Are you running these kind of backtests also on your current computer? If so, what are the specifications of your current computer?
People who ask how much computer they need for trading are probably fine with a mid-level system and can focus on getting good bang for their buck. The real analytical types will spend big money on a power grid draining rig. Their experimentation will inevitably lead to performance demands exceeding the performance capacity of their equipment. In addition, in order to free up as many cpu cycles as possible, they shut down some programs and window services assuming they are even willing to use a Windows based system in the first place.
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/WWLZZR Here's a great computer, $240 less than the comparable XPS easy to upgrade when DRAM prices drop and give yourself 32gb RAM
I would look into building your own computer; it is quite easy and for the amount of windows you want at the same time, a video card made to handle your application vs. a gaming app is important. All those that say they trade off of a basic computer are trading few financial instruments at the same time. I built my own computer and it's very powerful and I have live streamed over 40 individual screens onto four 4k monitors at once with zero lag. My computer is also fast as can be and is hooked up to a fiber optic internet feed. The computer parts cost as much as the one you are looking at and it would only taker you an hour to put it together. I give a thumbs up to pcpartpicker also, but make sure you double check the compatibility of the parts with the manufacturer lists!!!!
Regarding costs, I wouldn't be penny pinching when buying gear. Quality doesn't cost, it saves. I have always mostly bought the best gear for the job for that which it's required for, seriously, in any one trading day, my positions can easily gain or lose into the thousands of dollars. I say to my wife, don't scrimp when buying groceries, your job is to buy what's good, my job is to bring in the bucks, don't waste time saving a buck, it's my job to be efficient due to the large amounts coming and going in trading. Therefore my suggestion to you, buy the best within reason, and more importantly, hone yourself to be a good trader. Don't build your own computer, waste of time, TRADE WELL! That's where to spend your time.
It's good PC spec for what you want to do with it. If you have the money, buy it. I wouldn't worry about getting the very best deal, but be more concern about the quality. You don't need the very best quality that is expensive. But you do want it to last for years. Check Dell's quality standards before buying. In the past Dell wast trying to use cheap parts in their laptops. Don't know if they are still doing that. Also, with PC's having a little knowledge on how they are built helps. In the future you may want to upgrade some parts.
Exactly how I would expect a successful trader to think. Building your own computer might save you around $100 in labor cost. I know because I've done an analysis on a gaming pc that I could build myself or pay a company to build for me. After getting the best deal for the same parts. The difference was only $100. Better to let the expert put it together.
My trading setup is: - Two AOC e1659Fwu 16-Inch Ultra Slim 1366x768 Res 200 cd/m2 Brightness USB 3.0-Powered Portable $99 each - One Dell Inspiron 15.6" HD Truelife LED Backlit Widescreen Laptop, AMD A8-7410 Quad-Core Processor 6GB RAM 500GB HDD Radeon R5 Graphics $320 All setup: $518