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Your platforms with all of your charts and your browser tabs will run through your ram quick. I have 32gb and I'm usually at ~50% utilization
Graphics card isnt that important. Bookmap is the primary eater and rtx 2080 super is overkill even w a pair of 43in ultrawide monitors and a vertical 27in. Bookmap mayb pushes the card to 10%
Macro buttons are phenomenal to have hence the streamdeck xl and gaming keyboard + mouse.
Low latency internet connection is the first thing to invest in, even over an upgraded system.
After that an UPS (uninterruptible power supply) is a major key.
After that, screen real estate.
After that, ergonomics (sit stand desk, keyboard tray, desk chair, etc.)
I run IRT & Bookmap with Rithmic Data. I also run 4 1080p monitors. I built my computer a number of years ago and it is having a hard time keeping up especially since switching from IQ Feed to Rithmic for MBO data. MY Cpu is I7 - 2600 @3.4ghz, 32GB Ram, 225K SSD, etc.
When things are rocking my CPU will hit over 50% utilization. For a while I was having a lot of latency with Rithmic but it turned out that my CPU temp was going to over 90 Deg and throttling. I added a air cooler and now I run around 40-50 deg and might touch 60 deg if under stress.
Bookmap uses a lot of CPU resources. I am considering upgrading my computer since I trade very actively and sometimes I get bursts of 1-2 sec latency usually on the open/close/reports and fast market conditions. Also, if I resize my Bookmap screens to scroll in more data - everything recalculates and it freezes everything for a second or two. Most of the time, I work around it but it is an added disturbance to my trading universe.
I do agree that the nature and time frame you trade in is really important. Of all the things that make a successful trader, if your computer is aligned with your style and timeframe/contextual needs, put your effort/$ resources elsewhere.
Regards,
Tom
Trading Is A Journey of Self-Discovery, Not A Destination.
Very nice battle station. I am not a discretionary trader (algo/automated), but you described some of the reasons we moved our live trading to a virtual machine recently (Azure). It checks these boxes:
I would add a redundant internet connection to your current configuration, but that's just me. In our case, it is comforting to know that our algos are not affected during a power outage or internet disruption.
I like the Stream Deck XL, though I don't own one (yet). I looked at it and the X-Keys XK-24 a couple weeks ago, and if I ever do any discretionary trade I will probably get the Stream Deck. I program my own macros using AutoHotKey (AHK), but for trading I would use an extra controller like yours. Lovely piece of hardware.
i think your computer requirements , data feed , and internet speed depends on the time frame your trading . i went from day trading to swing trading to avoid a lot of the expediencies of trading. high end computer set up , commission and slippage , IQ data feed, news wire , holy grail domes , heat map, ,foot print charting , super high speed internet and over trading . just some thing to think about . hope it helps
I have really enjoyed reading through this thread, I find myself nodding along and agreeing with almost everybody. We all have different circumstances, views, markets we follow, budgets, and software we use. I am not super sophisticated, to give perspective, I execute all my trades through Jigsaw Daytradr – it is the fastest most reliable full featured DOM I have found. I also run RTraderPro and NT8 for charts. I trade ES, NQ, YM and RTY, as well as their associated Micros.
Full disclosure, I am a tech junkie so, I do not have a problem spending my money (not blow my money, research and spend wisely) on the latest fashion, and trying out the bleeding edge – within reason. Quite honestly, trading is my excuse to buy cool equipment. A lot of what I have to say I have heard iterated in this thread so; I might repeat a few things - bear with me. That said, it has taken many years to draw these conclusions and thusly slowly acquire the needed equipment. Equipment is always evolving and my thoughts about it are also. I believe you need to have the basics covered first, and then you start to build your machine, basics such as (you will notice a theme of two here):
1. First, and foremost a fast internet connection with low latency (ideally fiber). Then double it with a different provider, so it is redundant (DSL or equivalent would suffice, that way you have a back-up if one fails and a way to exit trades). I even have a third connection through a USB connected jetpack, if things really go south (I have only used it twice in 10 years, it has paid for itself in both situations). Related, I always have an extra modem and router on hand, that way when one eventually goes out, I do not have to wait two days for Amazon to send me a new one.
2. Second, a UPS (maybe two) large enough to power all your equipment for at least 30 minutes or so (your modems, computers, and monitors).
3. Third, use two computers, the first one is more of a pedestrian model, i7, i9, Ryzen type workstation to run your charts, check email, surf, basic office stuff, etc. (most of the computers outlined in this post will work – I personally use an Dell XPS 15 7590 Laptop, i7-9750H, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA GTX 1650 4GB, Windows Professional). This serves as a back-up if the trading computer fails and you need to exit a position. My second computer is my hot rod, this is what I execute my trades on (day in, day out) - it should be very stable, fast, built for low latency, and be dedicated to trading (almost no other software but your execution platform should be installed, do not allow web surfing, email, etc. on this computer).
4. Lastly, in the spirit of redundancy I have two different data feeds (Rithmic and CQG). Rithmic is my main and CQG is my back-up. If one goes down, I can follow the markets and have not lost touch with what is going on in the world.
The rest of this post will be dedicated to the specs of the computer I use to execute my trades on (speed is everything when getting in and out of trades), as the charting computer I use is pretty basic and explained above.
Processor - I use a single Xeon W-2245 (8 core) processor. Ideally run a multi-core Xeon based processor (as many cores as you can afford, many traders I know use 12). The math problem is more cores = less power per core = less required cooling. This is the heart of your system so do not skimp. Speed without sacrificing stability is the key to winning the order entry/exit race here. The Xeon family of processors allows for multiple Xeons to be in a computer. The highest end Xeon has 28 cores in it (I think) so using dual high-end Xeon processors “could” provide up to 56 cores of processing power in one workstation. i7, i9 and Ryzen processors cannot even come close to that. Liquid cooling does cool better, but think about it, why is it added? It is added if the processor is overheating, running overclocked (basically running faster than it is designed for). Extra cooling is something system builders will do, to boost performance of a less expensive (capable) processor – i.e. like when an i7, i9 or Ryzen is used. The trade-off here is processor stability and longevity. The reason for this is that those processor families can only have one processor in a computer at a time. If more performance is needed overclocking is the only answer; and keeping it cool requires the addition of liquid cooling. This is sort of like adding a turbocharger to a car engine to get more power from a smaller engine (you can run it for short burst periods, but it is not a long-term performance solution). IMO adding the requirement of liquid cooling is adding one more thing to maintain. Paraphrasing - Why not put your money towards the fastest, reliable V8 you can afford in lieu of a turbo charged 4 cylinder!
Side bar – There is a reason servers run Xeons. They are typically on 24/7 and cannot afford to slow down or go down. A good trading computer should be on 24/7 gathering volume data for analysis when needed, or if you leave positions open overnight. As mentioned above multiprocessor workstations that run Xeons do not need to overclock the CPU to get more power. Xeon system builders just add another Xeon to the system board in the design to gain twice as much processing power. This is always a future option if you start with one of these processors (one should be more than enough for most traders). This is not an option with the other previously mentioned processors. While workstations normally max out at 2 Xeon processors, PC type server models can have up to 4 of them. Mini and Mainframe computers can have dozens of them. The result (because overclocking is not needed), is a bullet proof system. I use a Lenovo Thinkstation P520 chassis running Windows 10 Pro for Workstations and have added all my components from there. You could easily build it yourself, but I have always felt that the engineers that do this for a living from HP, Dell, or Lenovo know what they are doing. Plus, the name brands give you, piece of mind on the build, a decent warranty (I’ve have had a SSD go out before), and easier parts replacement/service if you have problems.
Graphics cards - I use a single Nvidia Quadro RTX4000 8GB, it can run 4 x 4K displays. It has 3 DisplayPort 1.4 and 1 USB-C connections on back, but those could be adapted down to HDMI if needed. HDMI is a slower graphical interface than DisplayPort. So, the key take away here is make sure you have a monitor that accepts a DisplayPort connection for the lowest latency. Also make sure your DisplayPort cable is 1.4 or supports 4K at 144Hz minimum. I only use 1 monitor on this machine anyway so there is lots of room leftover for expansion.
Monitor – I use the 43-inch Acer Predator CG7. I pose the question, what good is spending money on a fast system, if the monitor cannot relay the information to you just as quickly. That is the reason for the DisplayPort 1.4 cables (this is the fastest way to get information to your monitor). This monitor has a quick response time of 1 millisecond. Stay away from monitors with a response time of over 4 milliseconds. This monitor supports 3840x2160 at 120Hz and can be overclocked to 144Hz using 2 – 1.4 DisplayPort cables and a Graphics card that can support it. I am pretty sure I only get 120Hz out of the single graphics card I am using. But if I add a second card and a bridge (my case can handle it) I should be able to achieve 144Hz on the display (this is my next equipment experiment). Basically, 4K TV’s are cool, but they are slow (you will be lucky to get less than 6ms lag out of a 4K high end TV). So, do not spend $1K+ on a TV, get a decent monitor. If money is tight you can always go smaller and array your monitors. Make sure to figure in a monitor stand to accommodate your set-up. You might also need to add a software like DisplayFusion to organize the content on multiple displays.
RAM - I have 32GB of DDR4 2933MHz ECC. I have decided through trial and error that 32GB works best – not too much, not too little.
A single SSD hard drive is all you need. SSD is fast and way better than the spinning hard disk of years past. 512MB is probably large enough, but several of the manufacturers throw larger sizes out when you buy a higher spec’d machine. I have a 1TB NVMe PCI SSD.
Other stuff to consider, use a network card capable of 1000Mbps or a 1Gigabit per second. Do not use a wireless connection, these are prone to interference, poor reception, and obviously other over the air problems. Make sure to use an ethernet cable that can handle the speed as well – CAT6 or CAT6A should suffice. The same goes for your mouse and keyboard. Use only a wired mouse and keyboard, you do not want to run the risk of something interfering with you Bluetooth or wi-fi signal (or a battery going dead when you are trying to exit a position).
I also use a software called Veeam to back everything up every four or so hours to an external 4TB drive. Not required, but it offers piece of mind if you have a drive go out.
I hope this all makes sense, I am sure I missed something, but that is most of the major stuff.
Am not a tech-head, but my 2014 built PC is slowing down. So thanks for any feedback you might be able to give: I run NT8 only (with 10 charts up per workspace plus 4 - 6 instruments per chart in the tab section). Have 2-3 workspaces open at a time. Given that I only use NT8, what number of Cores would be reasonable, to ensure stability and speed, in terms of the XEON and what about the motherboard?
Great info! I really appreciated your advice on the specs for the 43in monitor! I have had to work around the lag of my 43in 4k TV (used as monitor), you have brought useful info for selecting the next step up. My TV has just been a inexpensive stepping stone.
Internet speed??? Well, out here in the rural woods of Montana, we were blessed when the speed went from 3meg up to 10. It does still work. One thing is for sure, make the tools that you have at your disposal work, and then when you get upgrades, you have "died and gone to heaven"! Much faster than my old 18k that I had back in 1999!
Nice set up you’ve got there. I may go for Xeon in future; always liked the concept. My understanding on maximizing Use of multiple cores is hugely reliant upon the software’s use/need for multiple cores, no? I trade on thinkorswim as well as TradeStation platforms - don’t think either of those are written to take advantage of mulri-core architecture but I could be mistaken. Since you’re a a techy here’s a summary of my current setup:
Newly purchased back in May, really loving the small form factor aesthetic. I recommend the thinkstation brand for any workstation needs; this system is dedicated solely for trading and runs excellent.
I have a software background and always enjoy people talking about hardware as I don't feel very knowledgeable about hardware although I have come across some real hardware junkies that can pretty much build a computer from scratch. Anyway, I also have programming background and know the basics but no idea about about program trading. It seems that the article I read about high frequency trading and algos running during the trading have come alive. My approach to trading is more philosophical.