Ethereum Mining Rig

How to Build a Mining Rig (6 GPU Crypto Mining Rig Setup)

Mining cryptocurrency calls for specialised hardware and software, as well as participation in a mining pool. To launch the entire process successfully requires a significant amount of expertise, direction, and patience.
You will be able to construct a mining rig with 6 graphics processing units (GPUs) with the help of the following guide. It is geared toward people who have never attempted to build their own computers before and do not have any prior expertise doing so.

What is a Mining Rig?

A mining rig is a piece of specialised hardware that is used to contribute newly minted coins to the supply of any cryptocurrency that is already in circulation. It is an essential step in the process that makes it possible for cryptocurrencies to function as a P2P network. The mining of cryptocurrencies does away with the requirement for a governing, third-party, centralised institution.

Overview of Mining Rig to Be Built

We are going to construct a mining rig based on Nvidia that will operate on the Windows 10 operating system. This guide, on the other hand, can be utilised with any operating system as well as a graphics card manufactured by AMD.

The primary distinction between Nvidia and AMD graphics cards may be found in the processors located within the core of the card. Every one of them is compatible with a wide variety of algorithms used in bitcoin. It is strongly advised to make use of a GPU manufactured by Nvidia due to the high level of technical skills required for the correct installation of AMD cards.

To be able to collect the cryptocurrency that you mine, you will require a number of different computer components, peripherals, an operating system, mining software, and a wallet. In order to complete this bitcoin miner tutorial, we will be utilising an Nvidia GTX 1070. There is also a list of alternative GPUs provided in this article. If everything goes according to plan, the whole operation should only take about three hours to finish.
A List of the Components of the Mining Rig
You will need to purchase all of the components of the hardware that are listed below.

The graphics processing unit (GPU), which is the component that is responsible for generating income, is the most important aspect of the entire mining rig setup. It is strongly suggested that you acquire six GeForce GTX 1070 GPUs. Also check here Best Mining GPU.

To get started with the process, you will only need one. You can choose between the following available options:

Image Description Link
MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1070 MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1070 Learn More
ASUS Dual GEFORCE GTX 1070 ASUS Dual GEFORCE GTX 1070 Learn More
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1070 G1 Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1070 G1 Learn More
EVGA GeForce 08G-P4-5173-KR EVGA GeForce 08G-P4-5173-KR, GTX 1070 Learn More

List of other Components

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

Component Image Specifications Link
Motherboard: When choosing motherboards, there are a couple of things you have to look out for: 

  1. Processor socket type
  2. the number of GPUs you will use (in this case, 6).
ASUS Prime Z370-A ASUS Prime Z370-A Learn More
Motherboard ASUS Prime Z390-A ASUS Prime Z390-A Learn More
CPU: If you want to mine with a CPU alone, you will need to select a high-end one. However, in this case, we will be using a GPU for our mining. So you can pick a moderate or low-end CPU for our bitcoin miner. It is better that you pick up an Intel 8th or 9th Generation 1151 Socket CPU. Intel Core i5-9400 Desktop Processor 6 Cores Intel Core i5-9400 Desktop Processor 6 Cores Learn More
RAM: The RAM is comparatively a less important component for our mining setup but a required part nonetheless. Patriot Viper Elite Series 4GB 2400MHz Single Channel Cas 6 DDR4 Patriot Viper Elite Series 4GB 2400MHz Single Channel Cas 6 DDR4 Learn More
RAM Bewinner Memory RAM DDR2 4GB Bewinner Memory RAM DDR2 4GB Learn More
PSU: Any PSU with a 1200 W Platinum rating will do Corsair HXi Series Corsair HXi Series, HX1200i, 1200 Watt, 80+ Platinum Certified Learn More
PSU Straight Power 11 Platinum 1200W Straight Power 11 Platinum 1200W Learn More
Risers: PCI-e risers allow the GPU to be elevated from the Motherboard for better cooling and increasing airflow. MintCell 6-Pack PCIe 6-Pin 16x MintCell 6-Pack PCIe 6-Pin 16x to 1x Powered Riser Adapter Card Learn More
Risers Ubit 6 Pack Latest PCI-E Riser Express Cable 16X to 1X Ubit 6 Pack Latest PCI-E Riser Express Cable 16X to 1X. Learn More
SSD: Any 240 GB or larger SATA SSD will do. Samsung SSD 860 EVO 250GB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD Samsung SSD 860 EVO 250GB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD Learn More
SSD Crucial BX500 240GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD Crucial BX500 240GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD Learn More
Internet connection:Ethernet Cable Mediabridge Ethernet Cable Mediabridge Ethernet Cable (15 Feet) Learn More
Internet connection: Any Wi-Fi Adapter TP-Link AC600 USB WiFi Adapter for PC TP-Link AC600 USB WiFi Adapter for PC Learn More
Mining Rig: You can make your own 6 GPU Mining rig frame. Alternatively, you can buy one. RXFSP 6/8 GPU Aluminum Stackable Open Air Mining Computer Frame Rig RXFSP 6/8 GPU Aluminum Stackable Open Air Mining Computer Frame Rig Learn More
Flash Drive: Any USB Flash Drive with a 5GB capacity or more SAMSUNG BAR Plus 32GB SAMSUNG BAR Plus 32GB – 200MB/s USB 3.1 Flash Drive, Titan Gray Learn More
Zip Ties: You will need 20+ Nylon Cable Ties also known as Zip ties. Self-Locking Nylon Cable Ties Zip Ties Dxg 100 Pack 6 Inch 2.5150mm Self-Locking Nylon Cable Ties Zip Ties Learn More
PCI-e Y-Splitter: You may need a PCI-e Y-Splitter if you are not using the PSU unit mentioned above. JacobsParts PCI Express Power Splitter Cable JacobsParts PCI Express Power Splitter Cable 8-pin to 2x 6+2-pin Learn More

Cryptocurrencies That Can be Mined Using the Rig

Your Nvidia GPUs are capable of handling many algorithms for mining. These includes Lyra2REv3, MTP, X16RT, X25X, Ethash, CryptoNightGPU, Cuckaroo29s and Zhash, just to name a few.

Full List of Cryptocurrencies that can be mined

Name of Cryptocurrency Name of Algorithm
Aion (AION) Equihash (10,9)
BitcoinZ (BTCZ) Zhash
Bitcoin Gold (BTG) Equihash
Beam (BEAM) BeamHashII
Beam II Nicehash BeamHashII
Conflux (CFX) Octopus
Ethash Nicehash Ethash
Ethereum (ETH) Ethash
Ethereum Classic (ETC) Ethash
Sinovate (SIN) X25X
SnowGem (XSG) Zhash
Swap (XWP) Cuckaroo29s
Ubiq (UBQ) Ubqhash
Veil (VEIL) X16RT
Zcoin (XZC) MTP
Zel (ZEL) ZelHash

How to Assemble a Mining Machine
After you have ensured that you have obtained all of the necessary components, you will need to begin the process of building the rig. If you follow the instructions carefully, it will be as easy as putting together a Lego set, despite the fact that it may initially appear to be a challenging task.

The first step is to attach the motherboard.

Your motherboard that can support 6 GPUs or more should be positioned outside of the mining frame. According to the recommendations of the specialists, the box containing the anti-static bag or foam should be placed underneath it. Make certain that the lever that was previously used to hold down the protection for the CPU socket has been released before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Connecting the CPU to the system

The next step is to secure your processor to the motherboard using the appropriate screws. Put the CPU you’ve chosen into the appropriate slot on the motherboard. It is important to exercise caution when removing it because some thermal paste will be adhered to the CPU fan. Put a mark on the socket on the motherboard as well as one of the sides of the processor.

If these markings are not done on the same side while the components are being attached, the central processing unit (CPU) will not be able to fit into the socket. Nevertheless, when you are inserting the processor into the socket on the motherboard, you need to exercise extreme caution with the CPU pins. They are prone to bending, which might cause damage to the entire CPU.

You should always have the manual on hand and easily accessible to you. When you are installing the heat sink on top of the CPU, refer to it as needed.

Before you can attach the CPU, you have to remove the thermal paste from its container and spread it across the top of the heat sink. It is recommended that the power line for the heat sink be connected to the pins labelled “CPU FAN1.” If you are having trouble finding it, you could look in the manual for your motherboard to learn where it is located.

Step 3) Installing RAM

The installation of the RAM or system memory is the next step in the process. The RAM module can be inserted into the RAM socket on the mother board in a fairly straightforward manner. After removing the side brackets from the motherboard slot, you can then begin to carefully insert the RAM module into the RAM socket.

Because there is only one way for the RAM to lock into the socket, you will need to exercise extreme caution throughout this phase. It may be necessary to apply more force at times in order to properly insert the RAM into its slot; however, you must be careful not to damage it in the process. When the RAM has been appropriately installed, the side brackets are intended to lock into place on their own automatically.

Putting the Motherboard in place on the frame (Step 4)

It is necessary for you to carefully attach the motherboard to the frame of your mining rig, regardless of whether you are using an actual mining rig or something else in its place.

Because you do not want to scratch the bottom of the Motherboard, you should handle it with more caution at all times. If you are using a mining rig that has a metal frame, the motherboard should only come into contact with the frame at the points where there are pre-drilled holes for screws. Adjust the screws so that they are snug to ensure that the motherboard is securely attached.

The fifth step involves connecting the power supply unit.

It is recommended that the Power Supply Unit be positioned in close proximity to the Motherboard. Check that the mining setup has adequate room for the power supply unit before you install it there. Look for the power connector with 24 pins that is usually found on motherboards. They typically come with a single connector that has 24 pins.

They need to have a secure connection to the motherboard in order for the mining setup to be able to boot up. The 8-pin power connector on the central processing unit (CPU) needs to be linked to the Motherboard that is placed closest to the CPU. Because of the fact that both the CPU connector and the PCI-e 6+2 power conductor have 8 pins, it is imperative that you avoid making the mistake of confusing the two. When compared to the PCI-e cable, the CPU cable has a greater diameter.

Step 6: Joining the USB risers together

It is necessary to construct the x16 USB riser with the PCI-e x1, which is the more compact version of the PCI-e x1 connector. It is necessary to establish a connection between this and the motherboard. An electric connection is required in order to provide power to the risers. This is something that is determined by the model of riser you have, as you may require a SATA cable, a Molex connector, or a PCI-e six-pin connector in order to connect it.

When you are attaching all of the power cables that match to the USB risers, make sure you use caution. You can use up to two Molex or SATA connections for each cable coming from the power supply unit. It is not recommended to connect three or four power connectors to three or four risers because doing so may cause harm to the components.

Step 7) Attaching GPUs

Utilizing the USB riser will ensure that the graphics cards are affixed to the frame in a secure manner. Connectors for PCI Express 6+2 power should be plugged into your graphics card. After some time has passed, you will need to attach all of these connectors to the remaining 5 GPUs.

Step 8: Completing the Last Steps Last but not least, check to see if the cables are properly attached to their respective ports. Your monitor needs to be connected to the graphics card, which is already attached to the primary PCI-E slot on your motherboard.

Turning on your system should be the next step after attaching the mouse and keyboard to it. To accomplish this, connect the power switch to the appropriate power pins on the motherboard. You can consult the handbook that comes with the motherboard if you are unsure where to look for it.

If the system is able to start up successfully, it indicates that the rig is operating normally. When everything has been correctly installed, the notification that tells you to enter the BIOS will appear on your screen.

 

Putting in the remaining 5 GPUs

You need to proceed with extreme caution while moving on to the following level because it can get fairly difficult.

In order to complete the process of configuring the remaining 5 GPUs, please refer to the instructions that are listed below.

Before you begin, check to see that the mining rig is completely powered down, including the master power switch located on the power supply unit (PSU).

Proceed to attach the Riser card as well as the GPU to the free slot that is located in the closest proximity to the processor. Establish a connection between the Motherboard and the Riser Card.

Start the mining rig by turning on the power supply unit (PSU).

After that, log in, and inside Device Manager, navigate to the Display adapters section. It is expected that you will find the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 card listed. If it still isn’t there, try refreshing the page a few times until you see it.

Repeat the instructions from the previous section until all of the cards in the Device Manager no longer have a “alert” icon next to them.

Always make sure that you are only powering a maximum of two 1070s and a maximum of two Riser Cards from the power supply unit (PSU) using each individual power cable. In addition, you should hook up and supply electricity to the graphics processing units (GPUs) one at a time so that you can immediately identify and fix any problems that may occur when turning them on.

Troubleshooting:

When installing the remaining 5 GPUs, a common problem is having the Windows Device Manager falsely identify them as being something other than what they are. It’s possible that they’ll show up with a different name or with a warning icon next to their name. In either of these two scenarios, there are some actions that you can take to improve the situation.

To ensure that the device is functioning properly, right-click it to turn it off, and then click it again to turn it back on.

After that, choose the device you want to update the driver for. Entering this path instead of searching for a driver will yield better results. C:/Nvidia/ This gives Windows the ability to search for the drivers in child directories and immediately update them once it finds them.

If the actions outlined above do not provide the desired result, you can uninstall the device by right-clicking on it. Navigate to the Action menu, then pick the option to scan for hardware changes.

In the final step, launch the NVIDIA driver installer once more. The majority of the time, it accurately recognises the hardware and instals the drivers that are required for it.

In the event that it does not manifest itself, check the following components of the hardware:

Make sure that the riser card is installed correctly on the GPU, and that its power connections are securely fastened to the power supply unit (PSU).

Check to see that the power connector for the GPU, which has 8 pins, is properly attached.

Check to see that your riser card is operating correctly and that the computer is able to identify the slot on the mother board.

If you are having problems with your new riser card, you should test it with a variety of GPUs to see if they are functioning properly. In the event that the riser card is functioning normally, the issue most likely lies with either the GPU or the Windows installation.