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I would suggest dedicating a computer solely to trading and maintaining a separate one for web access, email, and other tasks. I have found that avoiding software conflicts due to installing new programs, spyware, operating system corruption and the like is well worth the cost of a discrete trading computer. It is also very useful to have access to your broker on the non-trading machine as an emergency backup.
I run TS 2000i and a couple of broker screens and have been looking for an excuse to upgrade my Athlon XP 3200+, 1 GB RAM trading machine, but it doesn't really seem needed. The new dual core processors would be ideal, but the only time my CPU usage goes above 20% is when I open TS or a broker screen, at which time it spikes to 100% for a few moments. If you do extensive optimizations a very fast chip would be useful. I keep about twenty 5 minute charts open with 5 indicators on each, and RAM usage fluctuates between about 400-500 MB, so 1 GB seems fine.
I can't speak about the demands of the current version of TS, but with the TS servers taking over the tasks formerly performed by the GlobalServer I think they must be less.
Another tip I would give is to get a good backup power supply from APC so that you have time to close positions and exit properly in case of power problems, and avoid weirdness caused by momentary power dips and surges. I would also establish an easy backup system so it gets done at least each day. Duocor and Casper are good software products.
Good luck!
On 9/28/06, bealer_bob <rhunt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
I'm in the market for a new trading computer. I trade primarily the
Dow Jones mini using Tradestation with a 2 monitor display containing
20 charts and two time & sales windows.
I've always purchased Dell in the past, and to a large extent have
been pleased. But now I'm wondering if purchasing a computer
specifically designed for trading may by a better route. I've talked
to both TradingComputers.com and CustomTradingComput
ers.com. They've
both specked out machines that cost about twice as much as similar
systems that I've specked out myself at Dell. Both claim that the
parts that they specify in combination will run faster and more
efficiently than anything that Dell can provide.
What do the more experienced traders in the group do when they want
to upgrade to a new trading machine? Is it worth the extra money to
have it designed by a trading computer specialist, or can I spec out
a comparable machine myself and save allot of money? If the latter is
the case, what sort of specs would you recommend?
Thanks in advance,
Bob
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