How Big Of A PSU Is Needed For A Trading Computer?

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by Scataphagos, Feb 17, 2011.

  1. You'd need a "wattage meter" to know specifically. However in the first post of this thread, there is a link to a video card power use article which shows the average power use at idle is 108-to-140ish Watts. So unless you're running a high-performance video card, any 400-600W PSU will be enough for a trading rig.
     
    #21     Mar 1, 2011
  2. No one has mentioned the efficiency ratings. Generally this is where the higher prices are. Be sure to get at least 80 PLUS. I recommend spending the money and get an 80 PLUS Silver or 80 PLUS Gold.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/80_PLUS


    cT
     
    #22     Mar 1, 2011
  3. DannoXYZ

    DannoXYZ

    There are in-line wattage-meters you can get. Looks kinda like a power-strip/surge-protector.

    Another way is a clamp-meter with a ring you clamp around the power-cable:

    http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/...ponents.com/largeimages/R6973963-01.jpg[/img]
    http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/..._sp=ProductPage-_-Calibrated-_-6990952#header

    The thing is, you should size your PS for the maximum load of your system, not the average. So you want all your fans spinning a full-speed, all the drives spinning and the CPU at full-load. Good way to load it up is to run a benchmark program like Prime95 and play some full-screen videos.

    One of my current systems uses around 120-130w at average workload, but when it's crunching charts and running simulations, the power-consumption goes up to 350w. Then you want sufficient overhead so that the PS isn't overloaded; a 100% safety buffer maybe. So I use a 700w PS.

    Also what kills a PS most of the time isn't power-overload, but overheating. The fan typically fails first, then the PS overheats and cooks some components on the circuit boards (typically a capacitor). So I use server-type systems with on-board diagnostics that can tell me when a PS-fan goes out, or a hard-drive fails or some memory starts going bad. These systems also have redundant PS and drives, so I can swap out parts without turning off the systems.
     
    #23     Mar 6, 2011
  4. Your use is atypical. Most traders do not "crunch" charts, whatever that means.... nor do they "run simulations". Running several/many tic charts and/or "custom" indicators will use a lot more CPU, however. Most trading rigs run near idle.
     
    #24     Mar 6, 2011
  5. chisel

    chisel

    #25     Mar 6, 2011