Does your trading platform freeze or does it burst its data on and off right when the market opens or when the market is super volatile, like right after a news event?
I know how infuriating that can be!
I’m going to show you how to fix these problems and optimize your system for the fastest and most stable trading experience you could possibly have.
Key #1: Your Processor Must Be Fast Enough
Let’s start with your CPU, your processor, the engine of the computer.
If you’re running on something outdated, it doesn’t matter how good your internet is, you’re going to get delays, freezes, and data bursts.
Your processor simply isn’t powerful enough to handle the fire hose of data flooding into your machine.
Imagine trying to stream 10 Netflix movies at once without buffering. That’s the kind of stress your system is under during the market open and during these new events.
Key #2: Don’t Skimp on RAM
RAM, Random Access Memory, that is your computer’s short-term memory. You want at least 16 GB, but I personally recommend 32 GB to as much as 128 GB.
If you run multiple platforms or complex indicators, you need more RAM.
Key #3: Internet Speed—This One’s a Killer
I don’t understand by so many traders ignore this.
To test your internet’s true speed, and I don’t care what your provider says you’re getting.
Here’s how you run a real test. There are online tests, but I recommend you go to:
1. Eztradingcomputers.net/speed
2. Scroll under the video and run the test.
Ping
Once you run our speed test, the first number is the Ping. Ping is the time it takes for a really small packet of data to travel from your machine to your provider’s closest server and back.
Think of it like making a phone call, it’s the time it takes the other side to answer the call, and ideally, you want this number to be under 50 milliseconds or optimally under 30 milliseconds.
Anything over 100 milliseconds and you’re definitely going to have issues with slippage and bad executions.
Jitter
The jitter is how consistent the ping is. If the jitter is higher, your data will stutter or burst on and off. That is a huge problem for live quotes and order routing.
We want this jitter to be as low as possible. Under 10 milliseconds is a really good number. Over 30 milliseconds, and your trading platforms and your other apps like Zoom are going to drop out, giving you a real problem.
Download and Upload Speed
We want at least 100 megabits per second for the Download speed, which is the bare minimum. That’s the same for the Upload speed.
Increase Your Speed
You want as much speed as you can possibly get from your internet.
I’ve spoken to traders, and it always strikes me when I speak to these guys. Traders who didn’t want to upgrade from 50 Mbps to 500 Mbps because it costs an extra $50 a month. Really?
Don’t cheap out on internet speed! Saving $50 can cost you thousands on a bad trade.
Cellular Network
Never trade on a cellular network. Don’t actively trade on your cell, even if it’s 5G.
You can you your cell phone as a backup to exit a position in an emergency, like if your internet goes out or if your computer totally dies, you can log into your trading platform and use it as a backup.
But don’t actively trade on a cell phone.
Internet Provider
I recommend that you call your internet provider and ask them for the fastest plan they offer. If they can’t give you at least 100 Mbps, it might be time to switch providers.
Some people think they have no other option for faster internet. That is no longer true, even if you live in the boondocks or the many areas where it’s a monopoly, because you simply don’t have a choice.
Alternative Internet
There is an alternative called Starlink. My colleague who lives in the boonies in Colorado is running on the Starlink satellite network. Her speed test numbers aren’t terrible. When I saw these numbers, even I was surprised.
The Final Mile
So you’ve got a killer trading PC from EZ Trading Computers, tons of RAM, blazing-fast internet connection, but your data is still bursting on and off, or it’s freezing up when the market opens or around news.
What the hell is going on?
Here’s what most people miss: The Final Mile.
That’s the physical wiring between the pole or the pedestal outside your home and your computer. It could be old, it could be damaged, or it could be split too many times. Maybe it took a lightning strike. Or maybe the wiring just isn’t designed for high-speed data. I have personally had to have splitters changed out in my home due to lightning strikes.
If you still have issues after all of the upgrades I mentioned, call your provider and have them inspect everything. From the street to your modem and everything in between. You might need to replace a splitter, run new cable, or simplify the connection path. I’ve seen this fix the problem for dozens of traders, including me.
Complete Guide to Trading Computers
If you haven’t yet, go download our Complete Guide to Trading Computers. This guide is packed with more tips to help you optimize your trading setup.
Article Updated June 16, 2025.
