Did you know that over 70% of full-time traders out there are leaving money on the table? Because they are running on outdated computers and old operating systems like Windows 10.
These older computers can create a tiny lag in your market data, and the algo traders and high-frequency traders are eating your lunch.
Most traders don't realize that those mainstream processors from just a few years ago and low levels of RAM can't keep up with today's mega levels of data flow. This leads to stale market data and something called slippage.
Slippage is when you enter an order to buy or sell, but the price you get filled at is significantly different from what you expected. Even just a second delay can throw off your entire trading system.
Mistake #1
This is mistake number 1, trying to trade on an old, outdated computer system.
Mistake #2
The second biggest mistake I see traders make on a regular basis is trying to trade on a store-bought low-end laptop computer like a Microsoft Surface or even a tablet.
While your laptop may seem fast for loading webpages and connecting to the internet, 90% of these machines were designed for miniaturization, not power and speed.
Additionally, you're limited by only one monitor and that touchpad. I don't care how fast you think you are with that touchpad, you'll never compete with how fast you can navigate on a mouse.
So, a lack of processing power and having to click from window to window with a lack of speed can seriously affect your results.
Mistake #3
The next big mistake I see traders make is trying to save money by going down to a local retailer like Best Buy or even Walmart. When you go into these stores, you're basically on your own.
Do you really think these kids who work there have a clue of what your needs are as a trader?
When you go to these big box stores, you’ll be automatically drawn to the lowest price machines, and you'll wind up walking out the door confused, with a computer that is not cutting edge and is not sufficient for trading.
Remember, trading is a peak performance activity and a skill. Would you ever see Tiger Woods buying his clubs at Walmart? Or is LeBron James buying his sneakers at Costco?
Mistake #4
Another big mistake—right in line with the last one—is buying some mass-produced machine from HP or Dell, and thinking you’re getting something high-quality. You're not. These companies cut costs by using lower-grade components they can buy in bulk.
Look, here’s the deal: as traders, we push our machines way harder than the average user. We’re not just browsing the web, going to Facebook, or checking email. We’re running multiple charts, indicators, and data feeds, and executing trades in real-time. We need top-tier performance.
Think of it like this: you need the BMW M Series of trading computers. HP and Dell? They’re more like a Dodge or a Chevy. They are decent for everyday use, but they are not built for the high-performance world that we live in as traders.
And here’s another thing: those mass-produced systems usually come with a one-year warranty.
And don’t even get me started on their tech support. When was the last time you tried calling Dell or HP Tech support? I think you know what I mean.
Mistake #5
Another big mistake as a trader is not having backup systems in place for when the inevitable happens. And trust me, they will happen. I’m talking about power outages, internet outages, power surges… all that stuff that loves to show up at the worst possible time.
As a full-time trader myself, I’ve been there. You’re trading a stock position, watching the market, and boom—your internet cuts out, or the power flickers off. It’s frustrating as hell. But the crazy part? These problems are easy to prevent.
A simple battery backup and a secondary internet connection can be total lifesavers. Just those two things can keep you in the game when things go sideways.
Mistake #6
Another huge mistake I see all the time is people not doing their homework on what kind of tech they actually need. Instead of digging in and figuring it out, they either end up at Best Buy—or worse—they get pulled in by some slick-looking website and drop thousands and thousands more than they need to on a trading computer.
Here’s the truth: there are companies out there selling overpriced machines, banking on the fact that you don’t know any better. They’re not trying to help you—they’re trying to cash in on your confusion.
My advice? Educate yourself. That’s what I’m here for. Learn what really matters when it comes to trading hardware so you don’t end up getting ripped off and you don’t wind up with a sh*tty warranty.
Mistake #7
Undoubtedly, one of the absolute biggest mistakes I see traders make constantly is not realizing the importance of keeping a calm state of mind while trading.
If you haven’t heard it before, let me tell you now: at least 80% of trading success comes down to psychology. It’s what is going on in here, your mindset.
When you lose your cool—whether it’s from a bad execution, a tech glitch, or your system freezing up—you’re triggering that fight-or-flight response. When that kicks in, you’re not thinking clearly. You’re going to make bad decisions, and the last thing you want is a computer issue being the thing that sets you off.
Coming Soon
In the next few videos, we’re gonna dive into the key components that make up a great trading system—stuff like the processor, the motherboard, RAM, hard drives, AI graphics cards, and of course, all the backup systems you need. So, stay tuned, because you don’t want to miss that.
If you haven’t already, please download The Complete Guide to Trading Computers.
If you want to check out all the systems we offer, head over to our laptop and desktop collections. Don’t forget to bookmark the site: EZTradingComputers.net.
If you’ve got questions, I’m here to help. You can reach me by chat, or just give me a call at (800) 387-5250.
Article updated May 21, 2025.
