Trading PC Build

[eneideffer]

Looking to build a new trading PC over the Christmas holiday. Let me know if I break protocol with this posting. I will put specs of what I am intending on using at the end of the post. Let me know where I can improve.


Approximate Purchase Date: Immediately

Budget Range: 1500

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Dedicated trading platform.

Parts Not Required: usual....mouse, keyboard, etc

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Like Newegg for its one stop shopping but would consider others.

Country: USA

Parts Preferences: Prefer Intel chipset

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No

Monitor Resolution: 1920 x 1080)

Additional Comments: This will be a dedicated trading PC running Tradestation version 9. This software is very resource intensive when using multiple desktops that contain multiple pages of charts running multiple trading indicators. I am looking at a 4 monitor setup using a Firepro 2460 graphics card in lieu of 2 separate graphics cards in tandem (thoughts here?). Here is what I have so far (all from Newegg):

1
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 (PC3 14900) Desktop Memory
Item #:N82E16820231455
Return Policy: Iron Egg Standard Return Policy
$69.99
$59.99
1
G.SKILL 4GB Micro SDHC Flash Card w/ SD Adapter
Item #:N82E16820231509
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$6.99
1
Intel Core i7-2600K 3.4GHz LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor
Item #:N82E16819115070
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
$319.99
1
Newegg Promotional Gift Card - $20.00
Item #:N82E168GC000001

1
LITE-ON 24X DVD Writer - Bulk - Black SATA Model iHAS224-06 LightScribe Support
Item #:N82E16827106333
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$20.99
1
Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Computer Case
Item #:N82E16811129066
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy
$69.99
1
Western Digital Caviar Green 2TB 3.5" SATA 6.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #:N82E16822136891
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$189.99
$169.99
1
Seasonic SS-850HT 850W ATX12V v2.31,EPS12V v2.92 80Plus Silver Certified, Active PFC Power Supply
Item #:N82E16817151100
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$129.99
$124.99
1
ASUS P8P67 DELUXE (REV 3.0) ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
Item #:N82E16813131701
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$209.99
1
ATI FirePro 2460 100-505610 Workstation Video Card
Item #:N82E16814195099
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
$234.99
1
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 120mm sleeve CPU Cooler
Item #:N82E16835103065
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$29.99
1
ADATA S511 Series AS511S3-120GM-C 2.5" MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
Item #:N82E16820211551
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy
$239.99
$194.99
Grand Total: $1,435.90

Thoughts? Thanks for your help.

 

[hillmanant]

Hello

I'll start at the top I would go with 16Gb RAM like this because with all the monitors running multiple applications and probably web pages for you to keep up with the markets I assume. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145347

The HDD you posted is junk its a Green drive an reviews are terrible. I Can't see any reason you need a HDD that big for trading? If you think you need the 2 TB Space I'd get this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148506 not knowing alot about trading but it's all online correct no need to store massive amounts of info on your computer. I would go with somthing like this one myself http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148697 it's more reliable.

The motherboard, I would go with a board that has a z68 chipset like this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131791 or this one if the price is an issue http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271 although I feel ASUS is much more reliable as this is being used for business. I know you said no OC but the ASUS UEFI bios makes it a one click to OC the processor very safely to 4.2 Ghz well worth it.

The Cooler, I like the hyper 212 but get the Evo it moves more air http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

You'll spend a little more here but worth it in the long run should be reliable and longevity will be great.

Just my 2 cents do with it what you will.

 

[eneideffer]

I was debating going with 8 vs 16 gb on the ram. I probably would go with 16 since the price for this build has dropped $200 in the last few weeks.

The only reason I was going with the green drive was bang for the buck. I definitely dont need 2 tb of storage. The 1 tb solution you suggest should work well.

The user ratings on the z68 asus are very positive. Good suggestion there as well.

Any thoughts on the use of a quad video card vs using two others in tandem?

 

[hillmanant]

That's one thing I'm not too positive on. 4 Monitors is a challenge in and of itself I would post a thread in the Graphics Card section here about that to be sure. Sli/Crossfire adds another element of difficulty and computer prowess, on the other hand the video for that card showed it running at like 16-32 FPS not all that great. I assume you will have lots of small numbers and lines and graphs so a higher resolution would be a must. I think you would have great results with something like this in SLI. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130661
I think any card bigger than that would produce image tearing on a 60Hz screen without Vsync so you would be spending more than you need. But again I would ask in the Graphics Card section here to make sure.

 

[g-unit1111]

Additional Comments: This will be a dedicated trading PC running Tradestation version 9. This software is very resource intensive when using multiple desktops that contain multiple pages of charts running multiple trading indicators. I am looking at a 4 monitor setup using a Firepro 2460 graphics card in lieu of 2 separate graphics cards in tandem (thoughts here?). Here is what I have so far (all from Newegg):

My thought on this - if you're going to be running multiple displays I'd actually go so far as to say that the resolution of your monitors will determine what graphics card you get. I'm not really inclined to recommend the Fire Pro for this - they're good cards for sure but a 6950 will allow you to run multiple displays in the native HDMI (1920 x 1080) resolution - which is what I'd recommend.

That's one thing I'm not too positive on. 4 Monitors is a challenge in and of itself I would post a thread in the Graphics Card section here about that to be sure. Sli/Crossfire adds another element of difficulty and computer prowess, on the other hand the video for that card showed it running at like 16-32 FPS not all that great. I assume you will have lots of small numbers and lines and graphs so a higher resolution would be a must. I think you would have great results with something like this in SLI. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130661

FPS isn't going to matter in a business workstation that is going to be running Tradestation all the time. Resolution and redraw times, will though. :lol:

I was debating going with 8 vs 16 gb on the ram. I probably would go with 16 since the price for this build has dropped $200 in the last few weeks.

This is one instance where I'd recommend the 16GB of RAM but I'm not sure that the 2600K would be needed for this software - business applications are made for low power, low resource workstations and Tradestation will probably run on a dual core i3-2120 - it's what I'm getting by with and I barely come close to using 80% of the full CPU load with several applications running.

The motherboard, I would go with a board that has a z68 chipset like this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131791 or this one if the price is an issue http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813157271 although I feel ASUS is much more reliable as this is being used for business. I know you said no OC but the ASUS UEFI bios makes it a one click to OC the processor very safely to 4.2 Ghz well worth it.

I'm not sure I'd recommend Asrock for a business station - you want your systems running as fast and as smooth as possible with the fewest hiccups to avoid downtime, and then you don't want to spend all your overhead on system maintenance.

Seasonic SS-850HT 850W ATX12V v2.31,EPS12V v2.92 80Plus Silver Certified, Active PFC Power Supply
Item #:N82E16817151100
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$129.99

Good choice for PSU but again - you want to absolutely minimize system downtime so you want to get the best and most efficient PSU you can for the price. This is one area you want to research heavily and if it isn't at least 80+ Bronze or Silver rated, don't buy it.

The Cooler, I like the hyper 212 but get the Evo it moves more air http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835103099

You'll spend a little more here but worth it in the long run should be reliable and longevity will be great.

I for sure agree with this. Longevity is key for a system build that's critical for business apps, and this will ensure your system lasts a long time with few hiccups.

 

[a4mula]

PowerColor 6870 Eyefinity 6 Edition 289.99

I have no idea how this would stack up versus the Firepro, but there are options to have up to 6 monitors working off of one gpu. Keep in mind if you do go this route only 3 of the monitors can be driven by DVI. The other two would require either Displayport, or a Displayport adapter.

 

[g-unit1111]

PowerColor 6870 Eyefinity 6 Edition 289.99

I have no idea how this would stack up versus the Firepro, but there are options to have up to 6 monitors working off of one gpu. Keep in mind if you do go this route only 3 of the monitors can be driven by DVI. The other two would require either Displayport, or a Displayport adapter.

That's a pretty sweet card but it is a 6870. The thing I'd be concerned with is what resolution it would be able to run all the monitors at. If you look at like the Sapphire Flex cards, you can run up to 4 in native 1080p without the use of extra adapters or DP cords.

 

[eneideffer]

I have been checking out the PowerColor as well as the Sapphire 100312-3SR HD 6950. I ran across a 6950 made by Asus. Any preference on manufacturer when it comes to the 6950?

 

[a4mula]

To be quite honest I wasn't even aware of the 6950 E6 by Asus. That's a nice card, though the 3 slot pcb kills it for me. If you have that kind of space however it'd definitely out perform the 6870.

As for manufacturers, XFX offers lifetime warranties. I'll personally never buy another HIS as they downright refused to honor their warranty on my 5870 when it spun a fan bearing 6 months into ownership (TY Liberal Newegg RMA policy!) There's little I can say about the others as I have no personal experience with them.

 

[hillmanant]

I agree with a4mula, I own an xfx card and I have had no issues with it but ASUS is a quality name all around as well so pick your poison I guess.

 

[g-unit1111]

I have been checking out the PowerColor as well as the Sapphire 100312-3SR HD 6950. I ran across a 6950 made by Asus. Any preference on manufacturer when it comes to the 6950?

My preference is that I generally prefer smaller specialized manufacturers like Sapphire and Power Color since that's all they make and they're quite good at what they're doing, versus a company like Asus, MSI, or Gigabyte - they make good motherboards but as far as video cards are concerned they make thousands of products and some will be great, but some won't be - and that's not the case with big manufacturers.

 

[eneideffer]

Taking into account your suggestions here is the revised build. I went with the XFX 6950 based on your input, the reviews on Newegg and the fact there is a $30 rebate. Changed the mb but stayed with the Asus brand. Increased memory and switched to Corsair (good call). Also went with the 1tb HD. Let me know if I am lacking or if you see any conflicts. I will probably order the components tomorrow and assemble next week. I will follow up after the new year with an update on how the build went (may post before then should I encounter any issues ) Thanks for your input and help.



LITE-ON 24X DVD Writer - Bulk - Black SATA Model iHAS224-06 LightScribe Support - OEM
Item #: N82E16827106333
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $20.99

Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811129066
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy $69.99

Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822148697
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options22-148-697|hide options22-148-697)
Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty PlanThe product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge.(more info22-148-697.0.18)
1 year: $14.992 year: $24.993 year: $26.99 $129.99

XFX Double D HD-695X-CDFC Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with ...
Item #: N82E16814150549
Return Policy: Iron Egg Standard Return Policy -$15.00 Instant

$30.00 Mail-in Rebate Card14-150-549 $279.99
$264.99

Seasonic SS-850HT 850W ATX12V v2.31,EPS12V v2.92 80Plus Silver Certified, Active PFC Power Supply - OEM
Item #: N82E16817151100
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options17-151-100|hide options17-151-100)
Service Net Replacement Extended WarrantyThe product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge.(more info17-151-100.0.120)
1 year: $14.992 year: $24.99 -$5.00 Instant
$129.99
$124.99

CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9B
Item #: N82E16820145347
Return Policy: Iron Egg Standard Return Policy $169.98
($84.99 each)

ASUS P8Z68 DELUXE/GEN3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
Item #: N82E16813131791
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options13-131-791|hide options13-131-791)
Service Net Replacement Extended WarrantyThe product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge.(more info13-131-791.0.120)
1 year: $24.992 year: $44.99 $269.99

Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 3000 ...
Item #: N82E16819115070
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options19-115-070|hide options19-115-070)
Service Net Replacement Extended WarrantyThe product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge.(more info19-115-070.0.120)
1 year: $32.992 year: $59.99 $319.99

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R1 Continuous Direct Contact 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler Compatible with latest Intel ...
Item #: N82E16835103099
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options35-103-099|hide options35-103-099)
Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty PlanThe product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge.(more info35-103-099.0.18)
1 year: $5.992 year: $9.993 year: $11.99 $34.99

ADATA S511 Series AS511S3-120GM-C 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
Item #: N82E16820211551
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options20-211-551|hide options20-211-551)
Service Net Replacement Extended WarrantyThe product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge.(more info20-211-551.0.120)
1 year: $16.992 year: $29.99 -$45.00 Instant
$239.99
$194.99
Subtotal: $1,600.89

 

[g-unit1111]

XFX Double D HD-695X-CDFC Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with ...
Item #: N82E16814150549
Return Policy: Iron Egg Standard Return Policy -$15.00 Instant

$30.00 Mail-in Rebate Card14-150-549 $279.99
$264.99

XFX makes good cards but Sapphire's 6950 will allow you to run multiple monitors in 1080p better than anything else will.

ADATA S511 Series AS511S3-120GM-C 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
Item #: N82E16820211551
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options20-211-551|hide options20-211-551)
Service Net Replacement Extended WarrantyThe product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge.(more info20-211-551.0.120)
1 year: $16.992 year: $29.99 -$45.00 Instant

Go with the Crucial M4 - it's a far better drive for the price.

I don't recommend always getting the extended warranty - not only will it jack the price up but the manufacturers have to honor their warranties and if the product works after 60 days you should be good.

Otherwise that's a much better build - I say go for it.

 

[a4mula]

FX Double D HD-695X-CDFC Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI

Keep in mind the maximum amount of monitors this gpu can output to is 3. In order to push up to six you would need a card that specifically states "Eyefinity 6" these were specialized cards aimed a a market that wanted the ability to run 3x2 arrays, 5x1 arrays ect. The Asus 3-slot was one, as was the 6870 I linked to earlier. The 6990 also naturally supported up to 6 monitors, but due to its discontinuation it's going to be difficult to find.

 

[eneideffer]

Good catch. Being that there is plenty of room on the mb I am going with the Asus.

 

[eneideffer]

This build went extremely well. A couple things worth noting. The Asus HD 6950 is a monster. It would not fit in the case. I was going to send it back but Tiger Direct would not refund my money. They would only do an exchange. They did not have the Powercolor so I opted to keep the 6950 and modify the case. Secondly the mb comes with a USB 3.0 option where you can mount a USB panel in one of the 3.5" bays and have a USB 3.0 solution accessible from the front of the case. That does not work with this particular case as there are dual fans that cover all the 3.5" bays. Unfortunately I can not utilize this option.

I have two (existing) 23" LCD's hooked up on the monitor stand. I goofed on the other monitors (they were not VESA compatible, thus would not mount to my monitor stand). Both are running in native 1080. I am anxious to see if the others will run in 1080 when hooked up via HDMI (the other two are hooked up to the DVI ports). I will update when the new monitors show up, probably Tuesday.

Overall this system is very fast. I can not believe the difference compared to my old pc. I look forward to seeing how this thing works under "load" when the markets open up on Tuesday.

Thanks again for the help.

 

[hillmanant]

My pride makes me wonder, best answer?

 

[eneideffer]

LOL!!!! I have no problem admitting my mistakes. I will give you mad props if my solution doesn't work!

 

[eneideffer]

My pride makes me wonder, best answer?

Well I don't have to eat crow. New monitors showed up yesterday. They are full 1080 even when using the DVI to HDMI adapter. Everything is working perfectly. Thanks again for all the help.

 

[hillmanant]

Got some pics to post for us?

 

[eneideffer]

Got some pics to post for us?

Don't know if I want pics floating around of my crummy wire management!!! I can probably upload some in the next week.

 

[eneideffer]

Got some pics to post for us?

Sorry it's taken so long. I was attempting this today but couldn't get it to work. This site doesn't allow you to drag and drop or insert attachments?