So exactly how many monitors does a trader need? There isn’t one set answer to this question. It’s all about personal preference and other factors. There are two questions to ask yourself here. The first is how many screens do you want for trading? Second, how many monitors is your computer capable of supporting?
If you have an older computer that doesn’t support enough monitors, don’t worry! It’s usually possible to add additional graphics cards to your current computer if you’re not quite ready to purchase an entirely new system. If you have any questions at all about your current computer and adding graphics cards, feel free to reach out and contact us. We’d be happy to give you advice, even if the computer wasn’t purchased from us.
Utilizing multiple monitors provides a clear advantage in terms of screen real estate, allowing for enhanced productivity. The process of switching between tabs on a single monitor can prove to be time-consuming, whereas with more screens, charts and documents can be spread out for quick reference. While it is plausible to opt for a cheap TV screen, this solution may not always be optimal. We advise a configuration of three to eight 27″ computer monitors, as this has proven to be an ideal setup for many of our customers. Some traders even want as many as 12 monitors! This is a huge amount, but we have computers that can handle massive 12 display setups.
Reflecting on our more than 16-year history of sales, we have provided a diverse range of systems with varying multi-monitor capabilities. We meticulously reviewed our records spanning from 2007 to 2023, and compiled a comprehensive breakdown of the systems we sold, along with the corresponding monitor support that each system offered. It’s worth noting that although some systems might have supported, lets say – 6 monitors, it doesn’t necessarily mean that customers connected all six screens. We’ve had numerous conversations with customers over the last two decades, and many of them prefer to have a high maximum total support, even if they don’t intend to use it all at once. By opting for a computer that supports more monitors than currently needed, customers have the flexibility to add additional screens later on.
Data from Blue Aura Computers, 2007 to 2023. Percentage of systems sold based on monitor support:
Although the 12-monitor support percentage might seem low, it’s in comparison to ALL systems we’ve sold. We do sell quite a large number of 12 monitor systems every year but it’s relatively small when compared to how many 4 monitor and 6 monitor systems we sell.
Moving ahead, we anticipate a considerable increase in the number of systems we sell supporting 4 and 8 monitors. We’re currently utilizing advanced cards such as the RTX T600 and T1000, which boasts four DisplayPorts per card. Over a decade ago, we primarily designed computers with 3 and 6 monitor support, as we relied on specific card models that had two DVI ports and one HDMI per card. However, with the evolution of technology and the introduction of more advanced graphics cards, we expect a significant shift towards systems supporting more monitors.
In the last three years, there has been a significant surge in demand for trading computers with 8-monitor capability among traders that purchase systems from us. We’ve seen a nearly equal proportion of orders for 4, 6, and 8 monitor systems from our customers. For serious traders, we strongly advise investing in a computer that can handle 6 to 8 monitors. Even if you can’t afford all the screens at once, it’s perfectly fine, as you can always add more later.
We generally don’t recommend going with a tv screen vs a computer monitor. When it comes to trading, choosing the right display can make all the difference. One key factor to consider is input lag. Monitors sometimes have lower input lag compared to TVs. This means you’ll experience less delay and have more precise control over your actions on screen, this is important for activities like gaming. Additionally, monitors sometimes have higher refresh rates and faster response times. This can result in smoother and more fluid visuals. It all depends on the make and model of computer monitor and what the specifications are. There are a lot of TVs that boast low input lag and high refresh rates as well.
When it comes to display devices, the distance between the user and the screen matters a lot. If you’re someone who spends a considerable amount of time working on a computer or playing games, it’s essential to invest in a good quality monitor that is designed for up-close viewing. Unlike televisions, computer monitors are meant to be viewed at a closer range, typically within 2 to 3 feet. When viewed from this distance, a monitor offers a more vivid and crisp display that is less pixelated compared to a TV.
A computer monitor usually has a higher pixel density than a TV, meaning it has more pixels per inch. This higher pixel density enables the monitor to display sharper and more accurate images, text, and graphics. Monitors are also designed to reduce eye strain. The flicker-free and blue light filters in monitors protect the user’s eyes from strain and reduce the risk of eye damage caused by prolonged screen exposure.
If you want a high-quality display that is suitable for up-close viewing, a computer monitor is a better choice than a TV. With its higher pixel density, better color accuracy, and eye-friendly features, a monitor is the ideal device for anyone who spends long hours working on a computer.
All of these factors combined make computer monitors a superior choice for traders who prioritize performance and precision. If you’re in the market for a new display, it’s important to take these factors into account.
When it comes to monitor sizes, the most prevalent ones are 24″, 27″, 32″, and 34″. For those who prefer an array of two to twelve screens, we suggest opting for either 24″ or 27″ monitors. On the other hand, if you want to go for a 3-monitor setup, then 32″ or 34″ ultrawide monitors would be a great choice. We’ve offered several brands and found that ASUS, BenQ, Samsung, and LG offer the best monitors in the market. Among these, ASUS is our top pick for most sizes, while Samsung and LG have some excellent options in the ultrawide category.
If you want to get a better idea of monitors for trading, take a look at our blog article – Choosing the Best Monitors for Your Trading Computer. It’s important to remember that the landscape of display models can shift rapidly with time. While we’ve strived to provide a solid selection of brand and model recommendations. Think of our suggestions as a launching pad, there’s a multitude of other options that are certainly worth exploring as well!