Automated forex trader build

[AutoTrader]

I am building a trading computer for running optimizations of my automated trading systems on metatrader 4 and multitasking. An optimization of a trading strategy can put my current 2 GHz single core computer at 100% for up to 4 days. I want to build a system for $750 -$1000 or cheaper if possible, that is as fast as possible and can handle this abuse. I intend to overclock the system. I know that when I run an optimization it will only utilize a single processing core, and that over clocking a dual core processor would yield a higher clock speed than a quad core at comparable price. However, II intend to use a quad core because I run four monitors at once and I can easily have over 10 programs running, including a second optimization and very large excel spreadsheets. I intend to run xp pro.

What’s important
1) Overclockability and stability
2) Ability to run four monitors I intent to this by running 2 pci video cards and 2 pci-e video cards
3) Speed
4) 2gb ram

What’s not important
1) Graphics- I don’t plays games I intend to run the cheapest video cards I can find (questions Can this be a problem if I overclock?)
2) Sound- I use cheap usd speakers
3) Weight
4) Noise
5) Energy
6) Looks
7)Monitors I plan on using the four I already have running on my current system

I’ve picked out this processor
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115041

I am open to suggestion for a different processor. I need help picking a mother board and ram. I noticed that ddr2 is more than half the price than ddr3 and I read an article that said that ddr3 is overkill for today’s processors. http://www.digit-life.com/articles3/...ddr3-1333.html

I’m not sure if that’s still true and if over clocking is a concern. I want to be conscious about cost if a higher end component is going to cost an extra $100 but only yield a 2-4% performance gain it’s not worth to me.

I also need help picking a power supply, fans, and a case. I can figure out the hard and optical drives.

[shadowpr]

Since you want to overclock, and are on a budget, I would get this setup:

MB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131299
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115018
Heatsink: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118020
Ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145184
HD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148288
Video: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121247
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341010
Case: Your choice.
OS: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116515


EDIT: Or get 2 of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814131038

[AutoTrader]

Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive $69.99
OCZ StealthXStream OCZ600SXS 600W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready Active PFC Power Supply $74.99
CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-6400C5 $69.99
ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard $119.99
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model HH80562PH0568M $179.99
ZALMAN CNPS 9700 NT 110mm 2 Ball Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler $59.99
Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail $54.95

Those are nice video cards, but I have 2 pci video cards I plan on pulling out of my old computer. And my monitors using vga. I’ll just get one of these
Nvidia Quadro NVS 280 PCIE Video Graphics Card 64MB $9.99
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nvidia-Quadro-NV...d=p3286.c0.m14

I also already have a windows xp pro cd.

Total $659.25

Great I’m under budget

If I got the Q9550 instead it would be $790.13
Would I need to change anything else if I did that?

[AutoTrader]

Wow how about this combination for only $95 over budget. But is the PS big enough and am I missing anything?

Sunbeam Transformer IC-TR-US-BA-WOPSU Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case $69.99
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive $59.99
OCZ StealthXStream OCZ600SXS 600W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready Active PFC Power Supply $74.99
Patriot 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PDC32G1600ELK $69.99
Thermaltake CL-W0175 Water Cooler $134.99

$80 combo savings on cpu and mo
Foxconn BlackOps X48 LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80569Q9550 $589.98
Swiftech MCW30 Chipset Cooling Water-block - Retail 22.99
Nvidia Quadro NVS 280 PCIE Video Graphics Card 64MB $9.99

Subtotal: $1032.91
Shipping: $62.47
Total $1,095.38

Maybe I could save money by using an old full tower case I have laying around. I don't need anything fancy with water cooling just a lot of space. right?