[How-to] [How-to] Choosing a VPS for your EA: location, specs, cost

An EA runs only while MT5 is open. A home PC can stop any time — updates, power cuts, internet drops — so most people use a VPS (a remote computer that stays on 24/7).

1. Location matters most

• The closer the VPS is to your broker's server, the faster your fills (latency, ping).
• Most broker servers sit in London (LD4) or New York (NY4) data centers. Check where your broker's server is first.
• Click the connection indicator at the bottom right of MT5 to see ping per server. Under 10 ms is excellent; under 50 ms is fine if you're not scalping.

2. Specs

• 1–2 MT5 terminals with a few EAs: 1–2 CPU cores and 2–4 GB RAM is plenty.
• Several terminals or indicator-heavy EAs: 4–8 GB RAM.
• Windows is easiest, since MT5 is a Windows program.

3. Options

• Free broker VPS: many brokers offer one above a balance or volume threshold. Check this first.
• MT5 built-in virtual hosting: pay inside MT5 and the EA moves to MetaQuotes servers. Easy, but you can't watch charts or indicators.
• Forex-focused VPS providers: let you pick a data center near your broker.
• General cloud: cheap, but you handle location and the Windows license yourself.

4. Running tips

• Disable or schedule Windows auto-update restarts, and make MT5 start automatically after a reboot.
• Check the Experts tab for errors and your margin level once a day.
• Never run the same EA on the same account from both a home PC and a VPS. Orders get sent twice.

Attach the EADesk reporter too: if the VPS stops, your EADesk card shows "offline" right away. It's the simplest watchdog there is.