Stock trading is a term commonly associated with the purchase and sale of stocks, bonds, and other securities. Proper stock trading requires a variety of skills including researching market trends, understanding risk management techniques, managing emotions and controlling an investment portfolio. It can be much more profitable than most people realize.
Do You Need an Expensive, Powerful Computer to Trade Well?
What kind of computer do you need to trade stocks? This question is often asked by investors who are new to the stock market and want to know what computer hardware they should purchase. For many, the answer seems simple; a powerful, high-end computer loaded with the latest hardware and software. The truth is that some computers are better than others for trading stocks and other securities online, but not all. Regardless of what type of computer you use, it needs to perform well in order for your trading strategy or software to be effective.
What to Look for in a Computer for Stock Trading
If you’re going to trade stocks, you need a reliable stock trading computer setup with the right specs. Of course, the right specs vary depending on your budget and needs, but here are some of the most important specifications to look for when shopping for the best computer for stock trading.
1. Processor
A good processor will depend on your budget and requirement. Intel processors that have an ‘i5’ or ‘i7’ in their name will be more expensive but generally better for heavy multitasking like video editing and gaming too. If you’re not too much into complicated gaming and video editing, then an Intel i3 or Intel Celeron would be much cheaper.
2. RAM (Random Access Memory)
Each time you open up your stock trading software or web browser, the computer needs to load up all the data before you can trade and take advantage of it. Designate enough RAM for your stock trading needs at least 8 GB RAM or more, otherwise the system will slow down. This can happen within a minute or two if the RAM is too little. A RAM of 16GB is also ideal and you can get up to 32GB with a little creativity. More than that might be a little overkill and not worth the extra cost.
3. Hard drive space (Storage)
Always have a reliable SSD hard drive with plenty of storage capacity for your stock trading software and data files. Before making any purchases, check the hard drive capacity and configuration; this is especially important if you already own a 2TB hard drive. There are many configurations out there now, but make sure you have at least 256GB SSD (Solid State Drive) storage for the OS and data files that are used most often. This will improve the speed and performance of your entire computer. Separately, you’ll need another 2TB hard drive for media storage.
4. Monitor
Investors are encouraged to purchase at least a 23″ monitor for stock trading. You can’t expect to see the screen well and make the necessary decisions with a small screen. Some of the most popular models are those that connect to an external display; this is useful for multitasking and viewing multiple charts at once. A Dual screen monitor is better; this will allow you to view two charts at once. If you have limited space, buy a mini PC is a great way to save space and money, while still getting all the features of a traditional desktop. A well-mounted computer can help you with investment decisions.
Laptop or Desktop Computer – Which is Better for Trading?
Generally, a laptop computer is more portable and easier to carry around. However, it is essential to purchase a quality desktop computer that can outperform laptops in terms of performance. If you’re going to use your computer for a lot of activities (like stock trading), it needs to be fast and powerful enough for you to make decisions quickly, efficiently and effectively.
Laptop computers are light and compact, but this device will not have an effective backlight or extra inputs like USB ports for extra devices. Laptops have a short battery life and some of the cheaper models do not even come with a battery. You can buy extra batteries for laptops, but they will add to the cost of your laptop and could ruin it.
The best desktop computer for stock trading has an effective backlight and supports a multi-screen display and full USB ports for extra devices. The monitor is also larger than that of a laptop. These benefits show that desktop computers are more professionally built compared to laptops.
If you’re a first-time investor, it is recommended that you buy a desktop computer instead of a laptop. You’ll have all the features you need to make accurate investment decisions in one device. If you can afford to buy a desktop computer, go for it. Also, remember that desktops are more repairable and upgradable than laptops.
Conclusion
There are many different computer configurations that can be used for stock trading. Owning the most expensive, high-performance computer available on the market is not the ultimate solution to being a successful trader. It is more important to invest in a reliable, powerful, and quality desktop computer that will meet your needs and requirements. If you need a computer that can support a multi-screen display you can consider shopping for one at GEEKOM. At GEEKOM, they provide the best computers for stock trading and other forms of business. Contact them for more details.
