A mining rig or rig is a computer system used to mine cryptocurrencies. Basically it is a dedicated computer that has been acquired, assembled and operated specifically to undermine a certain cryptocurrency. The same is composed of one or more graphics cards connected to a motherboard in order to increase its rate of processing or hash hashrate .
While more graphics cards are operating, the greater the hashrate of mining, this is because the mining of ethereum is an operation performed exclusively by the GPU of your video card. Since the mining process is an exclusive task of the graphics card, the rest of the components such as the processor or ram memory go into the background. The important thing here are the GPUs.
Read Also : How to assemble an ethereum mining rig 2017 (Part 2)
The total hashrate of our mining rig will depend on the hash power of the graphics card, as well as the number of GPUs that are operating. The current standard is configurations with six or eight video cards connected to the same motherboard. This also implies that we will need a power supply with sufficient power (usually 1000 Watts or more) to provide power to our mining rig.
Read Also : How to mine Bitcoin Gold in Windows (2018)
- One or more NVIDIA GTX 1000 Series / AMD RX or AMD VEGA GPUs with at least 4 GB of GDDR5 memory. Recommended graphics cards: GTX 1070 8GB , RX 570 4GB , RX 580 8GB and RX VEGA 56 8GB.
- An LGA 1150/1151 / AM4 motherboard with enough PCI-E slots to support the number of cards to be installed. Recommended motherboards : ASRock H81 PRO BTC R2.0 (LGA1150), Gigabyte H110-D3A (LGA1151)
- If you use more than one GPU, you will need PCI-E extender cables for each additional GPU.
- Power supply: You should check that your power source has enough connections to support the number of GPUs you are running and the total power enough to support the total power consumption of the system. (plus 20% extra power to avoid problems). For example, for a rig with 6 GTX 1070 GPUs a power source like the EVGA SuperNOVA 1200W P2 80+ PLATINUM is recommended.
- A dual core processor compatible with LGA 1150/1151 / AM4 sockets; Recommended processors: Intel Pentium G4600 (LGA 1151), Intel Pentium G3260 (LGA 1150), AMD Ryzen 3 1200 (AM4).
- At least 4GB of DDR3 or DDR4 RAM . Recommended memory : HyperX FURY 4GB DDR3 (for 1150 motherboards), Ballistix Sport LT 4GB DDR4 (for 1151 and AM4 motherboards).
- Operating system: Windows 10 Creators Update 64-bits or Windows 10 Anniversary Update 64-bits (these 2 versions of windows offer the highest rate of hash and are the most stable when mining ethereum)
IMPORTANT Before starting, make sure that your motherboard, processor and RAM are compatible. For example:
- For motherboards with the LGA 1151 socket we must use Intel Skylake 6th generation processors and DDR4 RAM.
- For the LGA 1150 motherboards we will have to use 4th generation Intel Haswell processors and DDR3 RAM memories.
We need a basic processor that allows us to run Windows 10, Ubuntu or EthOS, and is responsible for managing the rest of the devices in our rig. Here it is clear that the mining process is by GPU, which means that the workload will fall exclusively on the graphics cards. Therefore, when choosing a processor, a double core would suffice.
- Dual-Core, 3.3 GHz
- Cores: 2, subprocesses: 2
- 3M cache
- Lithography 22nm
- LGA1150
- TDP 53 watts
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- Dual-Core, 3.3 GHz
- Cores: 2, subprocesses: 2
- 3M cache
- Lithography 14nm
- LGA1151
- TDP 54 watts
- Dual-Core, 3.6 GHz
- Cores: 2, subprocesses: 4
- 3M cache
- Lithography 14nm
- LGA1151
- TDP 51 watts
- Quad-Core, 3.1 GHz / 3.4 GHz
- Cores: 4, subprocesses: 4
- 8M L3 Cache
- Lithography 14nm
- Socket AM4
- TDP 65 watts
The main feature we look for in a motherboard is the number of GPU slots it has, since this will determine how many graphics cards or GPUs can be attached, and therefore, its total hashing power. For example, 6 PCI Express slots mean they can fit 6 Radeon GTX 1060 cards with a hashrate of 20 MH / s each – or a combined total hashing power of 120 MH / s. Currently several manufacturers such as AsRock or Biostar have products specifically designed for the mining of cryptocurrencies (BTC Motherboard).
- Socket LGA 1150
- Chipset: Intel H81
- 4th Gen Core i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium / Celeron (LGA1150)
- 2 X DDR3 DDR3 1600/1333/1066
- 1 x PCI-Express x16 2.0
- 5 x PCI-Express x1 2.0
- Socket LGA 1151
- Chipset: Intel H110 Express
- 6th / 7th Gen Core i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium / Celeron (LGA1151)
- 2 x DDR4 DIMM 2400/2133
- 1 x PCI-Express x16 3.0
- 5 x PCI-Express x1 2.0
- Socket LGA 1151
- Chipset: Intel H110
- 6th / 7th Gen Core i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium / Celeron (LGA1151)
- 2 x DDR4 DIMM 2400/2133
- 1 x PCI-Express x16 3.0
- 12 x PCI-Express x1 2.0
- Socket AM4
- Chipset: AMD B350
- Ryzen 3/5/7
- 2 x DIMM DDR4-3200 (OC) / 2933 (OC) / 2667/2400
- 1 x PCI-Express x16 3.0
- 5 x PCI-Express x1
It’s time to choose the GPUs! There are several models of graphics cards recommended to mine Ethereum, but the most important thing to consider when choosing is the energy consumption / processing power / price ratio.
Hashrate: The ideal in this sense is to acquire a graphic card with a hashrate of between 20 to 30 TH / s. Currently GPUs that employ architectures such as Pascal (NVIDIA) and Polaris (AMD) are those that offer the highest mining hashrate.
Type of memory: your video card must have memory (VRAM) type GDDR5 to mine without problems.
Amount of graphic memory: the minimum essential for ethereum currently (July 2017) is 4 GB. However, due to the progressive increase in the size of the DAG file (which is loaded into the VRAM of your graphics card at the time of mining ethereum), it is advisable to choose a graphics card with 8 GB of memory.
We can quickly recommend the following graphics cards:
– Nvidia GTX 1070 and GTX 1080 Ti: are powered by Nvidia’s Pascal architecture, have low power consumption and offer a high hashrate in Ethereum, Zcash and other cryptocurrencies. (30MH / s and 35MH / s respectively)
– AMD Radeon RX 480 and RX 580: are based on the AMD Polaris architecture, have good performance and are easily optimized by updating the VBIOS (up to 30 MH / s)
– AMD Radeon RX 470 and RX 570: are economic solutions based on the Polaris architecture and have almost the same performance as the RX 580 and RX 570. By means of a modification to the VBIOS they can reach a hashrate of 28 MH / s.
-AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 and Vega 64: based on AMD’s new VEGA architecture are high-performance cards that can achieve hashrates of up to 40 MH / s.
- GPU: Vega 10XL (GCN 5.0)
- Stream Processors: 3584
- GPU frequency: 1156 MHz / 1471 MHz
- Memory: 8 GB HBM2, 2048 bits
- TDP: 210 W
- GFLOPS: 10,544 GFLOPS
- Hashrate: 37 MH / s
- GPU: GP102 (Pascal)
- CUDA Cores: 3584
- GPU frequency: 1556 MHz / 1670 MHz
- Memory: 11 GB GDDR5X, 352 bits
- TDP: 250 W
- GFLOPS: 11,340 GFLOPS
- Hashrate: 32-35 MH / s
- GPU: GP104 (Pascal)
- CUDA Cores: 1920
- GPU frequency: 1594 MHz / 1784 MHz
- Memory: 8 GB GDDR5, 256 bits
- TDP: 150 W
- GFLOPS: 6,463 GFLOPS
- Hashrate: 27-30 MH / s
- GPU: Polaris 20 XTX (GCN 4.0)
- Stream Processors: 2304
- GPU frequency: 1411 MHz
- Memory: 8 GB GDDR5, 256 bits
- TDP: 185 W
- GFLOPS: 6,175 GFLOPS
- Hashrate: 27-29 MH / s
- GPU: Polaris 20 XL (GCN 4.0)
- Stream Processors: 2048
- GPU frequency: 1325 MHz
- Memory: 8 GB GDDR5, 256 bits
- TDP: 120 W
- GFLOPS: 5,095 GFLOPS
- Hashrate: 25-27 MH / s
This is a fundamental component in any PC. Considering that the graphics card will do most of the work, we opted for the basics. In this case 4 GB of DDR3 or DDR4 (depending on your motherboard) should be sufficient for our mining rig. If you plan to install more than 4 graphics cards it is advisable to have at least 8 GB of memory (or properly configure the virtual memory of the system).
For a motherboard with LGA 1150 socket , remember to use DDR3 1600 memories.
In the case of motherboards with socket LGA 1151 and AM4 you must choose memories of type DDR4 1866/2133/2400
- 4GB – DDR3 1600MHz CL10 DIMM
- Model: HX316C10F / 4
- Specifications: DDR3, 1600MHz, CL10, 1.5V, Unbuffered
- Timings: 1600MHz, 10-10-10, 1.5V
- 4GB – DDR4 2400MHz DIMM
- Model: BLS4G4D240FSE (Red)
- Specifications: DDR4, PC4-19200, 2400MHz, 1.2V, NON-ECC
- Timmings: 2400MHz, 16-16-16, 1.2V
- 8GB – DDR3 1600MHz CL10 DIMM
- Part number: HX316C10FB / 8
- Specifications: DDR3, 1600MHz, CL10, 1.5V, Unbuffered
- Timings: 1600MHz, 10-10-10, 1.5V
- 8GB – DDR4 2400MHz DIMM
- Model: BLS8G4D240FSB (Gray)
- Specifications: DDR4, PC4-19200, 2400MHz, 1.2V, NON-ECC
- Timmings: 2400MHz, 16-16-16, 1.2V
It is time to choose a suitable PSU for our mining Rig. This point is fundamental and basically what we are looking for is a power source with a high level of efficiency (80 Plus Gold). For example, if we want to assemble a mining rig with 6 GTX 1060 GPUs , we must bear in mind that each GPU has a maximum consumption of 120W (in normal conditions each will consume around 80W), if we multiply this figure by 6 and add the consumption of the other components (processor, motherboard, etc) will result in a consumption close to 800W. In this case, with a power source of 1000W 80 Plus Gold or Platinum we will have power to spare.
Here you can calculate the approximate consumption of your mining rig: https://outervision.com/power-supply-calculator
Once the maximum consumption has been calculated, we can choose the source that best suits our needs. For example:
For a rig with 6 GTX 1060 GPUs we recommend the EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 GQ 80+ GOLD , of 1000W.
For a rig with 6 AMD RX 570 GPUs we recommend the EVGA SuperNOVA 1200 P2 80 PLUS Platinum , of 1200W.
- 1000 Watts (1000W)
- 100% Fully Modular Power Supply
- 80 plus Platinum certification, 90% efficiency
- Fan size: 139mm
- 1000 Watts (1000W)
- Semi Modular Power Supply
- 80 PLUS Gold certified, 90% efficiency
- Fan Size: 135mm
- 5 Year Warranty
- 1200 Watts (1000W)
- 100% Fully Modular Power Supply
- 80 plus Platinum certification, 90% efficiency
- Fan size: 139mm
- 1200 Watts (1200W)
- Fully Modular
- 80 PLUS Platinum certified, 92% (115VAC) / 94% (220VAC ~ 240VAC) efficiency
- Fan Size: 140mm
- 10 Year Warranty
You need a storage unit to host the operating system and software for mining. The best option right now is to use a hard disk of solid type or SSD. An SSD is a solid state storage device as there are no moving or breaking parts, and it is also much faster than a traditional hard drive. If you are only going to mine Ethereum by being part of a pool or mining pool, then you will get a low capacity SSD.
- Capacity: 60GB
- Type: SSD (Solid State Drive)
- Interface: SATA3, 6 GB per second
- Format: 2.5-inch Internal Solid State Drive
- Speed: Reading 500MB / S Write 90MB / S
- Capacity: 120GB
- Type: SSD (Solid State Drive)
- Interface: SATA3, 6 GB per second
- Format: 2.5-inch Internal Solid State Drive
- Speed: Reading 535MB / S Writing 500MB / S
- Capacity: 120GB
- Type: SSD (Solid State Drive)
- Interface: SATA3, 6 GB per second
- Format: 2.5-inch Internal Solid State Drive
- Speed: Reading 550MB / S Writing 420MB / S
- Capacity: 120GB
- Type: SSD (Solid State Drive)
- Interface: SATA3, 6 GB per second
- Format: 2.5-inch Internal Solid State Drive
- Speed: Reading 500MB / S Writing 350MB / S
Finally we must choose a case for our mining rig. To mine with multiple GPUs connected to the motherboard, we are going to require a case of the open type ( open air case or mining rig case ) with enough space inside to house the different components that will integrate the rig. The choice of this component will depend on the number of GPUs to be used and your budget. If you have the necessary tools, you can even choose to manufacture it yourself. It is the best option and probably the most economical.
- Made of aluminum
- Space for 6 GPUs
- Made of aluminum
- Space for 8 GPUs
You will need extension cables with MOLEX / SATA power so that each PCI-Express port occupied by a GPU can work without problems (this does not replace the power cable of the graphic card, so keep this in mind when assembling the equipment).
- Version 006 (with molex 4-pin power connector)
- Solid capacitors of high quality
- 60 cm USB 3.0 riser cable
- MOLEX 4-Pin Power Cable to 15-pin SATA
- Version 006 / 006C (with molex 4-pin power connector)
- Solid capacitors of high quality
- 60 cm USB 3.0 riser cable
- 4-Pin MOLEX or PCIe to 15-pin SATA power cable
We already have all the essential components to assemble our mining rig. As is logical, we will also require a monitor, keyboard and mouse . If you plan to build the frame by yourself, you will also need the respective ignition and reset cables . Likewise, our mining equipment must be connected to the router using 1 ethernet cable or wifi adapter.
Optionally, we can add the following components:
– Economical LED monitor Acer 21.5 “, to configure and monitor our rig
– AmazonBasics keyboard and mouse
– Power button and reset
– Molex to PCIe converter cable , (8-Pin PCIe to 2x Molex)
– TP-Link N450 WiFi Router
– Adapter WiFi USB TP-Link AC600
– Thermal paste MX 4, will help you reduce the temperature of the processor
– Pack of fancoolers ARCTIC F12 PWM 120mm, for adequate ventilation.
With the components we have selected we can start the task of assembling our mining equipment, for this we will include as an example two configurations based on AMD and Nvidia with the best price performance ratio:
1 Gigabyte H110-D3A motherboard (6 PCIe – LGA1151) http://amzn.to/2iEL9Ou
1 Intel Pentium G4400 processor http://amzn.to/2i8pdYg
1 RAM Memory Ballistix Sport LT 4GB Single DDR4 2400 http: // amzn.to/2zKgvXe
1 SSD PNY CS1311 120GB SSD http://amzn.to/2gIXSeP
6 GPUs EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 SC GAMING ACX 3.0 http://amzn.to/2i9qnT7
1 PSU EVGA SuperNOVA 1200W P2 80+ PLATINUM http: //amzn.to/2hf1O7B
6 PCI-E Risers with Molex power connector http://amzn.to/2zLnbEB
1 Gigabyte H110-D3A motherboard (6 PCIe – LGA1151) http://amzn.to/2iEL9Ou
1 Intel Pentium G4400 processor http://amzn.to/2i8pdYg
1 RAM Memory Ballistix Sport LT 4GB Single DDR4 2400 http: // amzn.to/2zKgvXe
1 SSD PNY CS1311 120GB SSD http://amzn.to/2gIXSeP
6 GPUs Sapphire Radeon NITRO + RX 580 8GB http://amzn.to/2zcDjTk
1 Power source EVGA SuperNOVA G2 80+ GOLD 1600W http: //amzn.to/2hgkLqC
6 PCI-E Risers with Molex power connector http://amzn.to/2zLnbEB
And here comes the first part of this mini tutorial. In the second part we will proceed to explain the assembly of our equipment from scratch, as well as some precautions that we will have to take into account during its construction.
Read Also : How to assemble an ethereum mining rig 2017 (Part 2)
Original article and pictures take digitalbodha.com site
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