Puget Systems: Stock Trading Computers

The trading of stocks over the internet is one of the more obscure uses of a computer, but it is becoming a more and more popular pursuit - either as a full-time job or a hobby / extra source of income. Because of the nature of the shifting markets, day-traders need a responsive system that can display a lot of information at once. That puts the needs for dedicated trading workstation in a bit of a different category from most other types of computers: there is no need for 3D performance, like one wants for gaming, nor is there a need for the massive hard drive storage that would be found on a media editing workstation. Instead, we see traders looking for a computer that is extremely responsive when looking up data and making trades, that has support for multiple monitors, and is as reliable as possible. Each of these puts different requirements on hardware, so here is a primer on what to look for if those are your goals:

Responsiveness - There are several factors that go into making a computer work smoothly and quickly, but the main ones are as follows.

• Processor - Having a fast processor is key, so that the applications you are running locally (whether they are just web browsers used to access online stock interfaces, or whole software suites like Lightspeed) operate with minimal lag. Depending on your budget, the software you use, and how many programs you run at the same time either a dual or quad-core may be appropriate.
• RAM - You want to have enough memory, or RAM, to ensure that the applications you use can stay loaded into the memory at all times. When Windows runs low of RAM it uses the hard drive as a backup storage space (called 'virtual memory'), but that is significantly slower. If you are using a 32-bit version of Windows then 4GB is the logical choice, as that more than maxes-out what the operating system can handle; if you are comfortable going to 64-bit Windows then you can go for even more.
• Internet Connection - This is not actually a part of your computer, but you still have control over what sort of internet service provider you are using. That is only part of this equation, though: the more jumps that your data has to make to get from the local computer to whatever company you work with to actually make trades will have some impact on performance, and sadly there isn't much that can be done about that. It is just worth noting that you can have the fastest hardware in the world and yet there may be limiting factors outside of your control.

Multiple Monitors - Modern graphics cards for computers tend to support two displays each, though there are also models that can support four (for a price premium, and at a loss of 3D performance). There are also motherboards these days that can support two, three, and sometimes more video cards. When you combine those two, it is easy to scale up to four, six, eight, or more total screens. The practical limit here is probably 16 without going into the realm of ridiculous hardware: there are a handful of motherboards that can support four graphics cards, and if you used models that each could handle four displays - like the Quadro NVS440 - you'd be there.

One thing to keep in mind when aiming for multiple monitor support is the type of connection you want to use with each screen. Most monitors support either VGA or DVI (or both), though newer TV-like screens are starting to also have HDMI and Display Port inputs. Make sure that the video cards you get will have the correct outputs to match up to your preferred display!

Reliability - Every component in a computer affects its reliability in one way or another, but the biggest "problem" components over time are the power supply, motherboard and RAM. Going for brands of those that are known for reliability (like Corsair power supplies and Kingston memory) helps a lot, and purchasing from a vendor that tests their systems well and is careful about what parts they offer gives you a good firm start. In the long run, though, the best thing to do is backup key data regularly and have a second computer that can be used in a pinch. Ideally you'll never need to be without your main workstation, but it is better to be safe than sorry. A backup computer likely doesn't need to be as fast or support as many monitors though - it just needs to get you by for a few days or weeks if your primary system is in for repairs. This applies not only to stock traders but to any professionals who depend on their computer for a major source of income.

If you are ready to configure a trading workstation, check out the configuration pages linked to below. If you are still unsure about what you need, or would like a professionally-designed setup, please email our sales consultants or call us at 1-888-PUGETPC (784-3872).