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The Best Intel Trading Computer Processors

Explore the Top Intel CPUs Used in Day Trading PCs


Intel has been dominating the trading computer market for the last two decades. Blue Aura Trading Computers use the top of the line Intel Core Ultra 5, Ultra 7 and Ultra 9 processors.

When buying a new computer you'll be looking at three different options, generally speaking. Almost all computers have either an Intel, AMD or varient of Apple's M1 processor that are exclusive to Apple products.

Intel Core Ultra 5, Ultra 7 and Ultra 9 processors are based on trusted x86 architecture that is designed with Windows based operating systems (and Linux). Apple's M1 is built on arm-based architecture, similar to what's in a smartphone. Desktop x86 Intel CPUs are significantly faster than an Arm-based Apple CPU. Of course, it's not really a fair comparison since they are designed for different uses, but it's important to point out the performance distinction. Really no mobile/laptop Arm-based CPU will truly compare in performance, that's the whole point to purchasing a desktop computer, you can get unlocked chips that use much more power since they don't have to worry about battery consumption like on a phone or laptop.

What is a Processor (CPU)?

The processor is also known as the CPU which stands for "Central Processing Unit". The CPU is the brains of the computer, and is the single most important component in a trading computer. The more powerful your processor is, the faster it can accomplish the tasks you need done.

The processor and system RAM, also known as "system memory", work together to accomplish computing tasks. RAM is a temporary buffer that stores data and is cleared out every time your computer is shut down or restarted. Think of RAM as a large empty building that can be filled up with information, and the processor is a complex chip with multiple CPU cores that can accept all that information in the form of instructions and output the results back to the RAM and motherboard.

Intel Core Ultra 5, Ultra 7 and Ultra 9 processors

What's the difference between the different Intel CPU models?

  • Core Ultra 5: Good performance for moderate to heavy workloads.
  • Core Ultra 7: Great performance for really demanding workloads.
  • Core Ultra 9: Extreme performance for the most highest CPU intensive tasks. More cores than Core Ultra 7 (performance and/or efficient cores).

What is CPU Cache?

When it comes to Intel processors, it's not just the speed of the chip that matters, we also need to consider the onboard cache. Most people probably don't give much thought to CPU cache, but it's very important. In the simplest of terms, CPU cache is just onboard memory, integrated into the processor itself. System memory (RAM), are those sticks you see installed on your motherboard, the memory we are talking about with CPU cache is put directly into the CPU to help deal with the increases in processor performance that system RAM can't deal with. Cache is the fastest memory available that your CPU can use, and the more you have the faster your computer will operate.

There are a lot of different types of memory in a modern computer, each performing faster then the other. Solid state SSD drives have come a long way, with new NVMe drives being the fastest type available today. But any hard drive is still slower than system RAM and CPU cache is the fastest because it's part of the CPU itself. According to some online sources, cache memory operates anywhere from 10 to 100 times faster than system RAM. That can fluctuate as new, faster types of system RAM are introduced into the market, but CPU cache will always be the fastest.

How Exactly Does CPU Cache Work?

There are 3 types of CPU cache - L1 cache, L2 cache and L3 cache.

L1 Cache: L1 Cache is the fastest type of cache and is located closest to the CPU. When processing instructions the CPU looks at the L1 cache first. L1 cache is the smallest of the 3 types of cache, and it works a different now with new Intel processors that have Performance-Cores and Efficient-Cores.

L2 Cache: This is probably the most important cache to look at, because it is a substantially larger amount than L1. The amount of L2 cache varies in size depending on the CPU, but with newer chips we are seeing as much as 32MB and in the future we'll see even larger amounts on the higher end CPUs. L2 cache is slower than L1, but it is still significantly faster than system RAM, so having a lot of L2 cache is important in a trading computer.

L3 Cache: L3 cache is the largest in size, but as you can see in the specs on some chips the size can come pretty close to the L2 cache size. Intel sometimes on their specs just say "Cache" when referring to L3 cache. L3 cache is the slowest of the three but it is still much faster than system RAM.

How Much CPU Cache Do Trading Computers Need?

When shopping for a new trading computer, you'll probably narrow your CPU choice down to 2 or 3 processors. If you're going to be doing a lot of CPU heavy work on your trading computer, we'd recommend going with the fastest processor you can afford with the most cache. The #1 most important component in a trading computer is the processor. You can always add more system RAM later on, so it's critical to buy the best processor you can afford when configuring your new computer.

What is Intel Hyper-Threading Technology?

Intel Hyper-Threading Technology, known as HT Technology, allows for two processing threads for each physical CPU core. This means one physical core operates like two logical cores that can handle more software threads. Highly threaded programs can perform faster and allow you to get more work done. CPU intensive tasks can be accomplished sooner.

What is Intel Turbo Boost Technology?

Intel processors have a base speed and also a higher clock speed. The higher speed can be used under very heavy CPU workloads. If processors ran at their maximum clock speeds all of the time they would use an excessive amount of energy. Intel processors are intelligent. They can run at a higher clock speed when needed, then slow down when not.

The clock speed (also known as clock rate) is the number of cycles a processor executes per second. When a CPU operates at a lower clock rate it uses less power which reduces heat. This can extend the life of the processor and components in the computer. When it comes to portable devices this is even more important, consumers need the battery to last as long as possible between charges.

Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0

Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0 is an enhanced version of 2.0 that can boosts the fastest cores of a CPU individually, while also pushing the workloads to the boosted cores.

THE BEST INTEL PROCESSORS FOR TRADERS RIGHT NOW

The processors listed below are the best Intel CPUs available right now for a trading computer. We've listed them in order of what we believe to be the most powerful to the least within each generation of CPUs shown. Sometimes we list previous generation CPUs as they can be a lower cost alternative for traders looking to save some money. But, if you can afford it, it's always best to purchase the newest gen CPUs and buy the best model you can. The processor is the single most important component in a trading computer.


Intel Core Ultra 9 285K - 24 Core (8 Performance Cores + 16 Efficient Cores)

The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K is the #1 Intel CPU we recommend right now. This CPU has a total of 24 cores (8 performance cores and 16 efficient cores). PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support for the fastest performance possible today. Massive 36MB Intel Smart Cache and 40MB of L2 Cache.

Processor Specs
Total # of Cores24
Total # of Performance Cores8
Total # of Efficient Cores16
Total CPU Threads24
Maximum Turbo Frequency5.7GHz
Performance-Core Maximum Turbo Frequency5.5GHz
Efficient-Core Maximum Turbo Frequency4.6GHz
Performance-Core Base Frequency3.7GHz
Efficient-Core Base Frequency3.2GHz
Cache36MB Intel Smart Cache
L2 Cache40MB
Processor Base Power125W
Maximum Turbo Power250W

Intel Core Ultra 7 265K - 20 Core (8 Performance Cores + 12 Efficient Cores)

The Intel Core Ultra 7 265K packs a lot of features and performance. This CPU has a total of 20 cores (8 performance cores and 12 efficient cores). PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support for the fastest performance possible today.

Processor Specs
Total # of Cores20
Total # of Performance Cores8
Total # of Efficient Cores12
Total CPU Threads20
Maximum Turbo Frequency5.5GHz
Performance-Core Maximum Turbo Frequency5.4GHz
Efficient-Core Maximum Turbo Frequency4.6GHz
Performance-Core Base Frequency3.9GHz
Efficient-Core Base Frequency3.3GHz
Cache30MB Intel Smart Cache
L2 Cache36MB
Processor Base Power125W
Maximum Turbo Power250W

Intel Core Ultra 5 245K - 14 Core (6 Performance Cores + 8 Efficient Cores)

The Intel Core Ultra 5 245K packs a lot of features and performance. This CPU has a total of 14 cores (6 performance cores and 8 efficient cores). PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support for the fastest performance possible today.

Processor Specs
Total # of Cores14
Total # of Performance Cores6
Total # of Efficient Cores8
Total CPU Threads14
Maximum Turbo Frequency5.2GHz
Performance-Core Maximum Turbo Frequency5.2GHz
Efficient-Core Maximum Turbo Frequency4.6GHz
Performance-Core Base Frequency4.2GHz
Efficient-Core Base Frequency3.6GHz
Cache24MB Intel Smart Cache
L2 Cache26MB
Processor Base Power125W
Maximum Turbo Power159W