The term “mining” comes from the English word mining, which is characteristic of the mining industry. In the cryptocurrency industry, this process is necessary to maintain a cryptocurrency network. Users harness the power of computing equipment to create blocks in a data chain, such as the Bitcoin network. To do this, they use integrated circuits (ASICs), graphics chips (graphics cards), or computer processors. Crypto miners combine multiple components into assemblies. You can make a frame for a mining farm from wood or metal profile by yourself. It is necessary to calculate the dimensions of the future ring and take into account the dimensions of the components.
The frame is used for crypto-mining on graphics processors (video cards). When using ASIC farms are created on the basis of a server rack. The finished design should provide air inflow and heat dissipation for efficient operation of the system.
Choosing between a frame and an enclosure for a mining farm
These are two popular options among crypto miners. Features:
- Theenclosure is a ready-made solution, where space is initially created for the installation of motherboards, processors and video cards. A standard cooling system is present.
- Theframe is an open design consisting of frames. It provides a constant inflow of cold air and effectively dissipates heat.
There is no optimal solution. The housing is a ready-made scheme with factory calculations. The integrated cooling system levels out poor air circulation. But there is a disadvantage – miners often face its overheating. The components wear out, which shortens the service life.
The comparison of the frame and the case for a mining farm is shown in the table.
| Parameter | Frame | Enclosure |
|---|---|---|
The scheme of the frame is arranged in such a way that the system nodes are effectively cooled in conditions of high ambient temperature. Many miners are also attracted by the low cost of the design.
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Choice of material for the frame assembly
Open installation for mining can be done independently. It is necessary to find a scheme of the final system, as well as to choose working tools. Often used:
- Wood. It is inexpensive and assembled simply, but this material requires careful processing. The wooden structure should be coated with a specialized composition from fire. In addition, it is worth applying components from rotting and moisture. The disadvantage is considered a short service life (2-3 years).
- Aluminum. The cost is higher, does not require processing and lasts longer.
The frame is often assembled from improvised means using wood. Large data centers prefer aluminum.
Frame size
The width and height of the structure depend on the dimensions and the number of components that make up the farm. There are many ready-made schemes on the Web.
Drawings for a farm of 3 video cards
The size of the finished installation will be relatively small. It is recommended to adhere to the following proportions:
- Height – 30 cm.
- Width – 30 cm.
- Length – 55-60 cm.
The ratio is approximate. It should be adjusted taking into account the dimensions of video cards.
For a structure consisting of aluminum and chipboard pallet, you will need:
- Aluminum corner – 4 pieces with a thickness of 2-4 mm, height 30 cm.
- Additionally, 6 laths 55-50 cm long and 4 pieces of 30-35 cm.
- Plywood board for the pallet.
For the wooden frame, the dimensions are the same, only instead of aluminum, a bar is used.
As of March 27, 2022, a system of 3 RTX 3080 Ti has a yield of $255-260 (Ethereum mining). The graphics card from MSI in the VENTUS 3X 12G OC version costs $2250 (according to the online store OZON), and the price of the whole farm is $6750. The payback period is about 26 months, excluding power costs.
Blueprints for a farm of 6 graphics cards
A system of six GPUs requires more capital investment, but it will pay off faster by an average of 10-15%, depending on the exchange value of cryptocurrency. The blueprint of the frame for a 6-card mining farm should be selected taking into account the size of video chips, power supplies and motherboards. Both wood and aluminum profile can be used. Dimensions for example:
- Height – 35 cm.
- Width – 35 cm.
- Length – 75 cm.
A farm consisting of six MSI RTX 3080 Ti VENTUS 3X 12G OC costs $13,500. The monthly yield is equal to about $500-510 when mining etherium.
Blueprints for a farm of 8 graphics cards
Schematics and dimensions of the framework for a mining farm with so many GPUs depend on the layout:
- Single tier. Height – 35 cm, width – 35 cm, length – 90 cm.
- Multi-tier. Height – 65 cm, width – 35 cm, length – 65 cm.
From wood, you can make a frame with one tier. If there are several of them in the installation, metal connections are used for the strength of the structure.
A system of eight MSI RTX 3080 Ti VENTUS 3X 12G OC will cost $18,000. The profitability of Ethereum mining will be about $680 monthly. Of course, the value of cryptocurrency on the market matters.
Necessary tools and components
The rack for a mining farm is the basis of the system. When making it, related materials will be needed, for example:
- On and off button.
- Fasteners for graphics processors.
- Angles for attaching cooling fans.
- Screws and self-tapping screws.
- A set of screwdrivers or a screwdriver.
- Drill.
- Drill.
- File.
System components:
- Motherboard. There are no special requirements for power supply phases, but it is better not to buy Chinese ones. Mining is a complex computing process. Well-proven manufacturers: ASUS, Gigabyte, Biostar and MSI.
- Processor. A link between the hard disk and the graphics chip. It does not participate in mining, so you should not overpay. Any processor with 2-4 cores and a clock speed of 2.5-3 GHz will do.
- Hard disk. Any SSD or HDD-drive with 60-120 GB on board.
- RAM. The volume of 4 GB, and it does not matter – DDR3 or DDR4.
- Power supply. Modular with power from 600W (better with 80 PLUS certificate). Recommended firms: Chieftec, Zalman, Thermaltake. Consider power supplies from AeroCool and unknown brands is categorically not worth it.
Assembling the frame for a mining farm
The construction on self-tapping screws is less durable. When installing it, you can hurt yourself on the sharp ends. In the case of a wooden base, self-tapping screws will be preferable. To strengthen the elements of the system, aluminum corners are used.
Components need to be cleaned and blown from dust. For this purpose, you will need cylinders with compressed air.
It is not recommended to use a vacuum cleaner, as the risks of component failure (static electricity, mechanical damage) increase.
It is easy to assemble a case for a mining farm with your own hands. You can resort to buying a ready-made solution if the user is not sure of success.
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Author: Saifedean Ammous, an expert in cryptocurrency economics.
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