Trading computer setups

[artist]

4. I have it set up about 70cm away from me. At that distance, a 10pt font size (using Excel as example) is about the smallest that is viewable without me having to lean forward. Words and numbers on the far edges of the screen are slightly more difficult to read because of the increased distance. They are still readable... but requires an extra micro second or two for my eyes to really focus and read it.



This will become more of a problem as you get to the age of needing reading glasses (if you haven't already).



6. For trading, the benefit of this massive screen is probably limited.... but the peripherals are not as easily legible, and I ended up putting things that are less frequently viewed there. . . . A bank of 3 screens, with the two outer screens angled towards the middle, would actually offer better viewing angles.

In summary... I have no complaints about the screen itself, but the benefit of all those extra pixels is rather limited. And for the same price, you could instead invest in 3-5 full HD screen and some decent monitor stands and get the same screen real estate.

I only saw this post today, so too late to be of help before you made your purchase skc. The visual ergonomics pdf at https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/83067/guide-ergo-comp-workstations.pdf gives explanations and images, in particular Fig. 4 on Page 8 and Fig. 6 on Page 11.

 

[Roller_1]

what sort of computer/ laptops do people run for amibroker backtesting and for doing MCS with amiboker. My current set up is too slow its painful. just want an efficient laptop set up i think..

cheers

 

[CanOz]

what sort of computer/ laptops do people run for amibroker backtesting and for doing MCS with amiboker. My current set up is too slow its painful. just want an efficient laptop set up i think..

cheers

Good question Trent....I'm running an i5 at the moment and its too slow as well. Its 32 bit with 8mb of Ram and an HDD. I'm upgrading to an i7 with a 64 bit OS, 8 mb Ram and at least a 256 gb SSD. I'm just trying to future proof more than anything, but it will handle all the back-tests i can throw at it...

 

[captain black]

what sort of computer/ laptops do people run for amibroker backtesting and for doing MCS with amiboker. My current set up is too slow its painful. just want an efficient laptop set up i think..

cheers

This article is a few years old now, might be an updated post by TJ on the mailing list.

http://www.amibroker.com/kb/2011/10/25/recommended-hardwaresoftware-for-amibroker/

Certainly use an SSD nowadays, they're very reliable and prices are good now. For a laptop I'd look at an I7, SSD, 8GB RAM.

 

[CanOz]

This article is a few years old now, might be an updated post by TJ on the mailing list.

http://www.amibroker.com/kb/2011/10/25/recommended-hardwaresoftware-for-amibroker/

Certainly use an SSD nowadays, they're very reliable and prices are good now. For a laptop I'd look at an I7, SSD, 8GB RAM.

Thanks Captain, good to see ya around. The stock standard business machines (I'm choosing between a Dell XPS and a Lenovo X1 Carbon) don't seem to come with much more than 8 gb of ram, and its all SS from what i've seen, so i guess it must be enough or the software can't use anymore than that anyway? Anyway, i'd reckon you'd be a superuser, so Trent and I will get some good mileage from your

 

[Roller_1]

thanks for that guys will check it out..

 

[fiftyeight]

Looking for a new PC

My MacBook + second screen is great for site and travel but I want something a bit better for home.

I use NT and a few associated programs and thinking of up grading to 4 screens. Surely more screens will increase my trading ability

Dell XPS X8900, has been suggested else where, does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

Or any deals on PC, screens or stands. Maybe wait a but closer to EOFY

 

[skc]

Looking for a new PC

My MacBook + second screen is great for site and travel but I want something a bit better for home.

I use NT and a few associated programs and thinking of up grading to 4 screens. Surely more screens will increase my trading ability

Dell XPS X8900, has been suggested else where, does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

Or any deals on PC, screens or stands. Maybe wait a but closer to EOFY

You need SSD. It will really improve performance.

 

[Klogg]

Looking for a new PC

My MacBook + second screen is great for site and travel but I want something a bit better for home.

I use NT and a few associated programs and thinking of up grading to 4 screens. Surely more screens will increase my trading ability

Dell XPS X8900, has been suggested else where, does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

Or any deals on PC, screens or stands. Maybe wait a but closer to EOFY

As SKC says, SSD is a must.

I would also consider:
- Quality of items on each screen. With 4 screens, it's likely you'll want 2 dedicated GPUs. Whilst you're not gaming, it will prevent 1 GPU getting thrashed all the time. (Note: GPUs are quite expensive)
- CPU: I'm not sure how many processes you'll be running, but if there are more than 2 CPU intensive processes, I'd consider an i7 quad core, as it supports hyper-threading (2 threads per core)
- 2 separate SSDs: Provided the tower size you buy can house them, you can run the O/S on one SSD, the other apps on another. It does provide some performance benefit, but not huge.
- Internet connection: Desktops don't usually come with a wireless card, and if they do they're not great. I'd wire the connection given you'll be trading.


You probably don't need some of these items, but always good to think about it.


Also, you may be better off picking custom parts and getting the machine built - if you feel up to the task. I just ordered a machine from Scorptec and they were very good.

 

[pixel]

As SKC says, SSD is a must.

I have gone for 8 and 12 GB of RAM and conventional disk drives. Find it sufficient for everything I do. And I'm not a gamer, so the i5 chip works perfectly for me as well.

You probably don't need some of these items, but always good to think about it.

Also, you may be better off picking custom parts and getting the machine built - if you feel up to the task. I just ordered a machine from Scorptec and they were very good.

Agree with that. I have all my desktop boxes custom-built. Very happy with PLE (in Perth), who, I believe, have also a franchise in Melbourne.

 

[JJZ]

Don't forget some kind of backup system.

I used shadow-protect and background backup to USB, highly recommend it. Backing up to the cloud would be even better in the event of a fire or something catastrophic.

JJZ

 

[CanOz]

From my POV, i like to try and 'future proof' as much as possible when i buy or build a new machine. I'm no expert by any stretch but i like the best quality, fastest gear thats already proven.

I would suggest an i7, proven reliable processor (takes a little research)
Defineltly 64 bit and i like 16 gb of ram
An ssd is very handy for fast start ups, my machine is 3 years old now and it starts in less than a minute, it has a 500 gb SSD but i'll add another in the next year i think.
Make sure you allow room for graphics cards, so PCIe slots are handy

A good quiet, dust proof case is good too, i like CoolerMaster

I need to add a UPS this year too.

 

[pixel]

Don't forget some kind of backup system.

I used shadow-protect and background backup to USB, highly recommend it. Backing up to the cloud would be even better in the event of a fire or something catastrophic.

JJZ

In addition to having two computers, connected by cable, I use a 2TB WD Elements for data backup.

Because of privacy concerns, I avoid anybody's clouds. It's not a question of IF, but merely WHEN the first lot will be hacked and client data compromised. Reading the fine print of Micro$oft's T&C, I am also appalled by the fact that they allow themselves to analyse my data to sell a "profile" to their clients for target advertising.
By comparison, the 1984 Big Brother was a rank amateur.

PS re UPS: If I could go off-grid aith Solar and battery, I'd save the money for a UPS and put it into the battery instead. Last time we lost power, the phone towers in our suburb were also knocked out.

 

[fiftyeight]

Some great advice

Looks like most people seem to be leaning towards building or getting something built. I am not in a huge rush so might research building my own if there is enough of a saving.

Will take a few of the specs given and have a look on google to see what price I am looking at.

May also stop in to PLE in Perth next week while I am home

 

[SuperGlue]

You need SSD. It will really improve performance.

An ssd is very handy for fast start ups, my machine is 3 years old now and it starts in less than a minute, it has a 500 gb SSD but i'll add another in the next year i think.

Agree with the SSD.

Replace my 5 yr old HP i7 laptop with a 500g SSD, perform like brand new, fan doesn't come on as often.
Previously takes 4 minute just to start up.
I reckon lots of people will be dusting their old computer & replace with SSD. Watch out Intel & AMD.

Got a USB powered monitor as a second screen, though I don't use it often.

https://www.asus.com/au/Monitors/MB168BPlus/

 

[ThingyMajiggy]

I reckon lots of people will be dusting their old computer & replace with SSD. Watch out Intel & AMD.

SSD is Solid State Drive, the hard drive. It has nothing to do with the processor(Intel & AMD should be fairly safe ). It just loads things faster than traditional hard drives because there are no moving parts, hence the faster load times It's basically like a giant USB thumb drive.

Much better, although not for the reboot-and-put-the-kettle on people, as they've restarted by the time you get off your seat

 

[SuperGlue]

I reckon lots of people will be dusting their old computer & replace with SSD. Watch out Intel & AMD.

What I meant was sales of Intel & AMD cpu, motherboard, etc. won't look good now & the future.
Hopefully I don't have to get a new computer for the next 2 to 3 years.

Now my missus wants me to SSD her old computer.
I have SSD my sister's fairly new computer too, so you can see the chain reaction.

I did a quick search after your post Thingy Majiggy, looks like it has already happened.

"Intel to cut 12,000 staff as PC sales collapse"
http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2016-04/20/intel-cuts-12000-jobs

 

[SuperGlue]

Hold everything.

Before you upgrade your computer , try IBM - Quantum computer.

ANYONE CAN TRY IBM'S POWERFUL QUANTUM COMPUTER
IBM on Wednesday opened its quantum computer processor to anyone who wants to try what is expected to be a new kind of computing with enormously improved power and speed.

http://www.thebull.com.au/articles/a/59816-anyone-can-try-ibm's-powerful-quantum-computer.html


Now all we need is superfast internet speed.