Building a mining rig

Cryptocurrency mining requires the right software, hardware, and a mining pool. It takes a lot of guidance, knowledge, and patience to initialize the whole process of building a mining rig.

What is a mining rig?

A Mining rig is hardware that is responsible to add new coins to the existing circulating supply of any cryptocurrency. It is a key procedure that allows cryptocurrencies to act as a P2P network. Cryptocurrency mining removes the need for a governing, third-party, centralized structure.

Overview

We’ll build an Nvidia-based mining rig running on Windows 10 Operating system. However, this tutorial can be used with any operating system and an AMD graphics card as well.

When we are comparing Nvidia and AMD graphics cards, the main difference is in the chips at the core. Each GPU and graphics card is compatible with a host of different cryptocurrency algorithms. It is recommended to use Nvidia GPU because you require high expertise for AMD cards to be installed correctly.

You will need several computer components, an operating system, peripherals, mining software, and a wallet to collect the mined cryptocurrency. We’ll be using an Nvidia GTX 1070 for this bitcoin miner tutorial.

List of mining rig parts

You will need to acquire all the following hardware parts described below:

GPU

GPU is the most crucial part of the whole mining rig setup as it’s the component that generates the profits. It’s recommended you, install six GTX 1070 GPU.  Also, check here the Best mining GPU.

Other components

Here is a list of a few other components that you will be needed to build your mining rig. They have been listed below category-wise.

• Motherboard: ASUS Prime Z370-A
• CPU: Intel Core i5-9400 Desktop Processor 6 Cores
• RAM: Patriot Viper Elite Series 4GB 2400MHz Single Channel Cas 6 DDR4
• Power supply unit: Any PSU with a 1200 W Platinum rating will do.
• Risers: PCI-e risers allow the GPU to be uplifted from the Motherboard for better cooling and increasing airflow.
• SSD: Any 240 GB or higher SATA SSD will do.
• Internet connection: Any Wi-Fi Adapter or good Ethernet Cable connection
• Mining rig frame: Mining rig frame: You can make your own 6 GPU Mining rig frame or you can buy one.
• Flash Drive: Any USB Flash Drive with 5GB or more capacity.
• Zip Ties: You will also need 20+ Nylon Cable Ties also known as Zip ties.

After you’ve successfully arranged all the components needed, you will have to start assembling the rig. It may seem like a challenging task initially, but it’s like building a Lego set if you follow the instructions.

Step 1 Attaching the motherboard

Your 6 GPU+ capable motherboard should be placed outside of the mining frame. Experts suggest putting the package box with foam beneath it. Before going to the next step, make sure that the lever holding down the CPU socket protection has been initiated.

Step 2 Attaching the processor

Now, you’ll have to attach your processor to the motherboard, using the thermal paste to the processor’s fan.

Step 3 Installing RAM

The next step is, installing the RAM or system memory. It is simple to insert the RAM module into the RAM socket in the Motherboard. After opening the motherboard slot’s side brackets, gently start to push the RAM module into the RAM socket. Sometimes you need a little harder push to place the RAM in the correct slot but be careful not to damage the RAM

Step 4 Fixing motherboard to frame

Depending on your mining frame, you have to carefully place the Motherboard onto the frame. Tightly fix the motherboard to the frame.

You need some extra care while attaching the motherboard to the mining frame.

Step 5 Attaching the power supply unit

Your Power Supply Unit should be placed somewhere near the Motherboard or mining frame. Make sure you have enough space in the mining rig to include the Power Supply Unit in it.

Step 6 Attaching USB risers

The x16 USB riser has to be assembled with the PCI-e x1, which is the shorter PCI-e x1 connector. This needs to be connected to the Motherboard in the frame.

Step 7 Attaching GPUs

The graphics cards should be placed accurately on the frame using the USB riser. Plug the PCI-e 6+2 power connectors into your GPU. You have to attach all these connectors to the remaining 5 GPUs later.

Step 8 Final Steps Lastly

You need to make sure that the cables are correctly connected. The graphics cards, which are connected to the main PCI-E slot, should be connected to your monitor.

All set now; you can run your rig by connecting power, and start mining.

Related: How to open a cryptocurrency wallet