How Hard Is It to Build a Crypto Mining Rig?
Even though we have touched on the technicalities of the mining process before, let's take a look at exactly how difficult it is to build your very own crypto mining rig at home.
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 this process's technicalities 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 ETH rig is a bit like growing your money tree. Once it is up and running, the rig will crank out ETH and create the wealth you want while relaxing and working on other things. So, while it may not happen as fast as you want, it will be a source of passive income for you for years to come if you build one of these rigs properly. And, while it does take a bit of the "techie" mindset to build an ETH mining rig, anyone determined enough to do it can make one of their own.
How to Build a Crypto Mining Rig?
Okay, enough of the build-up. You are here reading this. So, you already know you want to build your mining rig. So, let's get down to it and find out how.
It is a bit like building a desktop computer. A mining rig is just a computer with a few different specifications. After all, you do not need an extensive, 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 a higher "clocked" CPU, much more RAM, one or two top-end GPUs, and more than one SDDs. However, in your mining rig, you will be taking a different direction. Here you will want a lower (lowest) clocked CPU, a bare minimum of RAM, the most basic HD, and five 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. But, 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 an essential component here. So, unless you have got an advanced degree that gives you the knowledge to build this piece of hardware, you will have to go shopping. Here you want to spare no expense. It would help if you had 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 the 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 five or more GPUs in your rig for maximum efficiency and profitability, you can get started with only one in reality.
The Best GPU for Cryptocurrency Mining
ETH mining the Radeon RX Vega 64 (at 33 MH/s using 200 watts of electricity) is the best GPU for Mining ETH. It was 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 (32 MH/s using 200 watts of electricity).
After those three top dogs, we have a few profitable and a bit less expensive choices.
At # 4, we have the Radeon Rx 580 (at 25 MH/s using 175 watts of electricity). Then, 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). Our # 9 is the Geforce GTX 1060 (at 20 MH /s using 110 watts of electricity). Finally, at # 10 is the Radeon R9 290x (28 MH/s using 280 watts of electricity).
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 will need an upgrade here too. But you are not just looking for wattage; you need the most efficient power supply to keep that electric bill in check, so you 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 will 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 mining rig.
Has all of this got a bit technical for you yet?
While the above outline is just the tip of the iceberg, our point here is that if you do not have a significant technical ability, building your mining rig is not just tricky; it is nearly impossible.
No worries, though. Without that tech knowledge, there are other ways to mine cryptos safely. If you are determined to have a mining rig, you will save yourself a lot of time and aggravation if you buy a rig and try it out. But, if you 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 crypto mining adventure!! Happy HODLing!!!
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