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There is no consideration with regards to GPU performance. The consideration is instead based on connectivity (multiple monitors) and noise. You don't need a high performance GPU to look at a chart. But sometimes you are forced towards that end of the spectrum simply for connectivity.
Get at least 16GB of RAM. Get the fastest SSD and CPU you can afford. Get a high quality PSU. Get an aftermarket cooler.
Thank you for the comments. I did not expect there to be a noticeable difference between the i5 and i7, but can accept that my expectation was incorrect. We have completely different trading styles therefore I guess both of us use PCs that are "acceptable" to our needs. Would not mind having your system though...
Price wasn't really the determining factor when I built this PC as Sandy Bridge had the motherboard recall. Really wanted the i7-2600k, but there were literally no motherboards for sale anywhere. Decided to go with a AMD CPU/motherboard combo as a temporary measure and wait for Ivy Bridge. However, Intel changed to TIM from solder on the lid and temperatures spiked so I was not that keen on upgrading. To be honest, with my usage I am just not feeling the need to upgrade - it no longer is like the 90s where PCs became obsolete at a record pace.
Re backtesting - TradingBlox does a 10-year multi-instrument daily-data backtest in a second or two. Probably depends on the back testing software you use and whether it can actually use multi-threading. Some years ago the majority of backtesting software was single-threaded. I am not sure how much that has changed since then.
Re CPU usage - I am running between 10% and 20% with everything open. That includes the TWS API linking to my own spreadsheet. I guess our results are sort of mirrored. Doesn't mean that someone should not buy the Xeon or an i7, but should budget be a limiting factor an i5 or i3 can be considered rather than the Xeon. I would much rather have an i3 with a decent amount of RAM and a SSD than a Xeon with too little RAM or HDD.
Thank you for pointing out the graphics card - really great way to run 4 monitors without the need to have 2 GPUs in the system. Great for us that are running inefficient CPUs looking to keep power draw down.
Regarding the laptop. Take a look at HP's laptops for enterprises and their dockingstation. That combo is really top notch, you get mobility with the laptop but still the workstation you need at home/work with the dockstation.
Thanks - I have found both HP and Dell to have really solid enterprise systems although they do command a hefty price premium for what you get.
In the end, I decided to go with a custom-built Clevo notebook built by xnotebooks in the Netherlands. Difference in price between the i5-4300m (comparable to my AMD) and the i7-4800mq (double the performance of the i5) was only about 100€. I don't think either will run into performance issues, but for the price the i7 is worth it.
With a FHD IPS display, 16GB RAM and a 250GB SSD, barring any failure, I think I should be good for 3 years or more.
I would pay for a Mac Pro / MacOS if Apple had a decent trading platform, but I don't think they do. My nightmare is a Windows reboot at the moment that I'm setting my stop limit..
Parts selected for reliability, mission-critical features (i.e. overheat alarm), and statistically fewer manufacturer returns. Any thoughts on this £2000/$2000 hardware setup for Windows/TT?
Looks like a nice setup but I would consider a ssd with an M.2 socket rather than SATA if it's speed you are looking for. Regarding the CPU cooler I think a water cooler like you have chosen is good to keep max temp lower, but I think it most likely will be going on and off if it's controlled by the motherboard since trading won't have much workload(=> low temp) on your cpu. If you will be running the watercooler at low rpm I think an air cooler would be preferable since they are more quiet. Other than that good setup