you can compare CPU's here.. http://ark.intel.com/ with relative benchmarks here.. http://www.cpubenchmark.net/ what platform are you using for scalping and reading tape? how many instruments at the same time? what applications are you running at the same time as your charting/T&S application?
building a computer seems so easy to me .. i guess thats why i never understand why people don't do it themselves.. but i understand where your coming from.. no one wants to take personal responsibility for integrating hardware.. hence apple doing so well .. usually people state that they want something super simple to keep the cost down.. then realized later that they wanted the computer for more then what they originally intented.. not the opposite.. besides we are talking a couple hundred dollar difference... i can't see buying a lower end computer to work on day in and day out .. but that is just me..
I use a platform called Fusion. It's WTS's software. I'll probably have 20 or so charts, 20 Time and Sales windows, 5 Level 2's open along with a few other things like orders/executions/positions/stock storter windows. Then it's possible I'll want to use cam studio to record one of my screens. I don't think each data window uses a lot of memory. I'm more concerned with how it will react to 4 monitors than anything else.
it has nothing to do with being accountable (aka personal responsibility) ... Apple sells products because their products fulfill a function that people are willing to pay for (overpriced, but hey... )... putting a computer together is easy for those that understand what to order and how they will integrate, for the majority... is not... and even for those that know, like myself, it comes down to how much time will be wasted doing so... I can get a built system, add the things that I really want (mostly SSD/Video Card/Memory) and that is it... I spend 15 mins upgrading and I am done, vs. hours integrating and chasing drivers, blah blah blah... just takes too long, my time is more valuable.. lastly, "lower" computer is relevant to how one uses it...
ok... so here are the recommended requirements from WTS/FTS.. CPU: Dual Core 2GHz+ Mem: 4GB+ Disk: 100MB NIC: 100mbps OS: XP Pro, Win Vista or Win7 Internet: 10Mbps+ I grabbed those from their manual... which I happen to have... what monitors do you have today? or are you buying 4 new monitors?
I have a 25'', was going to buy either 3 or 4. I figure I can get 4 23-24'' monitors for under $500. Then I'd get something like this to put on my desk: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Quad-Four-L...=US_Monitor_Mounts_Stands&hash=item2a2412bd14 I think I can get a monitor set up for under $600.
hmmm... personally, I think this is a more stable stand... http://www.ergotron.com/ProductsDetails/tabid/65/PRDID/196/Default.aspx the base in it is what makes it more balanced... have you looked at 27"? easily would replace 4x24"... I like the HP professional series... and this stand... as I matter of fact, that is what I have myself... two ZR2740w and the stand from ergotron.. http://www.ergotron.com/ProductsDetails/tabid/65/PRDID/128/language/en-US/Default.aspx PS. I just looked at the ebay listing and I had that stand...it wouldnt support 4x24"... it kept tilting over... stay away from it, but if you want it... I will sell you the one I have for half...
If you wanted to run say 4x 24" or 3x 27" monitors, which would make more sense, 2x NVIDIA Quadro NVS 300 (max 2 DP direct) or 1x AMD Firepro V4900 (max 6 DP multi stream, 3 direct)? Understand the AMD is an entry level 3D, but only 1 card would be needed?