Fellow Traders,I would be grateful for any advice ,experiences or guidance regarding Trading pcs.
I am considering a new one with a fast processor and at least three monitors. I don't have the competence to build myself, but have googled and found several companies who claim to specialise in pcs for traders. I think one is called "Multiple Monitors". Does anyone have experience of them or other similar?
If I go for "off the shelf", will I get a better deal? I must admit,getting a pc without all the useless trial software would be nice.
Many Thanks
Best PC for trading
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JollyGreen
- Posts: 2047
- Joined: Sat Mar 21, 2009 10:06 am
Post a link to the PCs you are looking at. I build all of my own PCs so I can give you advice on what you need.Morph wrote:Fellow Traders,I would be grateful for any advice ,experiences or guidance regarding Trading pcs.
I am considering a new one with a fast processor and at least three monitors. I don't have the competence to build myself, but have googled and found several companies who claim to specialise in pcs for traders. I think one is called "Multiple Monitors". Does anyone have experience of them or other similar?
If I go for "off the shelf", will I get a better deal? I must admit,getting a pc without all the useless trial software would be nice.
Many Thanks
I thought this in my early days of trading, The PC doesnt matter as long as the processor is decent and you have quality broadband (I would surgest Virgin Media), i use BT Infinity as my back up. What matters is you and your mindset as a trader, i am still finding it hard to get my head around that i am pushing £100-£300 through the markets and comming out with £6 - £12 per trade with a £5 margin, but after a week you start to understand seeing your P&L So to summerise i would just get a standard one built with good graphic card that can hold two monitors or if you want to hold more one with x 4 out putsMorph wrote:Fellow Traders,I would be grateful for any advice ,experiences or guidance regarding Trading pcs.
I am considering a new one with a fast processor and at least three monitors. I don't have the competence to build myself, but have googled and found several companies who claim to specialise in pcs for traders. I think one is called "Multiple Monitors". Does anyone have experience of them or other similar?
If I go for "off the shelf", will I get a better deal? I must admit,getting a pc without all the useless trial software would be nice.
Many Thanks
Happy trading
That's the one Euler. Thanks for posting the link. Thanks to all for your thoughts.
I do have a good internet connection, my pc just isn't up to the job anymore of trying to simultaneously display all the info I like to see whilst trading. This results in screen freezes, for example , during audio warnings of impending off times.
I also have screens at the wrong height, giving me backache.
I hope the link Euler posted is interesting to all and Thanks Jolly Green, your thoughts would be appreciated.
Euler, Am I imagining, or did you post many moons ago about a pc/monitor supplier you had good experiences of ?
I do have a good internet connection, my pc just isn't up to the job anymore of trying to simultaneously display all the info I like to see whilst trading. This results in screen freezes, for example , during audio warnings of impending off times.
I also have screens at the wrong height, giving me backache.
I hope the link Euler posted is interesting to all and Thanks Jolly Green, your thoughts would be appreciated.
Euler, Am I imagining, or did you post many moons ago about a pc/monitor supplier you had good experiences of ?
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JollyGreen
- Posts: 2047
- Joined: Sat Mar 21, 2009 10:06 am
There is likely to be a new CPU from Intel which includes a new socket type. I am not sure when it is being released but when it hits the market the older style 1156 and 1366 socket based CPUs will drop in price and offer some real bargains.
Alpha322 made a very good point, get a decent CPU and graphics card (GPU) and you will have very few problems.
The CPUs can be confusing these days and it is pure marketing hype from Intel IMHO. The i3 are Dual Core CPUs and most of the i5 are also dual core until you get to the higher prices and you then get a quad core. To add to the confusion all of the new Socket 1155 i5 CPUs are now quad core. The top CPU is the i7 and these are quad core with the occasional 6 core if you are an extreme freak!!
If you are running normal applications like word processing, spreadsheets, Bet Angel etc you can use an i3 and it will eat these applications no bother. Only this weekend I was running an old Pentium 3 650Mhz based system and it handled Bet Angel no problem at all.
I read from your post that you do not have the skills to build a PC so I would advise you buy from a supplier that can offer ongoing support. I would recommend the PC has the following important items
i3 CPU (i5 if you get a decent deal/offer)
4Gb of RAM
ATi or NVidia GPU with dual DVI output (Do not accept onboard graphics)
Things like Hard Drives, DVD, Keyboard etc are all personal choice. Any 7200rpm HDD (Hard Drive) is fast enough but if you want to splash out then consider a SSD (Solid State Device) but this is a luxury and isn't really necessary.
Last but by no means least, ensure you get a decent PSU and custom CPU Cooler. The PSU is vital because you want it to be quiet and have enough power for future upgrades like extra HDD, GPUs etc. The CPU cooler is also advisable because they are much quieter and more efficient than the standard cooler supplied with the CPU. They keep the heat within the CPU down and this is important to maintain reliability - heat is a killer!!
I hope that helps but feel free to ask anything you like if you are unsure.
Regards
JG
Alpha322 made a very good point, get a decent CPU and graphics card (GPU) and you will have very few problems.
The CPUs can be confusing these days and it is pure marketing hype from Intel IMHO. The i3 are Dual Core CPUs and most of the i5 are also dual core until you get to the higher prices and you then get a quad core. To add to the confusion all of the new Socket 1155 i5 CPUs are now quad core. The top CPU is the i7 and these are quad core with the occasional 6 core if you are an extreme freak!!
If you are running normal applications like word processing, spreadsheets, Bet Angel etc you can use an i3 and it will eat these applications no bother. Only this weekend I was running an old Pentium 3 650Mhz based system and it handled Bet Angel no problem at all.
I read from your post that you do not have the skills to build a PC so I would advise you buy from a supplier that can offer ongoing support. I would recommend the PC has the following important items
i3 CPU (i5 if you get a decent deal/offer)
4Gb of RAM
ATi or NVidia GPU with dual DVI output (Do not accept onboard graphics)
Things like Hard Drives, DVD, Keyboard etc are all personal choice. Any 7200rpm HDD (Hard Drive) is fast enough but if you want to splash out then consider a SSD (Solid State Device) but this is a luxury and isn't really necessary.
Last but by no means least, ensure you get a decent PSU and custom CPU Cooler. The PSU is vital because you want it to be quiet and have enough power for future upgrades like extra HDD, GPUs etc. The CPU cooler is also advisable because they are much quieter and more efficient than the standard cooler supplied with the CPU. They keep the heat within the CPU down and this is important to maintain reliability - heat is a killer!!
I hope that helps but feel free to ask anything you like if you are unsure.
Regards
JG
Thanks JG for such a helpful and considered reply. I will be sure to be cognicent of all your points when making my choice.
i totally agree about the cooling issues. I am horrified by how loud most pc fans are.
I think you are right in your comments about finding a good supplier with the right support.
Do you remember Peter's post about multi-monitor suppliers? Maybe my memory is playing tricks and it was a comment on a web-chat or a blog?
Once again, thanks for giving up your valuable time and may the gods reward you with a 40 point swing trade!
i totally agree about the cooling issues. I am horrified by how loud most pc fans are.
I think you are right in your comments about finding a good supplier with the right support.
Do you remember Peter's post about multi-monitor suppliers? Maybe my memory is playing tricks and it was a comment on a web-chat or a blog?
Once again, thanks for giving up your valuable time and may the gods reward you with a 40 point swing trade!
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JollyGreen
- Posts: 2047
- Joined: Sat Mar 21, 2009 10:06 am
Hi Morph
No problem mate, glad to be of help. I have been to physiotherapy this afternoon so no trading for me.
I have recommended Dell in the past and whilst they have service issues like many suppliers they have usually been okay overall. I have also heard good things about Mesh Computers from friends and other people on here. I am fortunate because I build my own PCs and can handle most problems afterwards.
The PCs on multiple monitors are a bit OTT. You are paying a real premium so their after sales support would need to be pretty special to justify the extra cost.
I also rate the guys at http://www.scan.co.uk for parts and service. They also provide some ready made PCs via http://3xs.scan.co.uk/ and I've heard good things about them.
No problem mate, glad to be of help. I have been to physiotherapy this afternoon so no trading for me.
I have recommended Dell in the past and whilst they have service issues like many suppliers they have usually been okay overall. I have also heard good things about Mesh Computers from friends and other people on here. I am fortunate because I build my own PCs and can handle most problems afterwards.
The PCs on multiple monitors are a bit OTT. You are paying a real premium so their after sales support would need to be pretty special to justify the extra cost.
I also rate the guys at http://www.scan.co.uk for parts and service. They also provide some ready made PCs via http://3xs.scan.co.uk/ and I've heard good things about them.
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andyfuller
- Posts: 4619
- Joined: Wed Mar 25, 2009 12:23 pm
I bought a computer at the start of the year from Yoyo Tech. They are based just off Tottenham Court Road and have a good reputation. They really know their computers, you don't get any rubbish installed on your machine and they offer different levels of after sales care. You can buy off the shelf PC's or custom built ones.
I spent a good while in their shop discussing it with them a couple of weeks before I ordered and was at no stage given the hard sell - I was told I didn't need x but perhaps should consider getting y as x was more than I needed for example. I didn't have to comit to buying from them or anything despite spending over an hour in the store getting them to try a few things out I wanted which weren't the norm.
I would suggest that you write down what you currently use the PC for and how you envisage using it in the future.
For example if you are only using 1 screen now but think in the future you may use 4 you need to bear this in mind. Consider what you plan to run at the same time, for example if you plan to record your trading at the same time as trading you will need a more powerful PC than if you don't plan to do this.
Spend some time thinking things through as you are going to have it for a few years probably.
Spend extra on decent fans as well as has been suggested.
I spent a good while in their shop discussing it with them a couple of weeks before I ordered and was at no stage given the hard sell - I was told I didn't need x but perhaps should consider getting y as x was more than I needed for example. I didn't have to comit to buying from them or anything despite spending over an hour in the store getting them to try a few things out I wanted which weren't the norm.
I would suggest that you write down what you currently use the PC for and how you envisage using it in the future.
For example if you are only using 1 screen now but think in the future you may use 4 you need to bear this in mind. Consider what you plan to run at the same time, for example if you plan to record your trading at the same time as trading you will need a more powerful PC than if you don't plan to do this.
Spend some time thinking things through as you are going to have it for a few years probably.
Spend extra on decent fans as well as has been suggested.
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lilgreenback
- Posts: 211
- Joined: Thu Apr 16, 2009 11:28 am
Hi Morph,
If you are looking for a quality PC and component supplier then I'd look as Joll G and Andy F have suggested at Scan computers and YoYo. Both have excellent reputations.
Personally I'd leave the likes of Dell and Mesh etc alone as they will sell you what they want not necessarily what you'd want to buy.
Don't rush into parting with any money until you have discussed your requirements carefully with them; as JG say's computers is all about jargon and hype.
Decide on a decent Case a robust full tower gives you plenty of room inside for adding things extra drives and fans. It also allows the cables to be stowed tidily and for easier cooling flow. Antec, Cooler Master & Silverstone are good pointers.
As has been mentioned don't skimp on a PSU a good modular one with plenty of power 650 watts may be OTT at present but not when you start adding things. Being modular means you can disconnect the extra power cables so avoiding a "rats nest" Antec, Corsair or Enermax are good uns.
CPU prices are dropping again you don't need to go mad Intel just knock spots of AMD at present look at the i5 mid range or i7 low end though you can get some good deals.
CPU Cooler (very important) go for a (air fan) Thermaltake Frio. Or Even better is the Corsair Hydro H70 sealed water cooler kit. I have the H50 in my computer and it's brilliant. The CPU rarely goes above 30 degs quiet as well.
Motherboard ASUS or Gigabyte both good manufacturers with nice touches in board detail
Memory go for either 4GB or 6GB low latency kit. Kingston or Corsair
GPU Graphics card this can be a personal choice either two lower spec radeons or nvidia's or a better spec'd radeon HD5770 depends on what monitor set up you wish to use and how much you wanna spend.
For a HDD make sure that you go for a large capacity SATA II 500GB+ Samsung Spinpoint are good and cheep or an Uber cool but crazy solid state drive.
Make sure you get a SATA II optical drive as well
And Windows 7 as, Dos 3.1 is a bit slow
There are a couple of other companies depending on where you live there is Aria PC in Manchester. Now they have a hit and miss reputation. I have used then for 3 years+ with no problem fast efficient delivery. Advancetech is another Manc based company again OK.
If you want to save a bit of money they all offer bundle deals and special offers so you buy the CPU, motherboard, and memory all in one they often throw in a case as well (but it is junk). For a bit extra they will build it up and bench test it so it works which is handy.
Have a look at the magazine and website Custom PC it will start to give you an idea of what to look out for. There is no right or wrong answer lots of people will have their own preferences on kit etc. But happy huntin.
If you are looking for a quality PC and component supplier then I'd look as Joll G and Andy F have suggested at Scan computers and YoYo. Both have excellent reputations.
Personally I'd leave the likes of Dell and Mesh etc alone as they will sell you what they want not necessarily what you'd want to buy.
Don't rush into parting with any money until you have discussed your requirements carefully with them; as JG say's computers is all about jargon and hype.
Decide on a decent Case a robust full tower gives you plenty of room inside for adding things extra drives and fans. It also allows the cables to be stowed tidily and for easier cooling flow. Antec, Cooler Master & Silverstone are good pointers.
As has been mentioned don't skimp on a PSU a good modular one with plenty of power 650 watts may be OTT at present but not when you start adding things. Being modular means you can disconnect the extra power cables so avoiding a "rats nest" Antec, Corsair or Enermax are good uns.
CPU prices are dropping again you don't need to go mad Intel just knock spots of AMD at present look at the i5 mid range or i7 low end though you can get some good deals.
CPU Cooler (very important) go for a (air fan) Thermaltake Frio. Or Even better is the Corsair Hydro H70 sealed water cooler kit. I have the H50 in my computer and it's brilliant. The CPU rarely goes above 30 degs quiet as well.
Motherboard ASUS or Gigabyte both good manufacturers with nice touches in board detail
Memory go for either 4GB or 6GB low latency kit. Kingston or Corsair
GPU Graphics card this can be a personal choice either two lower spec radeons or nvidia's or a better spec'd radeon HD5770 depends on what monitor set up you wish to use and how much you wanna spend.
For a HDD make sure that you go for a large capacity SATA II 500GB+ Samsung Spinpoint are good and cheep or an Uber cool but crazy solid state drive.
Make sure you get a SATA II optical drive as well
And Windows 7 as, Dos 3.1 is a bit slow
There are a couple of other companies depending on where you live there is Aria PC in Manchester. Now they have a hit and miss reputation. I have used then for 3 years+ with no problem fast efficient delivery. Advancetech is another Manc based company again OK.
If you want to save a bit of money they all offer bundle deals and special offers so you buy the CPU, motherboard, and memory all in one they often throw in a case as well (but it is junk). For a bit extra they will build it up and bench test it so it works which is handy.
Have a look at the magazine and website Custom PC it will start to give you an idea of what to look out for. There is no right or wrong answer lots of people will have their own preferences on kit etc. But happy huntin.
Lilgreenback,Andy,JG,
Thank you all for such useful replies tonight.
You have all given me such useful info which I would I will use to specify what I need and talk to some suppliers.
I hope that others will also read this thread and benefit your wisdom and that of the earlier posters.Thanks again to all.
Best Regards,
Morph
Thank you all for such useful replies tonight.
You have all given me such useful info which I would I will use to specify what I need and talk to some suppliers.
I hope that others will also read this thread and benefit your wisdom and that of the earlier posters.Thanks again to all.
Best Regards,
Morph
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JollyGreen
- Posts: 2047
- Joined: Sat Mar 21, 2009 10:06 am
I used to know one of the guys at YoYoTech and as Andy says they are very good. I've also used Aria and they've been very good too. I recently used www.overclockers.co.uk and they were excellent. I had to change the motherboard on the order so I phoned them. It is rare these days to be able to phone a supplier and change things.
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superfrank
- Posts: 2762
- Joined: Fri Aug 14, 2009 8:28 pm
Building PCs is way beyond my job description, so I generally just try to buy quality even if it is a bit more expensive.
I recently "invested" in a Lenovo C20 workstation running 64-bit Windows 7 - great build quality, small footprint and quiet as a mouse. Review: http://www.slashgear.com/lenovo-thinkst ... 2-2598959/
I installed a NVIDIA Quadro 600 graphics card connecting via DVI to single 30" monitor (NEC 3090WQXi) which, even though it is several years old, is by far and away the best monitor I've ever looked at. http://www.trustedreviews.com/monitors/ ... Monitor/p1. 'cost a packet though and still does.
I bought the machine and card from http://www.morecomputers.com/ and have no complaints.
Please join my campaign for a 4th ladder in BA Pro!... viewtopic.php?f=20&t=3609
I recently "invested" in a Lenovo C20 workstation running 64-bit Windows 7 - great build quality, small footprint and quiet as a mouse. Review: http://www.slashgear.com/lenovo-thinkst ... 2-2598959/
I installed a NVIDIA Quadro 600 graphics card connecting via DVI to single 30" monitor (NEC 3090WQXi) which, even though it is several years old, is by far and away the best monitor I've ever looked at. http://www.trustedreviews.com/monitors/ ... Monitor/p1. 'cost a packet though and still does.
I bought the machine and card from http://www.morecomputers.com/ and have no complaints.
Please join my campaign for a 4th ladder in BA Pro!... viewtopic.php?f=20&t=3609