Day Trading Computer Recommended Specs

[Andrew from Jersey 18]

Good afternoon BBT, 

I'm sure this topic has been discussed before, but I'd like some recommendations for a beginner day trading desktop setup. I will be running either Sterling Trader Pro, or DAS, through CMEG. I am still undecided as to what platform I should use. I will also be running Trade Ideas, as well as the chatroom in the background. 

Admittedly, I am not a computer guy. I know how to use a computer effectively, but I know very little about the actual hardware itself. I've heard recommendations of 4 cores in the processor, 16 gb of memory (DDR4), 250gb hard drive (SSD). I do not know what any of this means, but I do understand the importance of having a reliable, well-performing computer to use while trading. 

Currently, I have been using my Thinkorswim app on my mobile to use their PaperMoney Simulator to train with, but obviously this setup is not sustainable for continued education, and certainly not for active trading. So, I think it's time I invested in a proper machine to train with, get accustom to, and then to trade real money with. Obviously, since I'm investing my real money into the market, I want to be sure I have the proper tools to capitalize with. 

 

Thank you in advance to anyone who reaches out with any advice, or help. I sincerely appreciate it. 

 

- Andrew from Jersey

[Justin 262]

Hey Andrew,

DAS' system requirements are actually extremely low. You could buy a $300 laptop and meet them. I'm not recommending that, but it just makes the point

Which is why I always recommend people to simply buy the best specs at whatever they can comfortably afford; but you don't need to break the bank on this.

[Andrew from Jersey 18]

@peterB

I'd like the capability of upgrading to two monitors as I become more capable in my trading. I assume the most I would need is a 1080p quality monitor(s). 

For now, I am interested in a desktop. Again, as I become more educated and capable with my trading, I would consider spending more money on a high-end laptop, but I don't think it's necessary for now. I plan on only using this desktop for trading, and for some very light office usage (Word, Excel, printing). 

I'd like to keep things around the $1k max budget. I'd be willing to spend a little more if I found a more longer-term setup right out the gate. (I priced a Falcon Trading computer, fully customized for what I'd want now, and in the future, for around $1500, but it seems a little unnecessary for a beginner). 

 

Thanks for the response. 

[Justin 262]

15 minutes ago, Andrew Agliata said:

Falcon Trading computer

I feel like we should put a PSA up against Falcon Trading Computers.... They are just overpriced computers.

Just price out a Dell desktop with two 24" monitors for $1,084.12 including taxes/fees:

• 9th Gen Intel Core i3-9100 (4-Core, 6MB Cache, up to 4.2GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology)
• Windows 10 Home 64bit English
• NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1660 SUPER™ 6GB GDDR6
• 8GB DDR4 at 2400MHz; up to 64GB (additional memory sold separately)
• 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6Gb/s (64MB Cache)

[Andrew from Jersey 18]

@Justin 

Thanks for the advice. I ended up piecing together an Acer desktop and monitor for around $750 that should be able to handle all of my current trading needs. Sure beats the over $1.5k I could have paid with Falcon! 

 

-Andrew from Jersey aka Tracksuit Trader 

[Stefano Danelli 0]

Hello, I'm planning on buying a PC for day trading a - I'm not into gaming. I think I will start with 2 screens + my current MacBook air for the chat. I might buy 1 or more extra screens if I will be successful, so this might be something to factor in.

I was wondering if anybody can help advising on whether one of the below options would be suitableI found these on Amazon and think they are quite cheap, but I'm sure there might be some shortcomings given the price. 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Submission-Computer-Thunder-Processor-Graphics/dp/B00XPYPDTQ?ref_=s9_apbd_orecs_hd_bw_bN45ih&pf_rd_r=9W09ZXZ0X016KSJ44TPF&pf_rd_p=8583e17b-59a4-5663-9424-ce1d50011ebe&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-10&pf_rd_t=BROWSE&pf_rd_i=340831031&th=1

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00JWS6GSG/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B00JWS6GSG&pd_rd_w=WyRe8&pf_rd_p=1055d8b2-c10c-4d7d-b50d-96300553e15d&pd_rd_wg=rwP2o&pf_rd_r=3THRRP5B3ZZY8GWQ5C9V&pd_rd_r=8f3efbf4-1abe-4675-8c37-679f31bc0ba9&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUE4TDhSSFBNVDVMNUgmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAzODgzOTRXWVNKVVhZNkVERVAmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDQyNjk0NTlFUlMwWVBLOTU1QyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fierce-Legends-Gaming-PC-Bundle/dp/B07JHBDRKL/ref=pd_di_v2_sccai_14?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0728HFK5C&pd_rd_r=f0340989-9c20-4336-a92f-82795e68a40d&pd_rd_w=zynD1&pd_rd_wg=gJshh&pf_rd_p=0c3df1ce-0c24-4f6c-8997-4236d4d9c521&pf_rd_r=NYTRPXZJF9WJGYV7QR1Y&refRID=NYTRPXZJF9WJGYV7QR1Y&th=1

[Stefano Danelli 0]

Hi Peter, 

Sorry for my late reply - thanks very much for the recommendation.

I compared the specs and other set ups I found in the forum and I can see why this is better. Also, still well within my budget. 

I found this UK based company which claims to be a trader specialist. Some interesting articles on there, but prices seem to be higher than Amazon.

https://www.multiplemonitors.co.uk

thanks!

 

[mawij2002 0]

Hi BBTrs! I got this computer second hand and I need advice about xeon vs I7-i8 as well as the graphics for several monitors. Its 32gb, xeon 12core/2.70ghz. 500 solid state, Nvidia quadro p1000 4gb. Can you give opinion on it? I would really appreciate it. 

 

ps: I can return and get an I7 or i8 if yall think Xeon is terrible...

[mawij2002 0]

Follow up queston: would you change it for an i7 or i8 with fewer cores and less RAM?

 

Thanks a lot. 

[mawij2002 0]

Thanks for the advice. I don't know much about drivers  What are the chipset drivers for? Is it bad if I dont find them?

 

Thanks so much!