BUILD CONFIGURATION July 2012
CPU.........................Intel Core i5 3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4 GHz LGA
CPU fan*...................Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO Universal Cooler
Motherboard............ASUS P8Z77-V LK LGA Intel z88 SATA 6Gb/s
SSD drive................OCZ Vertex 128GB 2.5" SATA III
Memory*...................GSKILL Sniper 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 SDRAM 1600
Upgraded to Crucial 16GB (2x8GB) 8-1-2015
Power Supply............CORSAIR/TX650 V2 (650W)
GPU............................2 EVGA GeForce GT 520 1024MB dual DVI out
add'l video adapters.....3 Sabrent USB-1612 video display adapters
Operating System....Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit
Case................HEC steel ATX tower with 2 x 120mm fans
Monitors...........6 Samsung 27" curved LED and 1 acer 24" LED as my 7th monitor
Screen resolutions are all set to 1920 x 1080
Components from previous trade station set ups:
UPS...................three 4 outlet APC Uninterrupted Power Supplies
* Component changes -- See the dated updates section below *
Link to complete details of this entire computer system
with all programs running...The machine runs 16 hours daily
This is the first machine I have built and I have been very satisfied with it's performance to date. I considered purchasing different vendor's trade computers but was put off by their cost. I ended up spending about $800 for all the parts required (hardware and operating software) which was less than half the money of the least expensive machines offered by the specialty companies...I think my machine's performance rivals or beats their offerings.
It opens Windows 7 64-bit operating system software and programs very quickly, runs a multitude of programs simultaneously and loads internet browsers extremely fast. I think a large part of it's performance is related to the 64-bit software . The Solid State drive, 8 GB of Ram and Intel's Ivy Bridge CPU all contribute to the performance of course. It is not "over-clocked" and I never see the Task Manager showing CPU usage over 30% or Physical Memory over 35%, no matter how many programs are running...(see performance picture below)
I use a DSL internet connection - and supposedly, its not an especially fast connection...I have never been aware of any negative 'bandwidth' issues. Years ago I used a cable connection and did experience some problems, probably due to times when too many users came online.
For operating multiple monitors, the motherboard has 4 PCIe connection/buses for video cards. This is where my understanding of how computers work may need more research but I probably would have been just as happy using 6 of the USB type video adapters and 2 single output video cards instead of installing the two, dual output video cards...which still required using 4 of the USB adapters in order to get a total of 8 monitors working.
The ASUS motherboard will accommodate up to 32 GB of ram for future upgrades although the maximum that Windows 7 Home Premium operating system can utilize is 16 GB. At this time I do not see the need for more than the 8 GB that I initially installed.
My research indicated that 32-bit operating systems can utilize a maximum of only 3 or 3.5 GB of ram, so adding more than that amount to upgrade my previous computer would have been a waste of money.
Thus the need for a 64-bit operating system, which in theory can handle unlimited ram. 64-bit operating systems will run legacy 32-bit programs but the 3GB to 3 1/2GB maximum RAM utilization will still be a limiting factor. In order for a program to take advantage of the greater RAM capabilities of 64-bit systems, the program must be written for 64-bit. Check with your trade station software provider before upgrading to a 64-bit operating system because if its written in 32-bit, it will not operate any differently on a 64-bit computer...But a 64-bit O/S plus RAM allows for more 32-bit programs to run simultaneously without slow-downs, as well as running 64-bit programs...
* SWF is known as the lightning capital of the world. During the rainy season (6 months of the year) I'll experience short utility outages daily, often multiple times a day...Thus the need for the UPS battery back-ups, handling 1 computer, 8 monitors, 1 DSL modem and an ethernet switch. The power company does a very good job of keeping the power going...rarely is the power out for more than a few seconds or a minute but the UPS's keep everything running and connected. I have almost never had my telephone company's DSL go down due to the storms.
10/26/2014 Update
More than two years after being built the entire system still runs beautifully, very fast to open Windows, runs tons of programs simultaneously...Most of the programs I run are 32-bit with one 64-bit (which is ApexTrader, provided by my broker)...I run many software programs all day, operate multiple browsers and can view videos...all work perfectly together...I have had some issues but for the most part these were limited to downloaded software problems and web-updates (from Microsoft as well as from other venders).
4/28/2015 Update
Going on three years without a hitch but am thinking of adding 2 more 4GB RAM strips just to see if I can tell the difference...16GB total is the max Win Home Premium 64-bit will recognize...
*11/19/2016 removed the Crucial 16GB RAM and reinstalled the original GSkill Sniper 8GB ...
I was thinking there were memory leak issues with the Crucial...IE : certain windows settings wouldn't hold and ApexTrader warning pop-ups & lag. Will run this way to see if any improvement or noticeable changes take place.
*06/18/2017 Reinstalled the 16GB RAM and have noticed multiple minor improvements over the 8GB GSkill.
1) I was having an issue with Windows Picture Viewer hanging up which required it to be closed then re-opened to work properly.
2) ApexTrader would hang-up for several seconds then my screens would "flash" before recovering (prevalent in the evening sessions).
3) Sometimes parts of closed windows would show over certain parts of open windows until they were opened/closed again.
11/012015 Update
I upgraded to a very inexpensive CPU cooler with four Continuous Direct Contact heat pipes™(CDC). This made a big difference in performance. The Ivy Bridge processor now attains 4100+ MHz almost continuously when it's under high loads...With the stock fan, the processors would only attain 3800 MHz for a second or two before the rising core temperature would slow the speeds to 1600 MHz in order to cool down. Intel's built in Turbo Mode now stays on when the 4 cores are taxed which translates into noticeable performance increases - as if it was over-clocked. The cores used to run at 58 ° C. Now temperatures rarely go over 50° C , nominally running between 39° to 46° C.
The new fan runs at lower speeds and is silent...
04/21/2017 Update
Still running the same machine and software without any issues...Always a lot of windows open and run at least 10 hours/day/every/day.
The system has been 'tweeked' using tools that are built in to the operating software:
I disabled a lot of Services (Local) and un-checked many unneeded Startup items via System Configuration (Selected Startup Mode).
07/01/2017 Update
11/20/2015 - Temperatures dropped significantly after installing the heat pipe CPU cooler and fan.
The CPU core speeds jumped from a maximum of 1600 MHz to 3800 MHz.
Apparently with the stock heat sink/fan combination, the Ivy Bridge possessor would only go to 3600 MHz for a second or two
before automatically slowing-down-to-cool-down...Intel's built in "Turbo Mode" is like over-clocking but it will not
get 'turned on' if the CPU core temps are too high. I also switched on the ASUS GPU Boost on the motherboard.
Now the core speeds run up to 4180 MHz continually when the CPU is under higher loads.
It opens Windows 7 64-bit operating system software and programs very quickly, runs a multitude of programs simultaneously and loads internet browsers extremely fast. I think a large part of it's performance is related to the 64-bit software . The Solid State drive, 8 GB of Ram and Intel's Ivy Bridge CPU all contribute to the performance of course. It is not "over-clocked" and I never see the Task Manager showing CPU usage over 30% or Physical Memory over 35%, no matter how many programs are running...(see performance picture below)
I use a DSL internet connection - and supposedly, its not an especially fast connection...I have never been aware of any negative 'bandwidth' issues. Years ago I used a cable connection and did experience some problems, probably due to times when too many users came online.
For operating multiple monitors, the motherboard has 4 PCIe connection/buses for video cards. This is where my understanding of how computers work may need more research but I probably would have been just as happy using 6 of the USB type video adapters and 2 single output video cards instead of installing the two, dual output video cards...which still required using 4 of the USB adapters in order to get a total of 8 monitors working.
The ASUS motherboard will accommodate up to 32 GB of ram for future upgrades although the maximum that Windows 7 Home Premium operating system can utilize is 16 GB. At this time I do not see the need for more than the 8 GB that I initially installed.
My research indicated that 32-bit operating systems can utilize a maximum of only 3 or 3.5 GB of ram, so adding more than that amount to upgrade my previous computer would have been a waste of money.
Thus the need for a 64-bit operating system, which in theory can handle unlimited ram. 64-bit operating systems will run legacy 32-bit programs but the 3GB to 3 1/2GB maximum RAM utilization will still be a limiting factor. In order for a program to take advantage of the greater RAM capabilities of 64-bit systems, the program must be written for 64-bit. Check with your trade station software provider before upgrading to a 64-bit operating system because if its written in 32-bit, it will not operate any differently on a 64-bit computer...But a 64-bit O/S plus RAM allows for more 32-bit programs to run simultaneously without slow-downs, as well as running 64-bit programs...
Add'l note - I decided on Windows 7 64-bit Home Premium operating system and 8 GB of RAM before I learned that Microsoft has designed Home Premium with the built in limitation of being able to utilize a maximum of up to 16 GB of RAM...Their 64-bit Professional operating system has the capability of utilizing 32 GB of RAM (possibly more)...To date this has not yet been an issue, but it may require me to upgrade both the amount of RAM and the operating system if things change enough with future software design...and possibly needing motherboard and main processor upgrades when hardware improvements become the new norm.
This was not built to be a "gaming" computer although I think it could handle most high end software well. I researched the components I thought I would need by looking at what comes in the pre-built custom trading machines, by watching YouTube videos and by asking questions on several online computer boards.* SWF is known as the lightning capital of the world. During the rainy season (6 months of the year) I'll experience short utility outages daily, often multiple times a day...Thus the need for the UPS battery back-ups, handling 1 computer, 8 monitors, 1 DSL modem and an ethernet switch. The power company does a very good job of keeping the power going...rarely is the power out for more than a few seconds or a minute but the UPS's keep everything running and connected. I have almost never had my telephone company's DSL go down due to the storms.
10/26/2014 Update
More than two years after being built the entire system still runs beautifully, very fast to open Windows, runs tons of programs simultaneously...Most of the programs I run are 32-bit with one 64-bit (which is ApexTrader, provided by my broker)...I run many software programs all day, operate multiple browsers and can view videos...all work perfectly together...I have had some issues but for the most part these were limited to downloaded software problems and web-updates (from Microsoft as well as from other venders).
4/28/2015 Update
Going on three years without a hitch but am thinking of adding 2 more 4GB RAM strips just to see if I can tell the difference...16GB total is the max Win Home Premium 64-bit will recognize...
07/01/2015 Update
I am now using a cable connection with a CAT 5 cable directly from the cable modem to the computer...I had been using a $10 ZyXEL WiFi USB adapter device previous to this without issues and discerned no disadvantage over the direct connection.
8/1/2015 Update
I upgraded to Crucial 2x8GB RAM for a total of 16GB...I have not recognized any performance benefit since upgrading from 8GB RAM...*11/19/2016 removed the Crucial 16GB RAM and reinstalled the original GSkill Sniper 8GB ...
I was thinking there were memory leak issues with the Crucial...IE : certain windows settings wouldn't hold and ApexTrader warning pop-ups & lag. Will run this way to see if any improvement or noticeable changes take place.
*06/18/2017 Reinstalled the 16GB RAM and have noticed multiple minor improvements over the 8GB GSkill.
1) I was having an issue with Windows Picture Viewer hanging up which required it to be closed then re-opened to work properly.
2) ApexTrader would hang-up for several seconds then my screens would "flash" before recovering (prevalent in the evening sessions).
3) Sometimes parts of closed windows would show over certain parts of open windows until they were opened/closed again.
11/012015 Update
I upgraded to a very inexpensive CPU cooler with four Continuous Direct Contact heat pipes™(CDC). This made a big difference in performance. The Ivy Bridge processor now attains 4100+ MHz almost continuously when it's under high loads...With the stock fan, the processors would only attain 3800 MHz for a second or two before the rising core temperature would slow the speeds to 1600 MHz in order to cool down. Intel's built in Turbo Mode now stays on when the 4 cores are taxed which translates into noticeable performance increases - as if it was over-clocked. The cores used to run at 58 ° C. Now temperatures rarely go over 50° C , nominally running between 39° to 46° C.
The new fan runs at lower speeds and is silent...
04/21/2017 Update
Still running the same machine and software without any issues...Always a lot of windows open and run at least 10 hours/day/every/day.
The system has been 'tweeked' using tools that are built in to the operating software:
I disabled a lot of Services (Local) and un-checked many unneeded Startup items via System Configuration (Selected Startup Mode).
07/01/2017 Update
Removed the CAT 5 internet switch that I have been using for years. This was used to enable connections for both my main and secondary computers to my ISP's modem.
Before disconnecting the switch, my main computer's LAN connection speed showed 100 Mbps, the secondary machine showed 65 Mbps.
After removal of the switch my main computer's LAN speed jumped up to 1 Gbps
(the secondary's remained at 65 Mbps after installing a ZyXEL USB wireless device).
(the secondary's remained at 65 Mbps after installing a ZyXEL USB wireless device).
So far, I have not noticed any change or improvement while web surfing using browsers - they were almost instantaneous before and after.
But when running ApexTrader software I have experienced a multi-second lag during extremely active markets...This has been an on going irritation for years.
Will see if the new 1 Gbps connection speed solves that issue...
Will see if the new 1 Gbps connection speed solves that issue...
This link shows the cabling set up combining the disparate monitor types, brands, sizes and video adapters used.
Link to my current layout/monitor set up showing the two charting software packages I use.
Link to 8 monitor Display Screen Resolution and current 6 monitor display set up (9/20/2015) identifying the monitors.
Trading Station
Main computer - a 6 monitor layout using the components listed above
I have reconfigured the video cables to match Window's Screen Resolution:
Backup computer - a 3 monitor layout using an older computer and monitors
Performance
The CPU core speeds jumped from a maximum of 1600 MHz to 3800 MHz.
Apparently with the stock heat sink/fan combination, the Ivy Bridge possessor would only go to 3600 MHz for a second or two
before automatically slowing-down-to-cool-down...Intel's built in "Turbo Mode" is like over-clocking but it will not
get 'turned on' if the CPU core temps are too high. I also switched on the ASUS GPU Boost on the motherboard.
Now the core speeds run up to 4180 MHz continually when the CPU is under higher loads.
TRADE STATION PACKAGES
Multi-monitor trade stations need not be extremely expensive, especially if you already have a good computer
and have accumulated some extra monitors from previous purchases. Up to 6 extra monitors can be
hooked up to any single-monitor machine by utilizing inexpensive "plug&play" USB video adapters...
State of the art systems are available from many different small businesses like Falcon Trading Computers ranging in price
from $1600 (for a tower that can run 6 monitors) to complete bundles for $3100
(including 6 monitors, keyboard,mouse & speakers).
Falcon's Trading Computers.com site lists many educational product pages with explanations of the
components they believe are the best to use in trading computers.
**I am not affiliated with Falcon in any way nor have I used their products...but they sure look great!
CHARTING PACKAGES
Multi-monitor trade stations need not be extremely expensive, especially if you already have a good computer
and have accumulated some extra monitors from previous purchases. Up to 6 extra monitors can be
hooked up to any single-monitor machine by utilizing inexpensive "plug&play" USB video adapters...
State of the art systems are available from many different small businesses like Falcon Trading Computers ranging in price
from $1600 (for a tower that can run 6 monitors) to complete bundles for $3100
(including 6 monitors, keyboard,mouse & speakers).
Falcon's Trading Computers.com site lists many educational product pages with explanations of the
components they believe are the best to use in trading computers.
**I am not affiliated with Falcon in any way nor have I used their products...but they sure look great!
CHARTING PACKAGES
1) ApexFutures ApexTrader My current broker (link to their home page)
It is extremely fast at loading different chart templates or layouts. It places, changes, fills and cancels orders instantly. The software is provided free of charge...Apexfutures is my current Broker, account opened in early 2013.
Their ApexTrader software is available for downloading to either 32-bit or for 64-bit operating systems (recommended). It is free of charge to account holders, as is the e-mini data feed**. It loads charts and executes trades extremely fast...I think this is due to the 64-bit architecture. They also have a 30 day free trial with live feed available should you want to check it out before funding an account.
** They began charging a nominal monthly data feed in Jan 2017. Also instituted a $15/month inactivity fee.
It has all of the features I've become dependent on since I've been using MBT's software. Plus it has some additional great features I find very useful - some examples : Drawing tools can be shown on each chart, indicator scales can be set to be on the left and/or on the right and are individually scrollable. Color choices include a transparency adjustment...both the scaling and transparency features can can be especially helpful when adding multiple indicators to the same study pane.
Like MBT's DesktopPro, it can store as many different trade station layouts and chart templates etc. as you can create. Switching chart templates and layouts is very quick and easy. Open orders are held on Apex's 'cloud' so there's no problem if/when your machine or connection goes down.
Page link for in depth ApexTrader feature descriptions and available tools.
2) MBTrading Desktop Pro My former broker (link to their home page)
This charting software is excellent. It is the best trading software I have ever used.
It is extremely fast at loading different chart templates or layouts. It places, changes, fills and cancels orders instantly. The software is provided free of charge...Apexfutures is my current Broker, account opened in early 2013.
Their ApexTrader software is available for downloading to either 32-bit or for 64-bit operating systems (recommended). It is free of charge to account holders, as is the e-mini data feed**. It loads charts and executes trades extremely fast...I think this is due to the 64-bit architecture. They also have a 30 day free trial with live feed available should you want to check it out before funding an account.
** They began charging a nominal monthly data feed in Jan 2017. Also instituted a $15/month inactivity fee.
It has all of the features I've become dependent on since I've been using MBT's software. Plus it has some additional great features I find very useful - some examples : Drawing tools can be shown on each chart, indicator scales can be set to be on the left and/or on the right and are individually scrollable. Color choices include a transparency adjustment...both the scaling and transparency features can can be especially helpful when adding multiple indicators to the same study pane.
Like MBT's DesktopPro, it can store as many different trade station layouts and chart templates etc. as you can create. Switching chart templates and layouts is very quick and easy. Open orders are held on Apex's 'cloud' so there's no problem if/when your machine or connection goes down.
Page link for in depth ApexTrader feature descriptions and available tools.
2) MBTrading Desktop Pro My former broker (link to their home page)
MBTrading provides their charting software free to account holders (there is a modest data fee charged per month dependent on the level and number of markets you need). It is a robust and versatile software package that places low demand on your computer's resources, even though it's written for 32-bit operating systems. It can store as many different trade station layouts and chart templates etc. as you can create...switching between them is quick and easy.
Historical data for charting Indices and equities goes back 10 years.
Any time frame can be charted: Seconds, minutes, daily, weekly, monthly and any interval tick chart is supported with pre- and post market data.
Trading is available from 8:00 am through 8:00 pm EST. E-mini Futures data and trading is available 24 hours. Open orders are held on MBT's servers so local internet issues won't interrupt fills or stops.
I opened my account in 2003...I was a very satisfied MBT customer for more than 10 years. I did not close the account because of any dissatisfaction with them - I stopped trading Equities & Options to concentrate on Futures.
Plus I found I liked the ApexTrader platform better.
Page link for in depth MBT feature descriptions and available tools.
Some further tips:
I recommend that wireless devices NOT be used for the connection to the modem, keyboard or mouse so as to eliminate possible frequency or bandwidth interruptions. I do have a wireless printer set up but I don't consider printer operation to be critical.
I highly recommend checking out Black Viper's Website to streamline your computer's operating systems. I've used his advice on what to Disable, what to turn to Manual and what not to mess with since my first XP Pro multi-monitor machine back in 2000...He walks you through how to shut down unnecessary processes in order to free up resources on your machine... FREE !
