A mining rig frame is needed if you use video cards. ASIC farms are mounted like a server rack. There is no frame required. Mining on video cards is beneficial for those cryptocurrencies where ASICs for the corresponding algorithm do not exist. There are many such forks, the power is small and archaic mining on video cards is very profitable there. Oddly enough, the second generation cryptocurrency Ethereum fell into this series. The ASIC miner for the ethash algorithm has not yet been released. Three design options are being considered for frames:
- aluminum block, corner or square profile;
- steel angle, profile pipe;
- wooden frame.
Profile frame
The most technologically advanced frames are made from steel profiles for plasterboard and suspended ceilings, profiles for glass, and assembling retail display windows. This profile differs from the standard one in that it has notches or perforations. It is easy to attach video cards, power supplies and motherboard to it. There are ready-made holes for self-tapping screws. There is no need to drill or mark anything. We calculate the pitch of the holes and select the desired distance. For making in the kitchen, where there is no grinder and drill, this is the best option.
A steel or aluminum profile is cut into pieces of the required length and they can immediately be assembled into a three-dimensional frame. Production time is two hours. Steel and aluminum do not require painting. The most difficult stage is marking and drilling holes for screws. This cannot be done without a drawing. Here is the data on the frame for the mining farm, dimensions for GTX, RX video cards:
- 4-5 video cards 500x3500x330.
- 6 video cards - 600x350x330.
- 8 video cards - 800x400x330.
The thickness of a wooden block, aluminum or steel corner is 20x20 and 25x25 mm. Equal angle angle, square block. For materials of a different section, recalculate the dimensions so that the video cards fit inside the frame. Home farms have non-standard equipment, which must be taken into account by the frame for the mining farm; the drawing is supplemented with the necessary elements. An inexpensive and rational modification is the use of a 12-volt industrial power supply with high power. Unlike computer ones, they have excellent reliability. Large power supplies are hung on the outside of the frame.
Choosing between body and frame
Before you figure out how to make a frame for a farm, you need to choose the material for this. People who are just starting to understand mining often unknowingly purchase a housing for a mining rig. As a result, they face a lot of technical problems. But in order not to waste money, you need to understand that the case for a mining farm is just a closed box with an expensive but ineffective cooling system. It is still somewhat reminiscent of a regular case that is used for computers. The problem is that there is not enough space inside such a case and the cooling system cannot cope with overheating of the equipment, which often causes it to burn out.
But the frame is a completely different system. This is a medium-sized frame with several stiffeners. Its peculiarity is that all equipment is in a visible place, it is not covered by anything. This ensures good air flow to the video cards and allows for efficient heat dissipation.
The right material is the key to convenience and reliability
You cannot assemble a frame for a farm from any available materials; you must take into account all the nuances. Most often, the choice of miners falls on wood and aluminum. When it comes to wood, be sure to choose hardwood because it does not ignite easily. The truss frame, like all equipment, will gradually heat up and there will be a risk of fire. The right material will reduce it to zero.
To understand which material will be better for a particular farm, you can generally consider two options:
- Aluminum is a durable material that will not catch fire even at very high temperatures. Aluminum does not require additional processing. It’s just that it costs more, and making a frame for a farm is not so easy, because with metal everything is more complicated.
- Wood is a standard, strict and cheap material. A frame for video cards is made from wood quickly and simply, but there are a number of nuances. Wood must be treated with antiseptics and fire retardants, and various fireproof mixtures. You can paint the frame with fireproof paint. A wooden structure lasts no more than 2-3 years, then a new one has to be made.
To read: How to mine cryptocurrency on a smartphone
Miners who have extra money make their frames from sheets of laminated plywood for greater aesthetics. Sheets with a thickness of 16 or 18 millimeters are suitable for this. The problem is that laminated plywood is difficult to saw and process, you need to have the appropriate tools, and there is also a lot of waste. Such sheets are expensive, and therefore this option is suitable only for those miners whose soul requires additional aesthetics. In practice, plywood frames are extremely rare.
Most often it all comes down to the miner’s budget. After choosing the material, you need to decide on the number of video cards and the dimensions of the frame. You also need to find a place where this entire structure will be placed.
Corner connections
The mining truss frame does not use triangle rigidity. There are no jibs there, there is enough rigidity. Connections are made at right angles using bolts, screws, glue and rivets. Glue is only used on wooden blocks. For metal it is redundant. A square and a ruler (or tape measure) are the only measuring tools needed. If you don’t have a garage, cottage or construction site, use the “school” option: a plastic square and a ruler.
A properly made frame has no effect on cooling. If the video cards are located too close, the temperature will deteriorate. Thermal protection will work, the hashrate will decrease, and the profitability will drop. Following basic assembly rules will protect you from these troubles.
How to assemble a housing for a mining farm with your own hands?
The frame can be made from different materials - aluminum, wood. Aluminum has the advantage of fast cooling and strength, while wood is affordable. As for the design features, a frame open on all sides is suitable for a home farm; all purchased equipment will be installed on it.
The main equipment can be standard video cards and special microcircuits, previously tailored for a specific cryptocurrency mining algorithm. The choice between microcircuits and video cards must be made by the user himself. What matters here is the level of knowledge of the novice miner and his financial capabilities.
Bottom shelf
Required for installing the motherboard. Manufacturing material: OSB board or steel sheet. Fasteners are placed on any of them. The kit is taken from the board (included in the sales package), and in case of used components they are purchased separately. This hardware is not designed to be screwed into wood, but it holds up well.
The power supply is mounted on the bottom shelf. Technical regulations require grounding. Therefore, all computer, server and industrial power supplies are made in metal cases. They can be installed on a wooden shelf only with the help of fittings: corners, strips, brackets.
Dimensions and drawing of a mining farm for 3 video cards
The main components of the system are attached to the completely finished frame. The size of the structure should be such that everything fits as freely as possible. If you plan to build a device for 3 video cards, the size of the case can be relatively small; if for 6 cards, you will need to build a large frame.
If you have free money, you can buy a good frame for about 1000 rubles. If you lack funds and have free time, you can easily build a frame with your own hands. For a farm of three video cards, it is worth observing the following design dimensions:
- Height 30 cm;
- Width 30 cm;
- Length 60 cm.
Aluminum profiles can be used as the main elements. The design will be durable, quite beautiful, neat, but also expensive. One meter of aluminum corners costs approximately $5. For this reason, many people prefer wooden structures. The dimensions are kept exactly the same.
Wood frames
They are popular among amateurs and are not used by professionals. The frame design of a truss for mining made of wood is similar to that of steel or aluminum. Nothing needs to be modified. Use ready-made drawings for video cards. A typical design is designed for standard video cards with air intake from the flat surface and exhaust from the end and sides. The motherboard is located on the bottom shelf or on the side vertically. The power supply is secured with a corner.
Corner joints of a wooden frame are made according to all the rules of carpentry. If you have the tools and skills, make a tenon connection. In other cases, a steel corner with self-tapping screws is optimal. For corners there is a 3D corner. This is inexpensive hardware. It can be purchased at any furniture supply store.
Wooden frames look like a collective farm. Assemble them carefully, following all the rules of carpentry. With a power tool this is not difficult. If the mining rig is located on the balcony (the optimal place for temperature characteristics), then the block should at least be painted.
Materials for the production of video cards, ASICs, and chips are fire-resistant. There are no flammable materials inside the server. Even polyvinyl chloride for wires has additives to increase fire resistance. If you prefer a wooden frame, then keep in mind that it is flammable. Impregnate the wood with fire-resistant impregnation and apply fire-retardant paint. All this is done at home with the purchase of chemicals in hardware stores. Drying of the frame is carried out on the balcony or cottage.
There is an opinion that there is less noise and vibration on wooden frames. This makes sense, since wood absorbs vibration better, but mining rigs are rarely installed in residential areas, so noise is not critical.
What types of mining rigs are there?
The term “rig” in mining is used in two meanings:
- A rig is a rack on which mining equipment is stored.
- An integral part of the farm, one bunch of video cards (not necessarily a rack). Small farms may have 2-3 rigs, very large farms may have hundreds or thousands, and such cryptocurrency mining centers are called mines.
The rig can be bought ready-made, it will cost 500-3500 rubles, and the mechanic Uncle Vanya will assemble it even faster, cheaper and better than businessmen who make money from those who want to start mining. You can assemble the rig with your own hands; you don’t need any special physical strength for this.
Photo of a wooden mining rig.
You can use different materials to make rigs:
- Sanded wooden beam. This is the most popular option. It has disadvantages: it is easily flammable, dries out in dry air, swells in humid air. In a garage or on a balcony, mold and wood bugs can grow on it. Some successful miners believe that this is an option for poor students, because such a rig costs about 500 rubles.
Photo of the rig from the corners.
- Aluminum corners. They vary in thickness and length; you don’t have to cut them at home with a grinder. They are resistant to fire, do not mold, are not affected by insects, do not react to humidity, and are easy to clean. A rig from corners will cost 600-1500 rubles. depending on the size and where the materials were purchased.
Photo of a pipe rig.
- Exotic materials, such as pipes. The price is individual.
There are also combined options, for example, a frame made of corners, and a shelf made of wood inside.
In fact, the material can be anything, the main thing is that the stand is stable, durable and beautiful. It is better not to use plastic, since the equipment during mining can get quite hot.
Safety
Extract.
News.
News.
These are some typical news related to the construction of mining rigs. News agencies constantly report about such cases.
To avoid dangerous adventures, you need to take into account the total electricity consumption of the farm. In houses with old wiring, if the rated load on the network is exceeded, a fire may occur; the spark will quickly be picked up by dry wood, resulting in a fire.
An aluminum rig is the safest option.
Existing risks
Before you make a cryptocurrency farm, you need to familiarize yourself with the opinions of analysts. The situation in mining changes every day, which is why there is a risk of not even justifying the invested funds, and with a high price for electricity, it can also go into the negative. Experts consistently emphasize that even after putting all the components of the system together and making a successful start, you may not get the desired profit for the following reasons:
- Legalization. Some countries are already on the path to legalizing cryptocurrencies, which is why additional taxes and duties may be introduced on their use. If this can be done, then a major collapse in rates is possible.
- Limited growth. The increase in the price of Bitcoin and altcoins is a completely natural trend that continues to grow. But even the most optimistic forecasts have significant limitations. Once the peak is reached, the power of the pools will continue to increase, but miners without several large farms with top equipment will be unable to make a profit.
- Profitability. Most relevant for most people who have a very limited starting budget. The level of complexity of crypto mining is increasing every day, which is why the number of video cards available may not be enough even for their own payback.
Building a mining rig remains a pipe dream for most people due to financial constraints. If you are ready to invest in equipment and take risks, then the option described above is perfect for preparing a reliable, durable structure.
Tools for work
The tool depends directly on what kind of truss you have the drawings for. If you plan to manufacture a wooden structure, then you only need 2 simple devices available in every home:
- hacksaw/jigsaw;
- drill/screwdriver.
If you plan to work with aluminum, then such a frame will require a little more effort. The following tools can be used:
- Bulgarian;
- drill/screwdriver;
- klepator (riveter);
- needle file
If you don’t personally have certain tools, then most likely close friends or acquaintances have them. For a couple of hours, you can ask or even invite a friend to help in this rather interesting activity.
What do you need for a farm of six video cards?
Why exactly six video cards? Modern motherboards do not support a larger number of connected devices. Accordingly, this is the maximum possible number of cards for one mini-farm.
To mine coins, a miner will need:
- Six video cards no lower than Radeon RX550;
- Motherboard;
- Power unit;
- CPU;
- RAM;
- Recording device (hard drive or flash drive);
- Adapters for connecting video cards;
- Monitor emulator.
In addition, fans will be required. If you install a farm in the apartment where you live, then get ready for the temperature in the room to rise to 40 degrees. It is recommended to find and rent an empty office.
The right material is the key to convenience and reliability
When assembling a mining farm with your own hands, you need to take into account absolutely all the nuances. Traditionally, 2 types of materials are used: wood and aluminum. Moreover, it is advisable to take a hardwood tree, because... it is less exposed to temperatures, and at the same time to the risk of fire.
To determine exactly what the mining rig will be made of, you need to consider the pros and cons of both options:
- Tree. Among the advantages are low cost and simple, quick assembly. Installation made of wood has a number of disadvantages, such as the need to treat with antiseptics and anti-sprays, treatment with non-flammable mixtures, painting with non-flammable paints and after that the structure lasted only 2-3 years, and then a new one will be needed.
- Aluminum. Excellent durability, non-flammability and no need for any processing. The only disadvantages that stand out are the high cost and complexity of manufacturing, because the metal is still more difficult to process.
At the same stage, it is necessary to decide on the size (in the number of video cards) and the location of the future farm. If the choice of frame is made, then you can proceed to the next point.
