Multi Monitor Trader Guide

Some trading platforms are designed to be accessible from just about any computer system as long as you have the proper login credentials. These web based applications are very light on system resources, and are really little more demanding than opening a few web browsers along with a few Java applications. Although charts and other information can be updated in real-time, most of the heavy real-time computation is done on some server many miles away.

Examples of web-based programs:

• E*trade
• FOREXTrader Web
• Scottrade
• TDAmeritrade
• Trader Workstation

If you are using one of these types of trading platforms, you probably don’t need to buy a super high-end system. If you get a system with a dual-core processor, at least 2GB of system memory, support for multiple displays, and fast internet connection (make sure to use gigabyte ethernet rather than wireless for better performance), you should be fine for at least a few years to come. Even if that system becomes too slow or has some kind of crash, you can easily just go to another system and log back into your trading platform with minimal downtime or loss of work.

Many trading platforms install a local program onto your system that creates real-time charts based on incoming data and performs real-time analysis of various market conditions. Rather than simply being a web applet, these programs use local system resources in order to create custom charts and analytics.
Examples of locally hosted programs:

• eSignal
• FutureSource
• Options Express
• Think or Swim
• TradeStation

These types of programs can be extremely processor and memory intensive, so you want to buy the fastest, most reliable system possible. We recommend going with the highest clock speed dual-core processor available and a full 4GB of RAM. If you want to go all out, then go for the highest clock speed quad-core processor available, although such processors currently have a limited performance advantage over their dual-core counterparts.

In addition to speed, this type of trading platform requires reliability. If your system stutters or crashes during trading hours, it will almost certainly cost you money. You can help improve system reliability by using an Uninterruptable Power Supply, or UPS. The UPS is sort of like a super surge protector that provides back-up power in case of a black-out, brown-out, or power surge. Now that computers are much more reliable than their predecessors of just five years ago, many system crashes are actually the result of a power fluctuation or a fault in your computer’s power supply. Most of these types of problems can be instantly eliminated with a UPS. Another common cause of system crashes is faulty system memory, also known as RAM. If reliability is a primary concern for you, then consider using Error Correction Code (ECC) enabled memory. This type of memory is less likely to cause system crashes than non-ECC enabled memory.

There is currently a fair amount of confusion over the advantages of using a 64-bit operating system vs. a 32-bit operating system. Although it is 100% accurate to say that 64-bit operating systems have the potential to be faster than their 32-bit equivalents, the problem is that very few programs currently take advantage of 64-bit extensions, which means that you do not get any benefit from using those programs in a 64-bit operating system. Further, 64-bit operating systems do not have the 4GB system memory barrier of 32-bit operating systems, but most programs are not capable of using more than 2GB of system memory, which means that your system may never use more than 4GB of memory even if more is available. If you know which trading platforms you are primarily going to use with your system, ask the software developer if the program is written to take advantage of 64-bit extensions. If not, then we recommend going with a 32-bit operating system because there currently fewer bugs and compatibility issues with such systems.

One way to get maximum performance from your preferred trading platform is to actually use two computer systems. CineMassive Displays offers Multiplicity software in order to make it easy for a single user to use multiple systems simultaneously. Multiplicity allows for two systems to be controlled by a single keyboard and mouse. If you had a CineMassive Quad Cube 20D, you could have three displays connected to one system and one displays connected to the other system, but everything would be controlled from a single keyboard and mouse. The advantage of this type of configuration is that it allows you to have one computer dedicated entirely to your trading platform, while the second computer can handle all of your other applications such as Outlook, Instant Messenger, Excel, etc. The system running your trading platform will be completely unencumbered by other programs, leaving it to provide the best performance possible. Although most traders are not aware that this type of configuration is possible, we think it makes a lot of sense for traders that require maximum performance from their systems and don’t mind spending a little additional money on hardware.

If you are a professional trader, then you are probably aware of the advantages of using multiple displays. CineMassive Displays offers a wide variety of professional grade monitor arrays that are easy to install and backed by an industry best warranty. However, the real question is: which CineMassive Displays array is best for your needs? Since we deal with a wide variety of traders, we offer a variety of configurations to fit particular needs. Most traders tend to go with the Trio, Quad Cube, or MasterPlex configurations.

CineMassive Trio
If you are an active trader, you are probably aware that two displays just aren’t enough. At minimum, you need at least one display for active analysis and analytics such as charts and spreadsheets, one display for all of your orders and trading, and one display for all of your other applications such as e-mail, web browser, and Word documents. The CineMassive Trio triple monitor display starts at 17” display sizes and goes all the way up to 30”.

Quad Cube
The Quad Cube quad monitor display gives you a large canvas that can be used as a multi monitor array or a single, ultra high resolution display. The Quad Cube is particularly useful if you are looking at multiple charts simultaneously, although some people may prefer the MasterPlex or Trio Gemini in order to have a central panel that can be used as a primary workspace.

Quad Meridian
The Quad Meridian is designed to give you a surround visual experience with its 30 degree curvature. The Quad Meridian is ideal for people who need to visualize a variety of data at a glance. Some traders find having a surround display to be ideal, and upgrading to the wall mount will free up desk space. If you prefer a one-over-three configuration, request the pyramid configuration at no additional charge.

MasterPlex
The MasterPlex is the most versatile multi monitor system available. The combination of resolutions and panel orientations makes it a personal command center fit for any task. For traders who find themselves wearing many hats, having a dynamic virtual workspace is essential. Use the central, high-resolution panel as your primary workspace. Use the two wings in portrait mode for composing e-mail, reading text documents, and web browsing. Finally, use the top row to keep a constant watch on charts and trading activity.

Trio Gemini and Beyond
The Trio Gemini was designed for traders who need to visual as much information as possible. With individual panel sizes up to 30”, the Trio Gemini provides you with maximum visualization. Desk space need not be a concern if you request the pedestal mount or wall mount. CineMassive Displays offers the largest desktop displays available. Custom solutions for even larger scale visualizations are available upon request.