What is the Best Processor for Trading? (2024)

When trading, having a powerful processor (or CPU) can be the difference between making money or losing money. Working on a trading computer with the right CPU allows you to execute trades efficiently. Knowing which is the right CPU for your needs is key. A trading PC prioritizes speed, calculation capacity, and the ability to multitask.

Having the best CPU for your trading computer is crucial.

• The number of Cores:multiple CPU cores allow for multiple processes to be run at the same time, which often means better efficiency. A PC running multiple programs is using multiple cores. The more cores you can get for your trading computer, the more programs you can run. Sometimes this means slower clock speeds.
• The GHz Valueis the clock speed, which tells you how fast the processes are executed. The faster the clock speed, the faster processes are executed, and the closer to real-time prices you get on your trading computer. Sometimes a faster CPU comes at the cost of fewer cores.
• The CPU’s Generation:Newer generation CPUs offer more cores, higher speeds, and better overall performance. They are, however, more expensive. Keep reading to see where your trading computer’s performance comes from.
• The CPU’s Architecture:With newer generations comes newer architectures. Advances in fabrication, redesigning and shrinking of transistors, and more efficient transistor stacking all contribute to better and faster performance, as they can cram more transistors per nanometer, which contribute to the number of Cores available and GHz value.
• The CPU’s Single thread performance:Most trading applications won’t use many of the cores on your CPU. Instead, they pipe most of the calculations through one core. Some will fake this by running multiple copies of themselves behind the scenes.Each copy is rendering charts, but still creates a bottle neck behind one process doing all the calculations for the indicators on those charts.
  • This may limit the need for a high core count in your trading computer, so be careful to check how your trading application works so you don’t waste money. Read more about single-thread trading applications below.
• The CPU’s Multi threaded performance:While most trading software won’t use many of the processor’s threads, there are some exceptions. In those cases, having a trading computer with a strong multi-core processor will help quite a lot. So again, be sure to check how your trading applications utilizes multi threading technology. Read more about multi-thread trading applications below.
• One important note: the newest processors are not always the best choice. Finding the CPU with the right specs to match your software is very important. To find the best CPU for your trading software, consider how it works, as previously mentioned. Some trading programs don’t, or can’t, use multiple cores so that they can be run on less core intensive processors.

As mentioned above, many trading platforms can only utilize one processor (or CPU) core at a time. Some popular single-threaded trading platforms are: Thinkorswim, TradeStation, and eSignal. If you are using a single-threaded platform, you should purchase a processor with a high clock speed.

The clock speed is measured in GHz; the higher the number, the better. For example, an Intel Core i9 13900K/KF CPU has a base clock speed of 3 GHz and a turbo of 5.8 GHz. The turbo frequency will ramp up as your trading platform requires more to be done. When you increase the GHz, you increase the amount of work it can achieve in each clock cycle. Leading to a much more fluid trading experience.

Some trading platforms are able to utilize more than one CPU core at a time. These are known as multi-threaded applications. Multi-threading is the ability of a program to use more than one CPU core simultaneously. Some popular multi-threaded trading platforms are: NinjaTrader, TradingView, Multi-Charts, and MetaTrader.

If you are using a multi-threaded platform, you should purchase a CPU with many cores and a high GHz. The number of processing threads is important because the more threads you have available, the faster your trading platform can ramp up operations, saving you time. The Intel Core i9 13900K/KF processor has 24 cores and 32 threads, making it ideal for crunching numbers while also delivering a turbo speed of 5.8GHz.

While AMD has closed the performance gap and, in the past, offered the best price. Intel is still a better choice in many cases for your trading computer. Most traders who have traded for years use Intel CPUs and don’t mind the higher price for their trading PC.

Below is a list of the best CPUs from each company that are suitable for trading at all levels.

The is a popular choice for everyday PCs and trading computers because they provide premium performance.

AtTradingComputers.com, you can customize your trading computer to provide the power you need or desire. Our CPUs include:

• 12th Gen Core-i5 12500
• 12th Gen Core-i5 12600K / KF
• 13th Gen Core-i5 13600K / KF
• 12th Gen Core-i7 12700K / KF
• 13th Gen Core-i7 13700K / KF
• 13th Gen Core-i9 13900K / KF

You will notice this list is heavy on the 12th and 13th Gen CPUs. Their architecture has two notable components: the Performance Core and the Efficiency Core. Windows 11 is the first operating system to utilize these difference cores, and the CPU communicates with Windows 11 to more intelligently assign processes to cores.

This is important so that programs that need little processing power are not taking up space on Performance cores that other programs might need. This also prevents processes that need to be run on Performance cores from getting hindered by being assigned to an Efficiency core by mistake.

Note: the Windows 10 operating system does not know the difference between the two types of cores.

Another point of note is that all but one of these CPUs is listed with “K/ KF”. To elaborate, these are K models or KF models. The difference being, the K models come with onboard graphics, like having a video card built in. The KF models don’t have this built in “video card”, but perform better as they have less heat generation thrown off by the integrated GPU. We strongly recommend having a video card or two if you have HD monitors or several monitors.

The different levels — i5, i7, i9 — are discussed below. The difference between 12th Gen i7 and 13th Gen i7 are minimal compared to their i9 counterparts.

The Core-i5 12500is the minimum processor that a trading pc should have. It provides enough power and speed to get the job done, making it ideal for beginner traders, hobbyists, and those on a budget.

• Total Cores: 6
• Total Threads: 12
• Base Speed: 3.00 GHz
• Maximum Speed: 4.60 GHz
• Cache: 7.5 MB Smart Cache
• No more than an average CPU cooler is needed for your computer at this level.

As one of the most powerful CPUs available, the Core-i7 12700K / KFis good for all around, multi-purpose use. It can reach speeds of up to 5 GHz, allowing the processor to manage large workloads with ease.

• Total Cores: 12; 8 performance cores and 4 efficient cores
• Total Threads: 20
• Base Speed: 2.70 GHz for efficient-core; 3.60 GHz for performance-core
• Maximum Speed: up to 5.00 GHz
• Cache: 25 MB Smart Cache
• We strongly recommend a strong CPU cooler for your computer at this level

The Core-i9 13900K is the top-of-the-line choice for traders. It has some of the highest clock speeds around. Plus, Intel’s new hybrid performance architecture integrates two types of cores for smooth and efficient performance.

• Total Cores: 24; 16 performance cores and 8 efficient cores
• Total Threads: 32
• Base Speed: 2.40 GHz for efficient-core; 3.20 GHz for performance-core
• Maximum Speed: up to 5.80 GHz
• Cache: 30 MB Smart Cache

While these are generally good processors at a good price, they are not the best to go in a trading computer. We at TradingComputers.com do not offer these as an option because their singe-threaded process performance isn’t powerful enough for trading applications. While many trading applications are multi-threaded (or at least fake it), they still rely on single-threaded performance.

• AMD Ryaen 7 5000 series
• AMD Ryaen 9 5000 series
• AMD Ryaen 7 7000 series

This AMD processor provides good single-threaded performance for trading programs. Intel Core-i9 processors are still better for single-threaded performance; but in the rare case that your trading program is truly multi-threaded, this is the processor you want.

• Total Cores: 16
• Total Threads: 32
• Base Speed: 4.2 GHz
• Maximum Speed: 5.7 GHz
• Total Cache: 144MB

When shopping for a trading computer, you will often see that, on the surface, both laptops and desktops have the same type of processor, i.e. Intel Core i7. Looking under the surface, there is a big difference. While desktops will usually have DESKTOP processors, laptops mostly have MOBILE processors. Mobile processors use less energy and are, therefore, less powerful than desktop processors.

Keep in mind, a powerful laptop will have a short battery life. The energy required to run trading software, or other resource intensive programs, means they need more energy. We strongly recommend the laptop be plugged in while running these programs.

Here is a run-down of the pros and cons of trading laptops and laptop mobile processors:

Pros:

• Variable clock speed to extend time on battery power.
• Portability for traders are that frequently on the move.
• Some multi-monitor support so you aren’t limited to the one screen.
• Able to run multiple types of programs, even some gaming.

Cons:

• Extremely short battery life while trading due to high-end processor.
• The more powerful laptops are still pretty heavy and harder to find carrying cases that fit.
• Getting support, while still easy, may mean sending the laptop to repair depot. This leads to being without the laptop for several days.
• Can’t support as many monitors and desktop trading computers.

Read our article, The Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Best Laptop for Trading in 2023,for more information on laptop trading computers.

As you can see, the best processor (or CPU) for trading depends on the type of trading you plan to do, as well as the software you will use. Intel and AMD both offer good, reliable processors, but not all of them fit your style or needs. Checking with the trading program developer will help determine which is the best fit.

Intel processors dominate in terms of sheer performance. The Core-i9 13900K, for example, offers 24 cores at speeds up to 5.8 GHz, making it one of the fastest and most powerful processors on the market. The brand also makes great processors for hobby traders who don’t need quite as much power.

For beginners, the Intel Core-i5 is a great choice. When it comes down to price/performance ratio, the Core-i5 series offers arguably more bang for your buck thanks to their competitive pricing when compared to similar low end Intel models. Keep in mind that more is not always better.

In the end, both Intel and AMD CPUs have options for beginners in day trading. When you start looking to purchase a dedicated trading computer, there are more factors to consider. Intel processors are a better option for new and seasoned traders in a range of high-powered CPUs that are ideal for all types of traders who prefer top-of-the-line performance. AMD processors are good for those concerned about price, but with the understanding that the Ryzen still can’t keep up with Intel in most cases.

Also, remember, desktop trading computers are more powerful than laptop trading computers. Laptops may have their advantages, but they also have their limitations. The best trading computers are always desktops.

Still, no matter which type of processor you choose, you know you’ll be getting a great product when you shop at TradingComputers.com. Visit us at TradingComputers.com today to find the best processor for trading and browse all of our high-performance trading setups!

After picking the CPU, it’s necessary to choose how much RAM to get for your trading computer. Read the article, How Much RAM Do You Need For Your Trading Computer? to learn more.