How Hard Is It to Build a Crypto Mining Rig?

Here at CryptoDetail, we have discussed mining more than a few times. And, during those discussions, we have mentioned hardware mining. We have also reviewed a number of the top of the line mining rigs available commercially.

Even with all of that information floating around our site the true, frugal nature of the cryptosphere shines through in the emails we receive daily. Since mining rigs seem to be out of the financial reach of many we have been repeatedly asked the question "how hard is it to build a mining rig?". So, even though we have touched on the technicalities of this process before, let's take a look at exactly how difficult it is to build your very own crypto mining rig at home. 

Like we always say...

... before you figure out your equipment, you need to know which crypto you want to mine. Well, since we have already determined that we prefer the lesser difficulty and higher profit potential of ETH, let's build an Ethereum mining rig.

It has been said that building your own ETH rig is a bit like growing your own money tree. Once it is up and running the rig will crank out ETH and create the wealth you want while you relax and work on other things. So, while it may not happen as fast as you want, if you build one of these rigs properly, it will definitely be a source of passive income for you for years to come. And, while it does take a bit of the "techie" mindset to build an ETH mining rig, anyone determined enough to do it can build one of their own. 

But How Do You Build It? 

Okay, enough of the build up. You are here reading this. So, you already know you want to build your own mining rig. Let's get down to it and find out how.

To be honest, it is a bit like building a desktop computer. Actually, a mining rig is just a computer with a few different specifications. After all; you do not really need a big, blaring sound system on a mining rig; in fact, you do not need sound at all. So, what are the specs for this specialized system? Take a look.

Your standard desktop computer has a balance between the CPU, HD, GPU, and RAM. Your more top of the line systems, specifically those made for gaming have higher "clocked" CPU, much more RAM, one or two top-end GPUs and more than one SDDs. In your mining rig, you will be taking a different direction. Here you will want lower (lowest) clocked CPU, a bare minimum of RAM, the most basic HD, and 5 or more of the best GPUs you can find and afford.

Since all of those GPUs won't fit into your standard desktop tower; you are going to need a sturdy, custom built case. Or, in a pinch; a milk crate will house these components quite nicely. We know it seems weird to put such expensive equipment into a piece of plastic you found next to the dumpster behind a convenience store. Buy, hey, it works. And, mining rigs do not need to be pretty, they need to be effective. And here it is all about those GPUs.

Which GPUs Should You Choose?

GPUs (Graphics Cards) are the essential component here. So, unless you have got an advanced degree that gives you the knowledge to build this piece of hardware; you are going to have to go shopping. Here you want to spare no expense. You need GPUs at the highest hash rate at the lowest cost possible. The final key to this puzzle is power usage. GPUs are rated for various power usages. Be sure that number is as low as it can be. Otherwise, you will be mining to pay the electric company every month.

And, even though we suggested 5 or more GPUs in your rig for maximum efficiency and profitability; in reality, you can get started with only one. 

Here goes our TOP dogs 

For ETH mining the Radeon RX Vega 64 (at 33 MH/s using 200 watts of electricity) is the best of the best GPU for Mining ETH. Followed closely by the Radeon RX Vega 56 (at 31 MH/s using 190 watts of electricity).

The nearest competitor to those top of the line GPUs is the GeForce GTX 1080 TI (at 32 MH/s using 200 watts of electricity).

After those three top dogs we have a few choices that are profitable, and a bit less expensive.

At # 4 we have the Radeon Rx 580 (at 25 MH/s using 175 watts of electricity). At # 5 is the Radeon Rx 480 (at 24 MH/s using 170 watts of electricity). Then, at # 6, we have the Geforce GTX 1070 (at 27 MH/s using 200 watts of electricity).

# 7 is the Radeon Rx 570 (at 22 MH/s using 125 watts of electricity). Our # 8 is the Radeon Rx 470 (at 21 MH/s using 120 watts of electricity). Then our # 9 is the Geforce GTX 1060 (at 20 MH /s using 110 watts of electricity). And, at # 10 is the Radeon R9 290x (at 28 MH/s using 280 watts of electricity). 

We have Heard About Power Usage; What About Power Supply? 

For mining, you are going to need at least 1200 W of constant power. As a standard desktop power supply is around 400 w you are going to need an upgrade here too. But, you are not just looking for wattage; you need the most efficient power supply in order to keep that electric bill in check so you actually make a profit from your mining rig.

But what makes it all work?

As with any other computer (remember; you are just building a computer here) you are going to need a motherboard, a sufficient amount of RAM and a CPU to make all of this run smoothly. So, this is another huge consideration when building your own mining rig.

Has all of this gotten a bit technical for you yet?

While the above outline is really just the tip of the iceberg; our point here is that, if you do not have a significant amount of technical ability, building your own mining rig is not just difficult; it is nearly impossible.

No worries though. Without that tech knowledge, there are other ways to mine cryptos safely. And, if you are determined to have a mining rig; you are going to save yourself a lot of time and aggravation if you simply buy a rig and try it out. But, if you do build a rig of your own, drop us a note (and a few pictures) and tell us how your build went. 

Thanks for joining us on this exploration! Good luck with your own crypto mining adventure!! Happy HODLing!!!

Danny Donahue