Don’t place another trade on that computer before you hear this!
TIP #1
DON’T trade on a single monitor. DO use multiple monitors—at least two. Why do you want more than one monitor? So you can see all of your Research shows that having at least two monitors can boost productivity by 25% or more. As a trader, you should consider this a must. Even if you’re not actively day or swing trading, having multiple screens for news feeds, research, and charts is invaluable. Without two monitors, active traders risk missing out on key opportunities.
TIP #2
DON’T rely on WiFi for trading. DO connect via Ethernet whenever possible. A wireless world sounds great, but we're not there yet. WiFi slows down your connection speed, and traders need the fastest, most stable connection available. This means directly connecting your modem and desktop computer with an Ethernet cable. If you need to utilize WiFi, make sure that your router is in clear view of your system and that no walls are blocking the signal. The further you are from the router, the more problems you will experience. WiFi is fine for streaming movies and checking email, but not for trading. And please, please—try to avoid accessing your trading accounts over public WiFi and don’t utilize a neighbor’s WiFi!
TIP #3
DON’T buy a computer with insufficient RAM. DO check the minimum requirements for your trading software platform. The best "deals" at big-box stores are often for computers that lack the power traders need. Many of these machines are short on memory, too. That ultra-thin laptop might only have 4GB of RAM—far below what a trader requires. While not every major retailer sells underpowered computers, traders should aim for 32GB to 128GB of RAM. Anything less just won’t cut it.
TIP #4
DON’T ignore processor speed benchmarks. DO check our buyer’s guide for the minimum benchmark score every trader’s computer should meet. You can easily spend $1,000 to $2,000 on a new computer, only to discover it lags when running your trading platform—especially when adding extra indicators to your charts. Avoid this frustration entirely by benchmarking your computer first. We offer a tool that will tell you if your system is up to the task—whether it’s a new purchase or one you already own.
TIP #5
DON’T overpay for gaming graphics cards. DO invest in a high-quality graphics card with dedicated RAM. Traders don’t need fancy GPUs designed for rendering 3D images—they're unnecessary and overpriced. However, an above-average graphics card is still critical. Your GPU must have its own processor and dedicated memory to handle incoming trading data smoothly. You don’t need an overpriced, super priced high-end graphics card, but do consider a card that is AI Ready. For more details on exact requirements, check out my buyer’s guide for traders.
TIP #6
DON’T buy a computer without reliable technical support and warranty coverage. DO choose a vendor that offers phone and remote support. After years in the computer business, I’ve learned that everyone needs help at some point. Traders shouldn’t waste time troubleshooting technical issues. Your focus should be trading—not dealing with Windows BIOS settings. If you run into a problem during a trading session, do you have a company that will answer your call immediately? Can they run remote diagnostics? If hardware fails, will they repair or replace it? Ask these questions upfront to avoid costly downtime.
TIP #7
DON’T run your trading computer without a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) and power conditioner. DO protect your system from electrical fluctuations and storms. Your trading computer is a sensitive piece of equipment, and power dips or spikes can cause serious damage. The fix is simple—never plug your computer directly into a wall outlet. Instead, use a UPS with built-in power conditioning to safeguard your system.
TIP #8
DON’T download anything from untrusted sources onto your trading computer. DO keep your trading computer dedicated to trading activities only. The best way to avoid malware and performance issues is to limit online access. Viruses often come from email attachments, downloads, and unsafe websites. Keep your trading machine free from unnecessary risk by using a separate computer for general web browsing.
TIP #9
DON’T buy a computer without considering your trading platform, market type, and trading style. DO consult an expert who understands trading-specific hardware needs. The first question my sales team asks every customer is, “What do you trade?” This helps us build a system tailored to their needs. (All our desktop computers are made to order.) Think of it this way: Would you buy a suit that doesn’t fit? Of course not! Traders have the option to get a custom-built computer designed specifically for their trading platform, market type, and style.
If you want a company that checks off all the dos for buying a new trading computer, browse our desktops and laptops at EZ Trading Computers. Or, give our computer superheroes a call at 800-387-5250 if you need a system customized to your exact specifications.
There are more EZ Trading Computer tips like this in our buyer’s guide. Check out our “Complete Guide to Trading Computers” e-book.
We hope today’s Quick Tip was helpful! If you found it useful, check out our other computer How-To guides on this page. And as always, feel free to call us with any questions: 800-387-5250.
Blog post updated March 19, 2025.
