it far better then nV.
-8gb of RAM. Why? Why not..?
-SSD will help immensely in certain scenario's, for example if multiple files are being downloaded and he's trying to open multiple tabs/browsers simultaneously.
-Processor speed is less important then the above points however, and I may not win many fans for suggesting this, but AMD hexa's are fantastic for multitasking.

My setup is more or less the same as I've suggested above. I experience near zero lag when performing multiple operations. Heck, I could be in the middle of rendering out a 1080p video in After Effects and Chrome is still blazing fast and caching pages with ease. But I also have an excessive amount of RAM and cores to spare so that may not be a good example.. an i5(k) would hold up fine I'm sure.

Junigenmukyoku
Jul 18th, 2012, 02:04 AM
I think 16GB RAM would be good for him.

cloakster
Jul 18th, 2012, 02:22 AM
i5 2500k (overclock it)
CM Hyper 212 Evo cooler
Gigabyte Z77-d3h
16GB of RAM (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=73133&vpn=F3-12800CL10D-16GBXL&manufacture=G.Skill&promoid=1207)
AMD radeon HD 7750
Corsair TX650W v2
128GB Crucial M4 SSD
1TB WD Caviar Black
W.e case you want

^My suggested build. Should come out to be just under 1000 before tax.

Magoomba
Jul 18th, 2012, 04:28 AM
Hardware aside, don't forget to get dual internet connection.
Nothing sucks more than to lose your internet when you're trying to trade!

djemzine
Jul 18th, 2012, 10:06 AM
i5 2500k (overclock it)
CM Hyper 212 Evo cooler
Gigabyte Z77-d3h
16GB of RAM (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=73133&vpn=F3-12800CL10D-16GBXL&manufacture=G.Skill&promoid=1207)
AMD radeon HD 7750
Corsair TX650W v2
128GB Crucial M4 SSD
1TB WD Caviar Black
W.e case you want

^My suggested build. Should come out to be just under 1000 before tax.

Good suggestion but three things:

1) Why OC the CPU when someone mentioned there's no need. There's a higher risk of crashes, etc especially with this kind of job
2) If not OCing, the aftermarket cooler is not required correct?
3) Does the 7750 have multiple monitor support? Is this card really required for such work? Or can the 6670 do the same thing but less price?

xalex0
Jul 18th, 2012, 10:18 AM
2.7GHz is not specific enough to describe the CPU. If the software supports multithreading (which it should) then a higher number of cores could make sense. On the other hand, since the machine is intended for prolonged usage and with downtime being extremely undesirable, I would consider some low-power or passively cooled components. If the data display does not produce intense 3D then a basic GPU with sufficient number of output ports will be enough.
For even greater availability one could consider building 2 mirrored systems and keep one as a backup.

DavidY
Jul 18th, 2012, 11:26 AM
Good suggestion but three things:

1) Why OC the CPU when someone mentioned there's no need. There's a higher risk of crashes, etc especially with this kind of job
2) If not OCing, the aftermarket cooler is not required correct?
3) Does the 7750 have multiple monitor support? Is this card really required for such work? Or can the 6670 do the same thing but less price?

Personally, I would NOT overclock....OP needs stability. IMO, i5-2500K is no longer a real choice with the i5-3570K being a bit faster and newer (Ivy Bridge and it's benefits) for $20 or so more.

As for an aftermarket cooler when not overclocking...there are those would still use one (vs. stock) since they keep the temperatures even lower....even more stability. I would use one if my computer was vital or if I wasn't on a tight budget. Hard to go wrong with a $30+ aftermarket cooler....always doing it's job.

Video card selection will be vital for 3-4 monitors. Both the 6xxx and 7xxx have (daisychaining I think) support for multiple monitors (up to 6)...via DisplayPort. 7xxx support 4K rez (4096x2160) monitors....I don't think that 6xxx can support 4K monitors..only up to 2560x1600.

Dave

djemzine
Jul 18th, 2012, 11:56 AM
Personally, I would NOT overclock....OP needs stability. IMO, i5-2500K is no longer a real choice with the i5-3570K being a bit faster and newer (Ivy Bridge and it's benefits) for $20 or so more.

As for an aftermarket cooler when not overclocking...there are those would still use one (vs. stock) since they keep the temperatures even lower....even more stability. I would use one if my computer was vital or if I wasn't on a tight budget. Hard to go wrong with a $30+ aftermarket cooler....always doing it's job.

Video card selection will be vital for 3-4 monitors. Both the 6xxx and 7xxx have (daisychaining I think) support for multiple monitors (up to 6)...via DisplayPort. 7xxx support 4K rez (4096x2160) monitors....I don't think that 6xxx can support 4K monitors..only up to 2560x1600.

Dave

So for the choice of video card, its better to go with a 7 series then? Such as the HD 7750?

xalex0
Jul 18th, 2012, 01:02 PM
Isn't it possible to off-load some monitors to the onboard video with newer motherboards?

DavidY
Jul 18th, 2012, 01:49 PM
So for the choice of video card, its better to go with a 7 series then? Such as the HD 7750?

If you have 4K rez monitors, only the 7 series works. If not, both 6 and 7 series should be fine for up to 6 monitors. I haven't done it myself. Info on both are on the AMD website.

Dave