How to Choose a Riser for Mining

Raiser models

There are several versions of extenders. They differ in technological features and the level of security.

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With a flat loop

The first models were quite massive and unstable, so they are practically not used in 2023. Riser with a flat and flexible loop remained in demand only for fans of games, since there is no need for maximum reliability.

Such an extension cord does not have protection from electromagnetic interference, so the risk of breakage becomes higher. Adapters with a flexible loop more often fail and lead to damage to video cards and even fire of the entire farm due to unstable voltage.

If a beginner is just figuring out what raisers for mining are best to use, these are not even worth looking at. These adapters are quite cheap, but you will have to change them more often and regularly monitor the condition of the equipment. At the same time, a flat loop is effective if its length does not exceed 40 cm.

With the presence of a USB 3.0 wire

Newer versions of raisers are equipped with a separate cable for transferring information. In them, the role of the backbone is performed by a USB 3.0 wire. At the same time, adapters do not use such chips as:

• High speed.
• Full duplex and others.

Therefore, the hashrate of video cards will not change when using the new risers. They proved popular because of the presence of a stabilizer, a branched voltage circuit and a more reliable design.

Outdated models

The first versions of the adapters were quite strange, as they had 2 PCI-E x16 connectors on both ends and a flexible loop. They set the fashion for motherboards with multiple x16 ports, but they themselves lasted relatively short time on the market. The main problem of the old devices is that there is no decoupling of power supply circuits between the graphics card and the MP. At the same time graphics adapters receive unconverted current for which they are not designed. This disadvantage reduces the GPU’s working life.

Labeling

Devices are grouped by the color of the textolite. But it should be remembered: the same appearance does not mean that the raisers are identical in characteristics. Basically, the marking indicates which stabilizer is installed.

Green

Risers of this color have a compact and budget board that receives power through a 4-pin Floppy connector. It is available on new PSUs, but not more than 2-3 pieces, so the ports are not enough for many miners. Manufacturers put a 15-pin Sata adapter in the set of extenders.

The device has an AMS stabilizer, which together with a 4-pin connector becomes unsafe. It is rated for 40-50 watts, although top-end graphics cards consume more than 75 watts. If you add to this the percentage that the stabilizer takes away, there is a risk of melting the connectors.

Green adapters are not recommended because of the high risk.

If the farm is located far away, and the miner can not regularly check the condition of cables and chips, it is better to put expensive extension cords. They have thick wires and gold-plated contacts, so breakdowns occur less often.

Black

Stabilizers are produced by 2 companies – Fortune Semiconductor or Diodes. The board is rectangular in shape with Velcro protection and a manual sliding latch for attachment. Additional power is provided by a cable with a 4-pin IDE connector on the black raisers. Users can connect the wires directly to the PSU or through an adapter.

Blue

The extenders are equipped with 1084-33 stabilizers. These models are similar to the black models in many ways, including the board power wiring. They don’t have a latch on them, but they do have a thin adhesive strip. It is located on the back side of the board. There is enough tape to attach securely, so the device will not fall off or peel off.

Blue

The adapter has an MP2307DN converter from MonolithicPower and FitiPower. The blue models differ in the board layout, but safety and stability are not affected, as well as the presence of a sliding latch. What makes the EP105 VER 1.0 special is that there is no need for 5/3.3W on the PSU, as the converter guarantees 3.3W.

List of the best raisers for mining in 2024

Any extension cord will do for building a farm, but not all of them are equally safe and reliable. The best raisers for mining are mostly available abroad, so you will have to spend time looking for them. However, they are worth it as these adapters are stable for up to 2-3 years.

The best 2022-2023 extender is the Ubit PCI-E. It has 3 solid state capacitors and is powered by Molex 12V/1.5A. The connection is 6-pin PCI-E connectors. The manufacturer put a small LED on the chip, which signals the quality of the connection between the devices. The miner will not have to manually check the connection every few minutes, because the indicator will warn about problems.

In second place is the FebSmart PCI-E Riser. It features cables up to 60cm long, so a miner can make a spacious farm. Video cards will not overheat and deteriorate due to poor ventilation. The only drawback is that there is no Molex connector. The kit comes with Sata adapters, which you should not use, because they are not designed for the power of new video cards.

The VOLADOR PCI-E Riser was the third best quality GPU farm adapter. It features 4 capacitors that provide safe and stable power for graphics gas pedals. The slots are buckled, so unexpected disconnection will not happen.

The manufacturer supplies the raiser with a 60 cm long USB 3.0 cable for placement in a mining farm. At the same time, the adapter is compatible with all variations of the PCI-E port, including x4 and x8.

Which raiser for mining to choose

When the user first came to the store, he needs to look not only at the manufacturer, the color of the electrolyte and the cost. To buy and not regret, it is recommended to find a raiser that has:

• Quality soldering of components.
• Complete isolation of power supply circuits of the video card and motherboard.
• Voltage compliant with PCI-E standards (3.3V).
• Fuse for short circuit protection.
• Solid state capacitors.

If the user can not understand what to choose a raiser for mining, and plans to create a powerful farm, it is advisable to buy an extension cord with a 6-pin power connector. Thick contacts for current supply minimize the risk of overheating and burning. Manufacturers usually put fuses that will protect the equipment in case of malfunctions.

Which Risers Should Not Be Used

It is not recommended to use an adapter with a flat loop. It does not have protection against electromagnetic interference, so there are interruptions with current. In addition, they often lack additional power supply, so the MF will have to work under stressful conditions due to increased load.

Also, do not buy a raiser with Sata connectors. They are designed for computers with weak equipment, that is, small currents. These connectors have 15 thin contacts. The connection area of the wires is small because of the miniaturization. Often users of Sata extenders notice sagging around the contacts. It increases resistance and can also cause shorting and fire.

How to connect and customize the adapter

In the kit with the riser comes several parts. Among them:

• A board for connecting the video card to the MP.
• A wire with USB 3.0.
• Cables for connecting to the power supply.

Before proceeding to install the raiser, it is advisable to disconnect the equipment from electricity. The following steps:

1. Install the adapter into the PCI-E x1 slot. Externally, it is similar to a large x16, but many times more compact.
2. Connect the USB cord to the adapter, and then connect it to the chip.
3. Connect the GPU into the PCI-E x16 slot.
4. Connect the power cables to the PSU.

Then you need to start the mining farm and check how the video card works. If it turns on together with the computer, then everything is done correctly.

To make sure of the quality of the extension cord, it is recommended to monitor the temperature, the incoming current for 1-2 hours. Usually during this time all the problems become apparent.

Safety rules and tips for use

Video cards consume a lot of electricity, compared to other elements of the mining farm, so you need to provide a stable power supply. To ensure that cryptocurrency mining does not end up with a fire or damage to the equipment, it is recommended:

• Check the parts before assembling the rig. Even in good stores there are defective components.
• Do not put adapters with thin cables. Under heavy load, they will simply melt.
• Assess the condition of the gasket. It does not allow the chip to contact the case of the mining farm.
• Control the temperature and load on the power supply lines. It is necessary to remember the maximum capabilities of contacts and cables, so as not to spoil the extension cord and not to cause a fire.
• Check the wires regularly. If they are warm, or there are traces of melting on the surface, you need to urgently replace the connection scheme or at least choose thicker cables.

Frequently asked questions