Trading Computer Question - Dual or Quad.

[switchjohnny]

I have a kind of off topic question, but I didn't know where else to ask.

I have a client who is a "trader" stock, currencies etc. He has some routines he runs on his computer that analysis data and can take several days to complete. He is looking to go to a dual or quad processor system to help crunch these numbers faster.

Can anyone recommend a series of processors that can do floating point calculations the best? It's not 3d or large files. He just needs raw calculation speed.

Also, is there a dramatic difference between single, dual, and quad processor systems? Meaning, does a dual literally have 2x more processing power than a single processor system, and does a quad have 2x the processing power as a dual?

I'm looking at operon 800 series. I used to be up on my processors, but there are so many today, that I'm consused. We basically want to go top of the line minus 2. Meaning if the best processor out is say $800 per chip, we want to go a step or 2 down to a $300-$400 chip.

Thanks.

 

[chunkymonster]

I would say it depends if the software is multi-threaded or not and if he uses the machine while it's number crunching...

Just because a machine has 2 cores/2 cpus does not mean it is twice as fast...the cores/cpus work in parallel, not in series...meaning they can process twice the amount of data, run twice the amount of applications, again a single application needs to be multi-threaded to use both cores/cpus...a single threaded application will still only use 1 of the 2 cores/cpus...same idea with 4-way systems

If he wants to use only to crunch numbers and it's a single threaded app, then a super fast single core with crazy large L2 cache, something like the Intel Prescott P4 670, may be the way to go...perhaps the AMD FX55 or a single core opteron like the Skt 939 Venus 154...any of them would be good choices...

however, if he likes to use the machine while it's number crunching, a dual core or dual cpu set-up would be better than a fast single core...a dual 2xx series opteron set-up would chew thru it like a termite in balsa wood factory...and do not discount the Intel Extreme Edition 965 Presler...a quad core opteron set up may be overkill for something like that, unless he runs multiple instance of the app to use all 4/8 cores...

Good luck!

 

[switchjohnny]

I emailed the software company to see if multi-threading is supported. Other then that though, he does run serveral instances of the same program at one time while running routines, so I'd say based on what you said Dual is the way to go and possibly quad.

I'll have to see about the multi-threading.

Thanks.

 

[Primitivus]

Also keep in mind that 800 series Opterons are probably overkill. If my understanding is correct they're used in servers with 8 processors running in parallel

 

[chunkymonster]

I emailed the software company to see if multi-threading is supported. Other then that though, he does run serveral instances of the same program at one time while running routines, so I'd say based on what you said Dual is the way to go and possibly quad.

I'll have to see about the multi-threading.

Thanks.

If the app is multi-threaded then that is a bonus...but even still, if he does run multiple instances of the application, then a dual core/dual cpu machine will work very well for him...true multi-tasking is the biggest advantage to running a dual core/dual cpu machine...you can determine the affinity for each application to run on which core/cpu, this allows for load balancing and utilizing each cpu to it's processing potential...not sure what your/his price range is, dual cpu mobos can be costly as in $400USD and up, but I can highly recommend any dual opteron mobos made by Tyan...namely the S2895, the S2892, the S2885, or even the S2877...the S2895 and S2892 are the higher end and run PCIe for the gpu...the S2877 also is PCIe but the S2885 uses good ol' AGP, both the S2877 and S2885 are high end but a step down from the other two...if the guy is into gaming, the S2895 and the S2892 would be the better choices...if not Tyan, the only other dual cpu mobos are from iWill or Supermicro...with quad cpu mobos, the pickings are slim as they are geared mainly towards server environment as opposed to a workstation set-up...the 1st gen optys can be had on the used market for about 60%+/- of the retail, with used mobos going for 75-90% retail price...check out Ebay or Monarch Computers for new and used dual optys and mobos...

I personally am running the S2885 with 2x opty 248's (2.2GHz) with a BFG 6800GT OC, I have nary a stutter while dl'ing torrents, file serving to my HTPC, and playing CoD2, all at the same time...with encoding/decoding DVD's, it chews thru them in no time (<45 min. from start of DVD rip to a finished burned copy)...

Good luck!

 

[rockstartrader]

You should definitely go with a Quadcore CPU. The Q6600 2.4Ghz is very affordable now.
Of course the big question is, should you use Dual Monitors or Quad monitors like this:

Multiple Monitor Computer Video

Multiple Monitors is the most popular new tool for Traders. I am a day trader and I don't know
what I'd do without my quad monitor setup. I purchased my Multiple Monitor Computer and
Multiple Monitor Display at Multi-Monitors.com.

You should check them out. They have the best Trading Computers.