How To Choose A Day Trading Laptop or PC
Powerful PCs and laptops make stock trading from home, or from anywhere else, possible. The right setup can help an amateur compete with the big boys on Wall Street on a level playing field.
But what does a day trader or stock trading enthusiast need in a laptop or PC? Read on to find out so you can get the right tool for the job.
RAM For The Win
RAM, or Random Access Memory, helps a computer to do multiple things at once. The greater the amount of RAM a computer has, the more tabs it can have open on a web browser and the more programs it can run simultaneously. This is going to be a handy capability if you are trading stocks.
If you want to run a Windows-based system, you will need at least 8 gigabytes of RAM, though more is recommended.
Microsoft Windows uses a good chunk of RAM on its own, and then you will need more capacity to run your stock trading software. Choose a laptop or PC with 16GB or more to make sure you have all the power you need when you need it.
The best stock trading workstation laptop PCs have all the RAM you need plus extra processing power and larger screens, making them perfect for trading stock from home or on the move.
The Power Of Processing
CPUs, or central processing units, are the brain of every PC and laptop. The bigger and more powerful the brain is, the more it can do in less time.
These qualities are crucial in stock trading. To make the trades you want to make, when you want to make them, you will need a high-spec CPU to get the job done.
With plenty of RAM, it is possible to operate a trading platform with a mid-range CPU as the majority of trading software is more RAM intensive than CPU intensive.
However, if you want to have multiple programs running, some of which are not stock trading programs, you should invest in a high-spec CPU to make sure you have all the processing power you will need.
Ports, Ports, And More Ports
For a stock trading PC or laptop, connectivity is important. Many traders use multiple screens so they can keep an eye on different stocks while also having trading software and chat rooms open at the same time.
Your stock trading PC will need plenty of ports available to connect multiple monitors, as well as any peripherals you want to use.
Most high-end graphics cards have more than one output for screens, making it easier to connect two or three extra monitors. When you are choosing your stock trading laptop or PC, look at how many ports it has available for monitors, so you know you can keep adding to the system to meet your demands.
With all the right pieces in place, you should have everything you need to start trading like a Wall Street pro. Your investment in your stock trading PC may be one of the best investments you ever make.