How To Build A Trading Computer

[@SkinnyGeek_1010]

One tip is to use 2 hard drives (or 2 partitions) if you plan to also use it as a personal computer. Then have one disk dedicated to trading only, no extra downloads, cruft, etc.. and reboot into the 2nd windows disk if you plan to use it for personal use.

[@claytrader]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@anonymeanonyme4047]

Adam Brodzinski true

[@Agostinho86]

Thats a good tip but a true "trading computer" is used to trade only! Otherwise it would be a "Personal Computer for Trading" and thats not badass like a trading computer!

[@crosisofborg5524]

Yep my pc has 2 500gb drives, 1 for OS and 1 for trading and a 2TB drive for gaming and personal use.

[@blakeharris9868]

dont buy windows on disk, buy it on USB. windows sells it that way. much easier for installs, and dont need a cd drive anymore

[@claytrader]

"Information that would have been great YESTERDAY!!!" (can you name the movie?)

[@blakeharris9868]

the wedding singer I do believe.

[@claytrader]

Well done!

[@boamboam1055]

I wanna learn trading but now i work at a place fixing computers and you made this build look so easy-- you rock

[@claytrader]

Nate is the man for sure!

[@Archuhz]

A younger Clay, before realized gym gains

[@claytrader]

hahaha

[@AnthonyGonzalez-ym2st]

Don't forget to take off any plastic covers on any of the components. Especially on the cpu heat-sink!!! @8:20 you can see the cover is still on the bottom of the heat-sink. Clay if you see this, check up on the computer!

[@claytrader]

Haha, thanks. We got that cover off, just didnt show it in the video. thanks for the reminder for other though!

[@brykit1972]

One huge tip for any computer build. Do your "board build"! Install CPU (with fan and heat sink), RAM, video on motherboard and connect the power to the motherboard from the power supply. Connect the monitor to the video card. User a screwdriver to short the pins for the power button...or connect the power button, but that might not reach. Shorting the pins by touching the screwdriver tip to the pins (locate the pins using the motherboard manual diagram, you have the manual...right?? lol) is just like hitting the power button. If you get video to the monitor (POST screen only as hard drive is not yet connected with operating system) and the CPU fan spins, you're in business. If not, you just found out you have some troubleshooting to do. Better to realize this now than after you've gone to all the trouble of getting everything mounted in the case, and *then* realize there's a problem. Defective motherboards are common. This is a good way to make sure yours is good before mounting it in the case. Same with video card, but those are less likely to be defective. CPU and RAM even less so as they are generally more solid. Once you complete the board build, disconnect the monitor, remove the video card, unhook all power, and install the motherboard with CPU and RAM in place into the case. I'm not seeing any specific videos on this. But this is how I learned back in the day as a PC tech working in tech shops. We'd normally have a separate workbench for board builds with a dedicated monitor, etc.

[@brykit1972]

Doing the board build also helps if your case is small and you have large hands. Installing the CPU and fan can be very delicate if there is little space to work.

[@claytrader]

Thanks for suggestions.

[@RainieReverie]

please make sure before touching any components to get rid of all static electricity by touching some kind of metal like the case or a metal table etc.

[@claytrader]

Thanks

[@himanshudass508]

myancestors :p this is not the first time he is using computer man

[@brykit1972]

A tech shop coworker pointed out to me once that putting the motherboard on top of the anti-static bag is wrong. Basically static can't get in the bag, but it can get on the outside. I still do this! But good to know still. Also good to use an anti-static strap...but I never even bought one. lol

[@forward_ever_ever2595]

myancestors ..indeed...standard procedure. Well observed.

[@arunfemin]

Did you remove the protective film from the cooling fan radiator...

[@claytrader]

Yup

[@Trading2471]

What do you recommend for a trading graphics card today in 2020?

[@claytrader]

We have a new video coming soon... keep an eye out for it.

[@cabbagepatch9938]

How much did everything cost without the monitors just the pc

[@claytrader]

I'm sure pricing would be quite different now given this video is a couple years old

[@scottprior2809]

Did I miss the part of how much this should cost. Everything included should cost how much ?

[@claytrader]

This system, without the monitors, was about $1400.

[@bjoewallace81]

Today would you change anything? If so what would you buy different? Nvidia graphics card or newer i7 etc.

[@skatersridge]

@@bjoewallace81 amd cpu will be better than intel for lower price today

[@christopherwhaler5086]

Curious question. If you are trading from a physical PC, you run the risk of internet or power cutting out. You can use a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) to deal with the power going out, but the internet, maybe if you have an alternative, one would cut out and the other would have to connect. So, isn't it better to use a virtual PC that is hosted, rather than a physical one? Also, if you could host closer to the exchange, I think the BUY/SELL messages will be executed quicker. Am I wrong here? Cos I was thinking what PC to buy, and wondered if my wizz bang PC would just be an interface to connect to a more reliable faster virtual PC hosted close to the exchange, and hence, anything more than basic would be a waste of money. Thoughts?

[@claytrader]

I just have a battery backup. Never had any problems. Worst case, you can just call your broker.

[@zee8105]

hey I think you posted a wrong link for NVIDIA quadro in your parts list

[@claytrader]

you are correct, thanks. here is the correct link: amzn.to/2sKzuCc

[@pny2579]

Are these still relavent or need more powerful now?

[@claytrader]

they'd be plenty good enough

[@damionbacchus3131]

i have a bunch of questions. Why a quadro gpu? why not a faster nvme ssd of similar pricing? e.g samsung sm series or 961 pro. why not more cores for the same price or higher?

[@damionbacchus3131]

im not dissing you or trying to find flaw. i have not started trading yet and i wanna know which app to use and what it would demand. and like in games would 120hrz affect how fast data is put onthe screen?

[@claytrader]

Went with the quadro simply for the stability of a workstation class card. The 960 is the card we used, seemed to fit the bill for what we were doing, anything faster really wouldn't be noticeable, but nothing wrong with a faster card. as for 120hrz I'm not sure youd notice the difference but i cant speak from experience on that one.

[@zullybella9759]

Nice Job

[@claytrader]

Thanks!

[@Dortch3]

Very informative...You did not "lie" about the board ready to go in 9:52 ...you were simply mistaken.

[@claytrader]

Cheers

[@leohernandez1221]

im buying a 2017 imac, would you say getting the more expensive I7 core version is worth it or I5 would work good??

[@claytrader]

It really depends on how you plan to use it. Personally id always opt for the i7 over the i5 as that's a component that is not really upgradable down the road.

[@leohernandez1221]

i will only be using the imac for trading and doing research no personal use, no editing or photoshop. i have 2 monitors and will have many webpages open, and at the same time the trading software.

[@claytrader]

That would be more than enough.

[@LeonardoSeptianDwigantoro]

is there any problem if i use vga/hdmi splitter for multiple monitor coz i use gtx 1060

[@claytrader]

Should be good to go.

[@mmullis3]

what is the brand of that multi-arm stand for your monitors behind you?

[@claytrader]

Its a loctek, we actually did a video about that a while back too, check it out here: claytrader.com/videos/loctek-d7q-review/

[@johhnycash1515]

@claytrader what about the led lights that were supposed to be set in places?

[@claytrader]

What about them?

[@roxyqueen5076]

Hey Clay will you do a video on installing the software after you put the computer together.?

[@claytrader]

Not sure. That's more of a "just follow the onscreen instructions" type of thing.

[@Techgeekengineer]

What was the total price for the build?

[@claytrader]

Right around $1,200ish

[@toddsmolik9164]

what is the recommended Internet speed for this setup??

[@itnate129]

Id say anything over 10-15 mbps would be adequate

[@gaureshbhogale11]

Is this CPU capable enough to run games like cs go? Asking cuz theres a MSI part!

[@claytrader]

I cant speak from actual experience but it should be more than capable to handle the vast majority of games.

[@Selas81]

The CPU is definitely more than enough, the GPU however - with that you likely would find a better deal with a non quadro like the gtx 1060 or such.

[@gaureshbhogale11]

Lars DS thanks for the reply!

[@MrAgatto2]

great video clay...

[@claytrader]

Thanks

[@VinciCastor]

Hey Clay can you also do video about what tablet is good for trading on the go. Most of the day I'm in the car. I would like to know if tablet or laptop would be good to use. Also, is ipad also good for trading? I'm also curious if you can pimp a car and make a trademobile out of it. 😁

[@claytrader]

Tablet vs. laptop is going to be personal preference. I personally use a Surface Pro 4, but that's just me. By no means is that the "must do" way to do it.

[@andyrix54]

I had a boss years ago tell me," you can't have too many tools or too fast a computer". There is no such thing as "overkill".

[@claytrader]

Sure there is.... we as traders don't need a computer capable of launching a rocket into space. That'd be money wasted that we could have kept in our trading account.

[@andyrix54]

@@claytrader Let me put a finer point on my comment: it's better to have too much computing power than not enough.

[@claytrader]

@@andyrix54 now that I fully agree with.

[@christoforospetsas4705]

why would you need a quadro? its a trading setup.. my pc has not even a gpu attached

[@claytrader]

Matter of personal preference.

[@DerekCampbellIS]

Great stuff ClayT...thank you.

[@claytrader]

You're welcome.

[@johnnysingh2866]

its not a m.2 hard drive or a m.2 card its a m.2 or m.2 ssd its a optical drive not a cd drive the reason you dont touch the bottom of the cpu is because you could easily bend the pins use a pea size dot on the center of the cpu the placement is not different on every motherboard its a io shield not a back plate

[@claytrader]

Feel better?

[@johnnysingh2866]

@@claytrader yes much better read more i was only trying to fix your mistakes so if you make another pc you make it right i was not trying to be mean sorry if you felt offended

[@claytrader]

lol.... my computer works just fine and has worked well for years.... i appreciate your concern though

[@johnnysingh2866]

@@claytrader hear is my pc ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/Efficentsole85/saved/ZsmPnQ

[@claytrader]

Are you about to tell me next that your dad can beat up my dad? lol..... goodness my friend. Not sure why you're getting so worked up over this. Calm down, you'll enjoy life way better.

[@FranktheWarhead]

I love building pc's! Went with a Quadro? That's an interesting choice lol if you don't mind me asking why not an nvidia 1080gtx? Or a gtx of any kind really?

[@claytrader]

The quadro's are designed to be run all day every day, just wanted something super stable, cool, and quiet. A GTX would be totally doable too, just wanted the stability of a workstation level card.

[@bisnesnln30]

ClayTrader ok

[@jasonneumann5864]

how many monitors could this support?

[@claytrader]

I'm running 4 27'' 4k monitors.

[@dsheila]

If I have an old desktop computer, can I just use that case and make the necessary upgrades.

[@claytrader]

Yeah, that should work.

[@thomasj5722]

How much did it cost to build?

[@claytrader]

The hardware pieces are all listed out.

[@andrewjohnson8043]

What about using a MacBook for what u do??

[@claytrader]

You could do that. Totally personal preference.

[@majorstupidity1]

Does it take something all that beefy? All's I have is a laptop and I haven't gotten into anything yet, but I didn't have knowledge of needing higher tech gear.

[@claytrader]

Absolutely not, you can trade on way less than this, this is more like the ideal setup.

[@thoyo]

ClayTrader I noticed he said the gfx card supports 4 monitors at a time. when I watch your live trades, I only remember seeing 1 screen. are there other trading sessions I miss where you utilize multiple screens simultaneously? thanks!

[@claytrader]

All that explained here - claytrader.com/videos/free-education-risk-case-study/

[@majorstupidity1]

Thanks for the response!

[@claytrader]

You're welcome.

[@nouf1984]

can you provide the link to the CPU heatsink ?

[@claytrader]

Absolutely: amzn.to/2fXOjvt

[@jennies8620]

As I mentioned somewhere earlier,I was intimidated with all the computer screens behind u in ur videos. ...so ,do we need 2-4 computers to trade?....omg....not sure if I will ever get into this trading...

[@claytrader]

My thoughts claytrader.com/videos/thoughts-multiple-monitor-trading-set-ups/

[@firstnamelastname4685]

so....how does this relate to trading?

[@claytrader]

You need a computer to trade.

[@firstnamelastname4685]

@@claytrader wow that's very relevant :D

[@mixxndj]

Is there any lag with that video card? Would you use that card today or go with something else??

[@claytrader]

Working just fine for me.

[@mohitkhyalia_mk]

superb

[@claytrader]

Thanks!

[@aaronsmyth7943]

Here is a great pro-tip : don't build the thing yourself. Go to dell, spend some money, take out an extended warranty, and trade until you are blue in the face. That way you get to the main question a lot quicker - i.e. "is trading something I can actually do successfully?". If you spend £1000 on a system and find after 2 years that you can't trade, it will be the best £1000 you ever spent.

[@claytrader]

Thanks for the thoughts.

[@nirvishchokshi]

@@claytrader you are too polite I guess you’re avoiding confrontations but pro pc builders don’t really understand trading needs. You saved me quite a bit of money on gpu. Thanks. Although I do wish you’d build a cleaner setup

[@claytrader]

@@nirvishchokshi cheers and thanks for the feedback

[@boamboam1055]

oh and thanks for doing this vid

[@claytrader]

You're welcome.

[@pulkitjain2776]

Hey ! Where is clay ? At first i thought clay grown some beard.. 😂

[@claytrader]

I had a few surgeries.

[@chicano_travels]

No Wifi adapter?

[@claytrader]

Nope.

[@rajarajput3483]

WTF you dont need a fuckin i7+Quadro+16gb ram for trading, a i3+1050ti+8gb ram will be more than enough. But maybe if you want more screens go with a different GPU, but for 2-3 screens the 1050ti is more than capable

[@claytrader]

Do me a favor and calm down.

[@Giggidygiggidy12]

Also $AMD new Ryzen chips are out more powerful and cheaper than i7, don't waste your money on Intel, you will overpay for less performance

[@claytrader]

Thanks for sharing your opinion.

[@soccercraz15]

Surprised you didn't use an AMD processor with real cores and not theoretical hyperthreaded intel cores

[@rajarajput3483]

wow, do some research before you say stuff. i5+i7 have real cores. the i3 and GXXXX CPUs have hyperthreaded cores.

[@45hk76]

that definitely is a overkill for a trading computer hahaha

[@claytrader]

Depends on the type of trading you're doing.

[@FOMO13]

I'd go with AMD! Ryzen 1700X for the cpu though. Just sayin.

[@claytrader]

Thanks for your opinion.

[@claytrader]

That's a solid choice for sure!

[@Joe-zw9ep]

For anyone looking this trades 3 monitors fine + games every game currently :) i7 4790k gtx 970 (Thunder Master) 16GB DDR4 RAM (corsair) SSD (Samsung Evo8)

[@claytrader]

Just curious, why do you like every single one of your own comments?

[@Joe-zw9ep]

0 = Bad 1 = Good 2 = Bad 3 = Good 4 = Good 5 = Bad 6 = Bad 7 = Good 8 = Bad 9 = Not sure yet.

[@Joe-zw9ep]

No, Frunk. It's like drunk but more fun.

[@bowbowbusta2778]

At least be delicate with the parts

[@claytrader]

Relax.

[@markyfilarky]

The "backplate" you installed is actually an IO-Shield. A backplate the on the back of the motherboard on some bigger cpu coolers.

[@claytrader]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@atlasdm]

You need a girlfriend, jesus...

[@markyfilarky]

Kyle Cook I was just correcting him. Calm yourself.

[@yming4561]

Hi Clay, Happy Thanksgiving. Big Thanks for the sharing, I learn a lot. This video was done a year ago. If you have to do it again with the latest Gadgets /Parts available at this time, what would you change in the part list or a new recommended part list ?

[@claytrader]

Glad you enjoyed it. While its not 100% up to date here is a newer parts list: claytrader.com/blog/build-the-best-stock-trading-computer-for-your-money/ - itNate

[@yming4561]

@@claytrader Thanks

[@Habitation2023]

ClayTrader have you heard of Geek Squad at Best Buy? Would they be able to build this? I didn't understand most of what you explained... (although you explained well)

[@claytrader]

@@Habitation2023 You'd have to ask them. I can't speak for Geek Squad.

[@anonymeanonyme4047]

im 15 i want To trade

[@claytrader]

You can go here to learn - claytrader.com/courses/

[@Samar-bw1cl]

What was that.... It was like building any other pc... A trading pc???? Wtf

[@claytrader]

I'm not sure what you're confused about?

[@abigailfamisaran2558]

nate is so cute 😘😘

[@claytrader]

He is pretty handsome isn't he?

[@abigailfamisaran2558]

ClayTrader yes he is...hunky❤️❤️

[@claytrader]

No worries, I won't tell his wife!

[@abigailfamisaran2558]

hahaha... no worries i appreciate from afar 😊😊😊

[@himanshudass508]

is he a trader ?

[@claytrader]

Nate is not. I am (Clay) and that's whose computer he was building.

[@abigailfamisaran2558]

nate ia cute though

[@samsun01]

stick to trading. leave computers to IT pros.

[@claytrader]

lol....

[@penny2515]

YESSS

[@claytrader]

Cheers!

[@yokum67]

Again another person taking full anti-static precautions Precautions taken to prevent damage to sensitive components !! And people wonder why things fail !!

[@claytrader]

Why are you so emotional? This computer has worked for years and continues to do great.

[@nenedirnasl4598]

Video card must be at least 256 bit. Your card 128.

[@claytrader]

Not true. My computer is and has been working just fine lol

[@petefrenzy1974]

I'll put my MAC up against anything these Dorks who waste their time and Money building! I spend less money at end of the day..and buy the Most expensive top MAC every couple of years. I spend my free time chasing Tail. Have fun running Windows and spending time with software debugging and viruses. Most people will never learn their conditioned to think this Paperweight is a Ferrari. I just buy the Ferrari save myself from being a Dork!

[@claytrader]

Cool story. Thanks for sharing.

[@KCSamurai]

NOT!

[@mdogzino]

That escalated quickly!

[@sodiumchloride8273]

Lol

[@sodiumchloride8273]

Some people are really bad at trolling

[@siddharthvadoliya9345]

That's overkill i3 8100 should be enough

[@claytrader]

"should be" is a scary phrase.

[@rajarajput3483]

Clay Trader, i have to disagree mate, my 5 year old laptop can trade, so the i3 8100 is more than enough. hell an i3 can even game at 50fps high with 1050ti. So yes alot of the trading builds ive seen is overkill. i3+1050ti+8gb ram will be more than enough.

[@siddharthvadoliya9345]

It's depend on chart type too. For Candlestick chart I3 8100 is enough but for Renko chart it requires high end PC. When i open multiple Renko chart with Indicators my old PC freeze like a hell. So it's all depend on usage.