AFT works on all PCs and servers the same way.
- A trader must decide what works best for them- their location and trading style.
- The user experience of how it works and responds to a user is different on a local machine and server in terms of control mouse/key latency -when clicking a button or interacting with a server is not the best a local machine is always best so therefore AFT and any software will work best in terms of interaction with a local desktop/PC installation.
- If a trader wants more automatic unattended usage -remote access from home or office and can live with the least good user interaction experience then a server is the best option
- If a trader wants the best interactive a local PC is always the best choice
- If a trader wants the best latency best trading response and data-loading times then a machine located near the exchange
- N.B: if a trader is located near the exchange then a local PC with a UPS on the modem and PC hardware is a good choice for low latency < 25MS trading and good reliability...
Latency, ping, round trip time
- Latency from 1ms to 300ms is workable depending on the system style of trading
- scalping needs low latency and good interaction
- an algo scalper can be on a server close to the exchange for the best latency
- an algo swing trader is ok in central north USA regions
- for fastest data loading nearer the exchange is better
Cost vs need
- Start at home/office and see how it goes!
- Use NinjaTrader mobile or web or rithmic mobile or tradovate to monitor/control trades also
- A home office PC can be set up to allow remote access by many remote access solutions
- Get UPS on the modem/router for surge protection also
- get a UPS on the workstation 15 minutes - 1 monitor and PC - better if it can power down also.
- If you don't need a server don't get one - don't blow cash on unneeded overheads!
- if you need a server probably budget start at the medium option don't get the highest - you can upgrade if needed.
- VPS $50 per month to $250 PM is an ok budget for retail...
Machine Spec
How fast the PC/Server is how quick the network is and how fast the NinjaTrader platform will perform and thus AFT.
Hardware Info
Workstation/Laptop
NinjaTrader 8 and AFT8 can be quite data/CPU-hungry
But also NT8 can be - so a good internet connection and a good computer is what you owe yourself
For us, ASUS Rog/Strix is the best choice as of 2023.
1. PC Spec:
You will need a modern Spec PC -
Intel Core i7 or better, AMD Ryzen 7 or 9
16GB or better RAM
SSD Hard drive - Samsung NVME EVO recommended
Dual or triple Monitor Video Card
ASUS motherboard preferred
SSD Drive D for Data
Add a drive d NVME SSD and move my documents to that drive or split a drive into multiple paritions:
E.G: D:\Users\Trader\Documents
Simply install NinjaTrader into the usual place e.g:
D:\Users\Trader\Documents\NinjaTrader 7
D:\Users\Trader\Documents\NinjaTrader 8
Which solution?
- If you want a server - to allow remote connection/access from work or home and best internet
- You need to be a technically adept Windows server admin... or hire one
- use Contabo for best budget quality and performance - this is fine for most cases but you need to be tech-savvy and good with servers
- You will need a very fast reliable connection to the server to make it usable for interaction or if it is for more unattended usage that is not so critical
- If latency and support is your requirement these are best for small trading operations and best for support https://ninjamobiletrader.com/
- If you are a home or office user - this is fine for most cases with the correct spec machine and internet/location
- Make sure you have a fast reliable internet connection
- Get a high-spec trading machine as detailed
- get a UPS on the router modem and the PC
TIP: Start on your local PC and only if there is a business case/ or technical case consider to use a server - in most cases people rent or lease junk servers and get ripped off by datacenters, and also most traders have no idea how to optimize them or what to get. Only do this if you really need to and have spare funds.
Trading Servers
- TIP: For all Servers you need to be technically adept to get the best out of them.
- Contabo hands down offer the Best pricing, quality performance, and latency for cost - suitable for self-assisting traders who are good with servers
- NinjaMobile trading Servers have the fastest latency and easier fastest best setup and access/support - good for any level of trader
What do we use?
- both Contabo for non-mission-critical latency and we use NinjaMobile dedicated server for latency-critical server-based automated trading. If we want a real workhorse for a swing portfolio ok contabo provides the best with excellent latency located near the exchange regions Conbato VDS is the best choice and price or top-end VPS for a starter
- We also use local PC-based/ office trading via the Web browser and NinjaTrader desktop - for when we are not scalping and can take and plan trades in a more leisurely fashion and don't care about a little slippage or late entry swing or day trend trading running to the close
Compare Contabo VPS $50pm vs NinjaMobile Dedicated Server $200 PM
Contabo XXL VPS - (running far less charts and other components)
TL - Time Latency far right
Ninja Mobile Dedicated Server (running a truckload of charts and components)
TL - Time Latency far right
Network Regions and Isolation
Which?
- QuantVPS/ NinjaMobile will suffer less from network issues from the external into the exchange data center region
- Contabo could be cut off outside the exchange environment... but if not provides a great performance and cost ratio
Conclusion
- If you want the most robust connection get as close to the exchange as possible - ninjamobile
- if you want support and are non-technical - ninjamobile
- If you are technical and cost is your key driver- contabo