Just as the weather turns and I want to start trading again, my computer decided to pack up!
It is an old one i have (windows XP 2gb memory 2.8 processor), and rather than paying to have it fixed ive decided to get a new one.
Its main use will be for trading. All the ones I am looking at have loads more memory ( around 4gb and 3 processor.I presumer that more is better?
I like to have betangel running, and sometimes the betfair website, and sportinglife/oddschecker or racing post running at the same time.
I presumer that these new models have enough memory to handle this? Is there an optimal amount? Can you have too much or too little?
Also, they all seem to have windows 7 as their operating system. Is this ok? Will this cause any issues with betangel? Is betangel compatiable with windows 7?
Apologies if these seem like very novice questions, I just dont want to buy a new computer and then find I cant trade on it!
Any help and pointers very much apprecicated, thanks in advance.
Computer help required please
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JollyGreen
- Posts: 2047
- Joined: Sat Mar 21, 2009 10:06 am
Hi Oscar
Any PC you buy these days is 99.9% certain to handle your needs. The only concern would be the graphics card fitted (or not fitted) within the new PC.
A lot of lower specification PCs use an integrated graphics controller e.g. Intel X4500 Accelerated Graphics. This will handle Bet Angel for most things but you can occasionally get issues with some of the chart settings. You would be better off buying a dedicated graphics card like an ATI or NVidia card.
The dedicated graphics cards will allow you to upgrade to multiple monitors at a later stage should you decide to. They are not expensive and if you haggle with the sales person you should get one for free if the sales person thinks you’ll buy the PC. Ideally you want a dual DVI output card and a quick check on Google should find one that is both suitable and within your budget.
You don't need to spend a fortune; there is no need for a top of the range unit. Almost any dual core unit will more than handle Bet Angel and other normal software applications. You will only struggle if you perform CAD or perhaps video editing.
Bet Angel is Windows 7 compatible so there is no issue there either.
It appears you are a PC novice so try and get some sort of support package with your new PC. Even the best models can fail so it is wise to have some form of support. I have heard good things about Mesh and Dell and I am sure some of the others on here will help you on that front.
Hope that helps
JG
Any PC you buy these days is 99.9% certain to handle your needs. The only concern would be the graphics card fitted (or not fitted) within the new PC.
A lot of lower specification PCs use an integrated graphics controller e.g. Intel X4500 Accelerated Graphics. This will handle Bet Angel for most things but you can occasionally get issues with some of the chart settings. You would be better off buying a dedicated graphics card like an ATI or NVidia card.
The dedicated graphics cards will allow you to upgrade to multiple monitors at a later stage should you decide to. They are not expensive and if you haggle with the sales person you should get one for free if the sales person thinks you’ll buy the PC. Ideally you want a dual DVI output card and a quick check on Google should find one that is both suitable and within your budget.
You don't need to spend a fortune; there is no need for a top of the range unit. Almost any dual core unit will more than handle Bet Angel and other normal software applications. You will only struggle if you perform CAD or perhaps video editing.
Bet Angel is Windows 7 compatible so there is no issue there either.
It appears you are a PC novice so try and get some sort of support package with your new PC. Even the best models can fail so it is wise to have some form of support. I have heard good things about Mesh and Dell and I am sure some of the others on here will help you on that front.
Hope that helps
JG
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davidtownsend
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Mon Jul 05, 2010 10:12 pm
Hi,
I am a computer consultant so I can give you my take on things:-
a) Most new computers now are 64bit. If you going to get a new computer its worth considering getting a 64bit model as there will soon become a time when 64bit will become the norm just as HD TV is now becoming the norm for TV technology about 98% of programs will still run on this its only very old programs you may have an issue with. I have never had any issues with any programs.
b) If you going with 64bit then get the Windows 7 64bit edition. BetAngel has no problems running on Windows 7.
c) If you trade I would recommend a computer having a dual monitor port and setting up dual monitors. Once you have done this you never look back and you be wondering how you ever managed with just one monitor.
d) Memory you want to be looking at 4GB at least for 64bit Windows 7 but BetAngel is not that memory hungry its just that 4GB is a good min for 64bit windows 7.
e) If you trading professionally and for large amounts make sure you get a UPS (battery backup power). Make sure you plug your router into this as well. This will enable you to trade in event of power cut and close out your positions.
f) Finally if you got the money get yourself an iPad with 3G. There is an app called iBetMate that is excellent and this would cover you in case your ISP ADSL connection went down. The iPhone can also do the same but the screen is just smaller. You need to manually green up in iBetMate but there is a "what if" option so you can experiement with different amounts until you get a green screen
I only trade the football so I have more time on my hands compared to horse racing so the above but not be for you.
My personal trading setup is a 30in montior and a 22in monitor with UPS and backed up by iPad on the Three 3G network and also my iPhone on O2 network but that is OTT for most people but my trades exposure is in the region of several thousand pounds so I need that contigency.
I recently set my neighbour up with a trading setup for football. I think it cost just over £1,000 all in. Basically was as follows:-
a) Dell XPS 8100 computer running 64bit Windows. Google coupon codes for Dell and you usually get a coupon for a 10% discount or at least something off the list price.
b) Two Dell 26in Monitors got off ebay for abour £120 each second hand but excellent condition. Try to get the same screen size on both so that you can run the same resolution on both monitors (wide screen is a must)
c) A small UPS in case of power supply issues - costs about £80 off ebay
However if you only trading for a hobby and small amounts then you could probably pick up a standard computer with XP or windows 7 on it and use that. I guess it all depends on how your trading. Best of luck with your setup.
I am a computer consultant so I can give you my take on things:-
a) Most new computers now are 64bit. If you going to get a new computer its worth considering getting a 64bit model as there will soon become a time when 64bit will become the norm just as HD TV is now becoming the norm for TV technology about 98% of programs will still run on this its only very old programs you may have an issue with. I have never had any issues with any programs.
b) If you going with 64bit then get the Windows 7 64bit edition. BetAngel has no problems running on Windows 7.
c) If you trade I would recommend a computer having a dual monitor port and setting up dual monitors. Once you have done this you never look back and you be wondering how you ever managed with just one monitor.
d) Memory you want to be looking at 4GB at least for 64bit Windows 7 but BetAngel is not that memory hungry its just that 4GB is a good min for 64bit windows 7.
e) If you trading professionally and for large amounts make sure you get a UPS (battery backup power). Make sure you plug your router into this as well. This will enable you to trade in event of power cut and close out your positions.
f) Finally if you got the money get yourself an iPad with 3G. There is an app called iBetMate that is excellent and this would cover you in case your ISP ADSL connection went down. The iPhone can also do the same but the screen is just smaller. You need to manually green up in iBetMate but there is a "what if" option so you can experiement with different amounts until you get a green screen
I only trade the football so I have more time on my hands compared to horse racing so the above but not be for you.
My personal trading setup is a 30in montior and a 22in monitor with UPS and backed up by iPad on the Three 3G network and also my iPhone on O2 network but that is OTT for most people but my trades exposure is in the region of several thousand pounds so I need that contigency.
I recently set my neighbour up with a trading setup for football. I think it cost just over £1,000 all in. Basically was as follows:-
a) Dell XPS 8100 computer running 64bit Windows. Google coupon codes for Dell and you usually get a coupon for a 10% discount or at least something off the list price.
b) Two Dell 26in Monitors got off ebay for abour £120 each second hand but excellent condition. Try to get the same screen size on both so that you can run the same resolution on both monitors (wide screen is a must)
c) A small UPS in case of power supply issues - costs about £80 off ebay
However if you only trading for a hobby and small amounts then you could probably pick up a standard computer with XP or windows 7 on it and use that. I guess it all depends on how your trading. Best of luck with your setup.
Hi jollygreen and david,
Thank you both very much for your replies, they were very helpful indeed.
I know what you mean about the dual monitors and how you cant live without them once you've had them!
I currently have two monitors, but, I am only using one of those USB plug in things for my 2nd monitor ( i think i started a thread asking about them about a year ago!).
It has served its purpose, but there is a slightly annoying lag on the second monitor.
Having a fully functioning second monitor, as quick as the first one would be ideal for me.
The computer I am looking at has this graphics card :NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 320 GPU with 1GB of discrete memory.
Will this be enough so that I can plug both my monitors directly into the back of the PC tower and do away with my USB thing? Or do I need to ask for one that specifically states it is for 'dual monitors'?
I think its a good idea that I go somewhere like dell so I can get the full support and not have to bother people on here! The ipad for back up is a great idea, though im quite a few trades away from affording one of those at present!
Thanks again.
Thank you both very much for your replies, they were very helpful indeed.
I know what you mean about the dual monitors and how you cant live without them once you've had them!
I currently have two monitors, but, I am only using one of those USB plug in things for my 2nd monitor ( i think i started a thread asking about them about a year ago!).
It has served its purpose, but there is a slightly annoying lag on the second monitor.
Having a fully functioning second monitor, as quick as the first one would be ideal for me.
The computer I am looking at has this graphics card :NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 320 GPU with 1GB of discrete memory.
Will this be enough so that I can plug both my monitors directly into the back of the PC tower and do away with my USB thing? Or do I need to ask for one that specifically states it is for 'dual monitors'?
I think its a good idea that I go somewhere like dell so I can get the full support and not have to bother people on here! The ipad for back up is a great idea, though im quite a few trades away from affording one of those at present!
Thanks again.