Build Advice Help building system for trading

[azul123]

This'll be my third computer that I'm building, but it's been a while, so I would really appreciate some advice. The computer will be primarily for trading and office stuff, so the screen is a key component.

After some very basic research I've come up with a few components:
CPU AMD Ryzen 5 3600
MBD Asus ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING
RAM Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 3000 C15 2x8GB
HD Samsung 970 Evo NVMe PCIe M.2 500GB (No need for anything larger. Was thinking it might help me run a bit faster vs a traditional hard drive)

I mostly looked at bench and value % on userbenchmark.com to find these, so I'm very open to suggestions. I was thinking of using a medium-sized tower... Now, I know that many graphics cards only fit into standard size towers... do I even need one for what I'll be doing? (System requirements for my software: https://www.interactivebrokers.com/en/index.php?f=1658 ) I don't really do much gaming these days beyond some indy games that run so so on my 8 year old PC.

Not sure about power supply and cooling system... I used to go with Corsair and a pretty basic fan, so I'd love some advice there too.

For the monitor I was looking at : https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/produc...esync-gaming-monitor-34wk650-w-white/13364601 and https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/produc...z-1ms-gtg-led-gaming-monitor-cb342ck/13863175 I'm happy with the width, but would love another couple of inches of height. Are screen sizes pretty standard in terms of the height to width ratio, or is there any variety?

Thank you in advance for any help. Was thinking of keeping the price under ~ $1000 (not including the monitor). I used to do all my research on ncix (Canada), but they went bankrupt. Amazon is limiting what prices I can see on their website because of Covid-19, so I'm having a bit of a hard time comparing parts right now.

 

[tennis2]

A Ryzen non-G series CPU REQUIRES a graphics card, which you are unlikely to actually NEED.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-9400 2.9 GHz 6-Core Processor ($259.00 @ Canada Computers)
Motherboard: ASRock B365M-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($140.50 @ Amazon Canada)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($89.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Western Digital Blue SN550 500 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($99.99 @ Memory Express)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 110 Mini ITX Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA GM 450 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply ($108.90 @ Vuugo)
Total: $768.37
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-22 16:38 EDT-0400

Monitors - The ones you chose are 21:9 aspect ratio which are a fair bit more elongated than a "Standard" 16:9 monitor. If you want the height, you should stick with 16:9.

 

[azul123]

A Ryzen non-G series CPU REQUIRES a graphics card, which you are unlikely to actually NEED.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-9400 2.9 GHz 6-Core Processor ($259.00 @ Canada Computers)
Motherboard: ASRock B365M-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($140.50 @ Amazon Canada)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($89.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Western Digital Blue SN550 500 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($99.99 @ Memory Express)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 110 Mini ITX Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA GM 450 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply ($108.90 @ Vuugo)
Total: $768.37
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-22 16:38 EDT-0400

Monitors - The ones you chose are 21:9 aspect ratio which are a fair bit more elongated than a "Standard" 16:9 monitor. If you want the height, you should stick with 16:9.

Thank you so much for your help. From my limited understanding, the CPU has some sort of integrated graphics ability. How does this compare to what would have been a good graphics card around 7 years ago?

You don't think I'll need any sort of cooling?

There aren't really any major differences between small cases that would limit my components, right? (Thinking of going for a different look)

 

[mdd1963]

A Corsair 100R is about $55....; plain black, simple, effective.

https://www.corsair.com/us/en/Categ...e-Series™-100R-Mid-Tower-Case/p/CC-9011075-WW

 

[tennis2]

Yes, the i5-9400 has integrated graphics. For your usage, you don't need a graphics card. Integrated graphics are sufficient.

The i5-9400 comes with a CPU cooler. Try that first.

Small cases - check the manufacturer's product website for limitations.

• Small cases sometimes require "SFX" (instead of the standard ATX size) PSUs. I chose an SFX one in my list because they come with an adapter bracket, and they leave more space inside the case, even though the Elite 110 case accepts ATX PSUs.
• The other common thing to look for is graphics card (length) limitations. Since you don't need a GPU, that's not a concern.
• Lastly, fan mounts. How many, where, and size. Again, since you don't need a very power hungry system (no GPU), you don't need much in the way of case fans.

 

[azul123]

Yes, the i5-9400 has integrated graphics. For your usage, you don't need a graphics card. Integrated graphics are sufficient.

The i5-9400 comes with a CPU cooler. Try that first.

Small cases - check the manufacturer's product website for limitations.

• Small cases sometimes require "SFX" (instead of the standard ATX size) PSUs. I chose an SFX one in my list because they come with an adapter bracket, and they leave more space inside the case, even though the Elite 110 case accepts ATX PSUs.
• The other common thing to look for is graphics card (length) limitations. Since you don't need a GPU, that's not a concern.
• Lastly, fan mounts. How many, where, and size. Again, since you don't need a very power hungry system (no GPU), you don't need much in the way of case fans.

But if I do want to add a GPU in the future, can I assume that there are cards small enough to still fit that are strong enough to run modern games at decent settings?

 

[tennis2]

Yes. Certainly.

 

[geofelt]

A reasonable build from tennis2.

The integrated graphics on the i5-9400 can support 3 different attachment types. dp, hdmi, dvi.
You could consider as an alternative, a pair of 27" monitors.
Here, for example is a Lenovo 27" QHD monitor for $260.
https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/access...q-30A19270QL027inch-Monitor-HDMI/p/65FCGCC1US
Resolution is 2560 x 1440.
It has both dp and hdmi connectors so you could attach both to the outputs of the 9400.

 

[tennis2]

+1 vote for dual 27" QHD monitors.

 

[azul123]

+1 vote for dual 27" QHD monitors.

Can you recommend a different motherboard? The one you recommended is out of stock for quite some time everywhere I look.

 

[geofelt]

How will you connect to the internet?
All motherboards will have a lan connection.
If you need wifi, that is an added consideration.
The original motherboard was a small ITX size.
Do you need small, or is a more conventional size ok?

 

[azul123]

How will you connect to the internet?
All motherboards will have a lan connection.
If you need wifi, that is an added consideration.
The original motherboard was a small ITX size.
Do you need small, or is a more conventional size ok?

I'll be using a lan connection, but I'd prefer it to also have wifi. It would be nice if it fit into a medium sized tower.

 

[azul123]

A reasonable build from tennis2.

The integrated graphics on the i5-9400 can support 3 different attachment types. dp, hdmi, dvi.
You could consider as an alternative, a pair of 27" monitors.
Here, for example is a Lenovo 27" QHD monitor for $260.
https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/access...q-30A19270QL027inch-Monitor-HDMI/p/65FCGCC1US
Resolution is 2560 x 1440.
It has both dp and hdmi connectors so you could attach both to the outputs of the 9400.

The 2 monitors idea is actually perfect, as my girlfriend will be getting a laptop soon and she was looking to get a monitor for it anyway. The one you linked looks great, but lacks speakers as far as I can tell. Can you recommend one with speakers, ideally 28 inches if possible? I was looking at a https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/produc...7-ms-gtg-led-monitor-black-va2855smh/10757286 , but wasn't sure about the quality. I need something that's easy on the eyes because I do spend a good 8-10 hours on my computer Monday-Friday.

 

[tennis2]

It's pretty much 27" or 31.5"/32" for monitor sizes.

That viewsonic you linked is 1080p resolution.

 

[geofelt]

Wifi can be handled in several ways.
a) The motherboard can include wifi. That will usually add to the price.
b) A wifi add in card for a pcie slot can be added. That excludes small ITX motherboards which will have only one pcie x16 slot that is usually reserved for graphics.
c) A usb wifi dongle.

Performance can vary, probably depends on the size of the antenna.

I like smaller cases. I think M-ATX with 4 expansion slots will be all anyone really needs.
M-ATX motherboards are also usually less expensive.

It is probably best to settle on your display setup first.
You need to know how many and what kinds of inputs the display can handle.
Motherboards with integrated graphics will usually be the one of each variety.
Like hdmi, dp, dvi.
Here is a
ASUS TUF B365M-Plus Gaming Wi-Fi LGA

https://www.newegg.ca/asus-tuf-b365m-plus-gaming-wi-fi/p/N82E16813119212

For a case, one thing, I like is to have a easily washable front air intake filter.
That keeps your parts clean.
Good front intake capability is needed if you will ever install high performing graphics cards for gaming.
Here is a Fractal design M-ATX case:
https://www.newegg.ca/black-fractal-design-focus-g-mini-micro-atx-mid-tower/p/N82E16811352068

M-ATX cases will use standard ATX power supplies.

Do not go cheap on the psu.
Here is a seasonic focus 550w.
https://www.newegg.ca/seasonic-focus-550-gold-ssr-550fm-550w/p/N82E16817151203
It is stronger than you need to allow for a graphics gaming card upgrade.
A psu will only consume the power demanded of it, regardless of the max capability.

 

[geofelt]

Speakers included in monitors are really crummy.
As it happens, 3 weeks ago, I discovered that trying to use monitor speakers on a setup I had for my wife.
Sound was almost inaudible.
I bought this pair of creative pebble speakers:
https://www.newegg.ca/white-creativ...re=creative_pebble-_-0S6-004H-00064-_-Product
They are about the size of a softball and have amazingly good sound.
As a plus, they are powered by usb which you can plug into your pc so no added electrical plug is needed.
I highly recommend them.
They come in black also.

 

[azul123]

Wifi can be handled in several ways.
a) The motherboard can include wifi. That will usually add to the price.
b) A wifi add in card for a pcie slot can be added. That excludes small ITX motherboards which will have only one pcie x16 slot that is usually reserved for graphics.
c) A usb wifi dongle.

Performance can vary, probably depends on the size of the antenna.

I like smaller cases. I think M-ATX with 4 expansion slots will be all anyone really needs.
M-ATX motherboards are also usually less expensive.

It is probably best to settle on your display setup first.
You need to know how many and what kinds of inputs the display can handle.
Motherboards with integrated graphics will usually be the one of each variety.
Like hdmi, dp, dvi.
Here is a
ASUS TUF B365M-Plus Gaming Wi-Fi LGA

https://www.newegg.ca/asus-tuf-b365m-plus-gaming-wi-fi/p/N82E16813119212

For a case, one thing, I like is to have a easily washable front air intake filter.
That keeps your parts clean.
Good front intake capability is needed if you will ever install high performing graphics cards for gaming.
Here is a Fractal design M-ATX case:
https://www.newegg.ca/black-fractal-design-focus-g-mini-micro-atx-mid-tower/p/N82E16811352068

M-ATX cases will use standard ATX power supplies.

Do not go cheap on the psu.
Here is a seasonic focus 550w.
https://www.newegg.ca/seasonic-focus-550-gold-ssr-550fm-550w/p/N82E16817151203
It is stronger than you need to allow for a graphics gaming card upgrade.
A psu will only consume the power demanded of it, regardless of the max capability.

Thanks for the advice. I was thinking of going with a slightly stronger power supply just in case, so I'll buy the one you recommended. Going with the other parts tennis2 recommended earlier. Your case is a bit large though... will the components I'm getting fit into https://www.amazon.ca/Thermaltake-Micro-Computer-Chassis-CA-1D5-00S1WN-00/dp/B00M2UKGSM/ref=sr_1_28?pf_rd_i=1233053011&pf_rd_p=422fda0d-4a8a-5ea8-b19f-e1e36d1d5eff&pf_rd_r=EK7RPX50JZN47EQCF4Y9&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-10&pf_rd_t=BROWSE&qid=1587850113&refinements=p_72:11192170011&s=pc&sr=1-28&th=1 ?

 

[geofelt]

I understand you to say that the ITX
motherboard initially linked was not available.
You will need a suitable ITX motherboard for the case you last linked.

 

[azul123]

I understand you to say that the ITX
motherboard initially linked was not available.
You will need a suitable ITX motherboard for the case you last linked.

I've just ordered it from Amazon anyway... May 14th is the earliest date it'll arrive, but they're often quite conservative, so I'm hoping it'll get here sooner

 

[geofelt]

Sounds reasonable; good luck.
Have you decided on the monitor question?

Might you consider used?
I saw this 43"4k monitor on ebay for $400.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Philips-Br...AOSwaXNemK0X:sc:FedExHomeDelivery!32266!US!-1

 

[azul123]

Sounds reasonable; good luck.
Have you decided on the monitor question?

Might you consider used?
I saw this 43"4k monitor on ebay for $400.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Philips-Br...AOSwaXNemK0X:sc:FedExHomeDelivery!32266!US!-1

I've been browsing amazon.ca, but it's hard to shop/compare because a lot of stuff is out of stock. I still like the Viewsonic I linked earlier because it's 28 inches. But I've never heard of the company, so I'm not sure. What do you think?

I was also looking at https://www.amazon.ca/VE278Q-27-Inc...sr=1-28&swrs=98CE0905390F591B78AB948CE09AB419

I really do need the built in speakers though regardless of the quality. Playing the odd song or streaming some news is about the most I do in terms of sound.

 

[geofelt]

Viewsonic is a long time builder of monitors.
27 vs, 28" is a negligible difference.
On the asus monitor it is not a higher quality image IPS type monitor.
One way to tell is to look at the viewing angle.
The asus is 178/160.
A lower viewing angle monitor will look washed out unless you are viewing it straight on.
This becomes more important as you get into wider monitors or multiple monitors.
If you can, go to a shop and see the differences for yourself.

Look for the philips BDM4350UC 43" monitor in new condition.
Here is one on amazon for $500:
https://www.amazon.com/Philips-BDM4350UC-Brilliance-UHD3840x2160-DisplayPortx2/dp/B01E18XRY2

It is very similar to the 40" version which I use.
It does happen to have speakers which I had to use temporarily when my normal speaker setup failed.
4k resolution is nice because as a trader, you can size windows and arrange them as you wish.

Here is a review:

Philips BDM4350UC 43in 4k IPS Monitor Review - KitGuru

Size matters, and don't let anyone convince you otherwise. It's particularly important with 4K scree

www.kitguru.net

 

[azul123]

Viewsonic is a long time builder of monitors.
27 vs, 28" is a negligible difference.
On the asus monitor it is not a higher quality image IPS type monitor.
One way to tell is to look at the viewing angle.
The asus is 178/160.
A lower viewing angle monitor will look washed out unless you are viewing it straight on.
This becomes more important as you get into wider monitors or multiple monitors.
If you can, go to a shop and see the differences for yourself.

Look for the philips BDM4350UC 43" monitor in new condition.
Here is one on amazon for $500:
https://www.amazon.com/Philips-BDM4350UC-Brilliance-UHD3840x2160-DisplayPortx2/dp/B01E18XRY2

It is very similar to the 40" version which I use.
It does happen to have speakers which I had to use temporarily when my normal speaker setup failed.
4k resolution is nice because as a trader, you can size windows and arrange them as you wish.

Here is a review:

Philips BDM4350UC 43in 4k IPS Monitor Review - KitGuru

Size matters, and don't let anyone convince you otherwise. It's particularly important with 4K scree

www.kitguru.net

It's a beautiful monitor, but just too massive for our condo, and I am going to need 2 screens anyway since she'll sometimes need one too.

I'm think I'm going to go with the Viewsonic then unless you think there's any similar-sized alternatives that are better quality.

 

[geofelt]

I would not go with that particular moniitor.
It does not have the higher quality image that an IPS screen has and it does not have the better 178/178 viewing angle.
You are going to be looking at the screen a lot, so pay what you must to get the best.
Here is one that meets your requirements:
https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Comp...V7QJAB/27&qid=1587910628&s=electronics&sr=1-1

It has ips, speakers and both hdmi and dp inputs so you can attach two to the motherboard you picked.

 

[azul123]

I would not go with that particular moniitor.
It does not have the higher quality image that an IPS screen has and it does not have the better 178/178 viewing angle.
You are going to be looking at the screen a lot, so pay what you must to get the best.
Here is one that meets your requirements:
https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Computer-Monitors-273V7QJAB-DisplayPort/dp/B07MFHJH5M/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Philips+V-Line+273V7QJAB/27&qid=1587910628&s=electronics&sr=1-1

It has ips, speakers and both hdmi and dp inputs so you can attach two to the motherboard you picked.

Perfect, I just bought 2 of them. As far as I can tell from the motherboard image on Amazon there's only 1 plug for the monitor. Will I need to get a different cable for the second monitor, or can I split the cable somehow? My current motherboard can handle 2 monitors, so I hadn't considered how the smaller motherboard would limit me.

Thanks again to you and tennis2 for all your help.