I've used my trading setup on XP 32-bit and XP-64... couldn't tell any difference. But all of my peripherals worked with XP-32... not so XP-64.
::But all of my peripherals worked with XP-32... not so XP-64. What crap stuff is that? I mean, really. I threw out the last hardware REQUIRING 32 bit ages ago. Even for XP good manufacturers had drivers out in 64 bit, for Vista upward it is a requirement by microsoftfor WHQL certification (you need to have 32 bit and 64 bit in same version, otherwise no certification which means a lot of bad stuff in companies).
Printer, sound card, TV tuner... none of which qualifies as "crap". They are still perfectly good, so no need to replace them just to say "I'm running 64-bit". If someone is buying new everything today, 64-bit is probably OK, but most software is still 32-bit and runs under "32-bit emulation" in a 64-bit system. Therefore, not much in the way of a real advantage in most cases to a 64-bit rig.
Thanks Blue, will be getting computer with 64bit Vista or 7, so is 4GB enough? One more question, am going to dual screens so I'll need a graphics card that supports Dual Link DVI, any suggestions on what brand or model to get? Thaks for your time guys Happy
4G RAM enough to start. Get 2x2GB kit. (Or, 6GB in 3x2GB kit if i7 mobo) You can add another later if it seems advantageous. You won't need "dual link" unless you're running 30" monitors. Nvidia Quadro NVS 290 is good for 28" and smaller.
Is www.tradingcomputers.com just overpriced stuff you can basically build for 1/2, 1/3rd of their prices, or is the saying "you get what you pay for" correct with them, in that they are top quality? Been looking at them for a while, but after reading this thread wonder what to do. I want a six monitor (22") setup with a speedy computer that is ONLY FOR TRADING. I'll use my laptop, and other desktop for internet, e-mail, etc., Opinions appreciated. Thanks!
Check out the Dell Precision T3400. If a Q9650 CPU isn't enough for you, check out T3400 with Xeon W3520 or better.
Oops.... Meant to say "T3500 with Xeon W3520..." Rather than pay Dell's high markup on top upgrades (like Q9650 on T3400), the T3500 with Xeon W3520 would be not only faster, but a better deal. (The lesser Xeons are rather whimpy... If you're looking for HORSEPOWER, I'd avoid them.)