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Date/Time: Fri, 03 May 2024 14:51:15 +0000

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Trading Workstation Build Questions

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[2021-03-11 23:04:00] #1 [Go To First Post]
ScottK - Posts: 43
Hi, I plan on buying a new Workstation for trading. I currently have a dual CPU Supermicro Workstation with 64GB of ECC-RAM, that I mainly use for photo editing. It runs on Windows 7 and is starting to show its age. I will only be using the new Workstation for Sierra Charts, and maybe Questrade. My web-browser, e-mail client, Discord, ScanZ, and other non-critical things can be running on my old Workstation. The system I am looking at is also from Supermicro <https://www.supermicro.com/en/Aplus/system/5U/5014/AS-5014A-TT.cfm>. Its architecture is all PCI-E 4.0 based and uses ECC RAM. I have been reading the posts on this site, but they do not give me a definite answer to any of my questions. I will have the option of using AMD's Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3000WX Series Processors. They come in 12, 16, 32, and 64 cores. I am already using a dual processor machine with a total of 12 cores and don't feel it's enough. Does anyone know if 16 cores would be sufficient, or should I just go with 32 cores? The 64 core processor is way out of my price range. As for memory, I find that certain programs slowly suck it up. I have 64GB of RAM on my Workstation and after heavy use, it all disappears, which means re-booting to get it back. I would like to know if 128GB of RAM is sufficient or should one go for 256GB of RAM? Heck, if I'm only using this for trading maybe even 64GB might be sufficient? Comments, please. With 256GB of RAM one would have sufficient RAM to load Windows and Sierra Charts directly to RAM which operates way faster than SSD's. I don't think I want to go that route though, especially since this system uses the M.2 Interface which is also PCI-E 4.0 based. I also plan on using an AMD Radeon Pro VII graphics card, as it comes with ECC RAM, operates on PCI-E 4.0, and can run up to 6 monitors. Nvidia Quadro's are PCI-E 3.0 based, can only run 4 monitors, and are twice the price. I think I will go with 3 - SSD's. Two would be operating in RAID 1 in case one fails, and the third will be used for nightly backups. These systems don't come cheap. They are rock-solid Workstations, not glitchy gaming computers. You may wonder why I choose Supermicro over an HP, Dell, or Lenova Workstation? Mainly price. Try doing similar specs from those four companies, and you will find you can save thousands of dollars from shopping around. I saved approximately 40% ($4,000) on my last purchase. That said, if you have a service depot nearby from a more costly option, it might be best to go in that direction. Thanks,

[2021-03-17 17:35:21] #2 [Go To First Post]
User379468 - Posts: 508
This depends on how your workflow uses SC in instances, update intervals, and how you set SC up. How many instances of SC do you run? What does your computer resource usage for SC look like now? Why do you feel 12 cores are not enough?

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