- A crypto mining rig is used to mine cryptocurrencies.
- ASIC is among the most used mining rigs in the world.
What is a Crypto Mining Rig?
Crypto mining rigs can be defined as personalized computer systems containing all the essential elements of a computer such as a motherboard, CPU, RAM, storage, etc. If everything is the same, then what makes crypto-mining rigs different from traditional computers? Well, the main difference is that mining cryptocurrency requires powerful Graphics Processing Units (GPU), and one might not be enough.
Since the miner would need multiple GPUs, they would require a motherboard with multiple GPU slots. If the miner is engaged in high-output mining, they would also need extra power supply units (PSUs).
These mining rigs are equipped with numerous performance features but miners are only concerned with two functions: hash rate and energy use. If the mining rig is not able to provide the required hash power and energy efficiency then the miners would end up losing more than they could earn.
Various types of Crypto Mining Rigs
- CPU – CPU mining is considered to be the easiest to set up. It consists of multiple computer devices adjoined with each other on the same network to mine crypto. Although it is easy to set up, its popularity is diminishing gradually, and this is largely due to its affordability. CPUs can be expensive to buy and use. The miner may end up paying hefty electricity bills or they may even face heating issues.
- GPU – GPU mining is very popular among miners these days. The biggest upside to GPU mining is that anyone can do it. It does not matter if it is a single miner or a mining corporation. GPU mining uses multiple high-end GPUs to mine different cryptocurrencies.
However, there is one downside to GPU mining, which is that buying and maintaining high-end GPUs can be heavy on the pocket of a miner. Consequently, not every miner can afford this method.
- ASIC – ASIC stands for Application Specific Integrated Circuits. The sole purpose of creating these devices was to mine cryptocurrencies. Presently, this system is in great demand and is being preferred by almost all miners. In simpler words, ASIC is a device that a miner can purchase and configure to mine cryptocurrency. If a miner’s focus is on generating significant returns then they should be well-versed in setting up the mining rig. ASICs have a reputation for affecting the mining ecosystem due to their powerful components. It affects the mining activities of miners who use different mining types other than ASICs. This drawback of ASICs has resulted in it being labeled as one of the controversial mining devices.
Setting Up a Crypto Mining Rig
The following steps should be kept in mind while setting up a Crypto Mining Rig:
- Attaching a motherboard – a motherboard should be attached outside the mining frame or on an anti-static bag but ensure to pull down the lever to hold the CPU in the socket.
- The next step is to attach the processor. The processor should be aligned strictly according to the manual as it requires specific alignment of pins that must be maintained to fit the CPU in the socket.
- Now, the miner has to plug in the RAM to the side sockets.
- Next, the miner has to fix the motherboard according to the frame while avoiding any scratches on the motherboard.
- The next step is to attach a power supply unit to the device. It is generally a 24-pin plug that provides power to the system. Moreover, ensure that the PSU has sufficient PCI-e connectors.
- In this step, the miner has to attach the PCI-e connectors to the USB risers.
- This last step includes connecting the GPUs and providing power to the GPUs. Additionally, this step also includes connecting other computer components like keyboard, mouse, etc.
