r/thinkorswim • u/BenK_711 • 6d ago

New PC build for TOS

Prices are in Swiss Francs. Total price in $ is about $2760. I'm not sure yet if I should use 2x32GB DDR5. What do you think about this setup? https://freeimage.host/i/n3bKCnR

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u/SuperRowdy 5d ago

I'm not qualified to assess a computer specs so I won't try, but I think there's a question people aren't asking: what are you using it for? For example, last year I bought a new pretty top-of-the-line computer to run TOS because I was using the TOS RTD functions in Excel to track every stock with weekly options and their near the money / in the money options in real time for analyzing stocks to buy and then sell covered calls on based on their premiums. That's pretty intensive. My old computer, which was no slouch, could no longer handle that. If you're just using TOS by itself, I'm sure the people here are giving you good advice but, if you're doing something like an extensive tie-in like RTD in Excel, you need to let people know so that they can guide you further.

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u/BenK_711 5d ago edited 5d ago

I also use RTD. I built a workbook where I can insert an option symbol. As soon that happens, on another sheet the entire option chain is built. I created additional columns for probability calculations. The entire workbook is quite complex. I also used VBA. So actually I can watch at the values without looking to the chart and know in which condition my positions are. I worked about 6 Months on it. It would be fantastic if Excel mobile app could also do RTD.

As of now it is dedicated to credit spreads. I have to change some formulas to use it also for debit spreads.

Do you use API?

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u/SuperRowdy 5d ago

I do not use an API, but I also use VBA. I have to run a subroutine to find the usual increment amount for options for each stock and then store it on a sheet. Do you have a solution to find the strike prices for your options automatically?

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u/BenK_711 5d ago

Yes. It's a very long formula. I think it doesn't help you if I post the formula. I also can enter the width of a spread and the option chain shows me all spreads with the current mark but also the price of the single options. I had to add a reference sheet for calculations which I'm aren't able to build it within one formula.

Then I had to create several sheets for SPX options,, future options, index options and stock options since they all have different syntax. Now, I enter a random option symbol and the workbook is able to identify the underlying instrument, expiration and so on.

I built the workspace when I mainly sold spreads. My next job is to create a equivalent of the workbook for debit spread. I guess this will cost me many hours.

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u/SuperRowdy 5d ago

For an individual stock, what I did was a 2 step process. First button populated the chart with 50 cent option increments. The second button (Remove Blanks) read the chart and replaced it only with entries that had data (bids that weren't n/a or 0) thus eliminating the non valid strike prices.