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Other => Beginners & Help => Topic started by: corbs132 on March 11, 2013, 04:59:41 PM



Title: I want to build a mining rig.
Post by: corbs132 on March 11, 2013, 04:59:41 PM
I bought 2 7950s so far, but don't have anything to put them in. What do you guys think would be the best option? I'd like the ability to support up to 4 cards, so I guess minimum requirements would be 4 pcie slots and a psu big enough to power 4 cards. Thoughts?


Title: Re: I want to build a mining rig.
Post by: Bogart on March 11, 2013, 05:15:35 PM
A lot of ppl build a frame to hold the cards spaced out a bit so you can get good airflow between them, and use extender cables to connect them to the motherboard.

This also lets you use all of the PCIe slots on the board, regardless of their lane width.

My first custom-built GPU rig: https://i.imgur.com/nREwxM9.jpg

I arranged the cards with 40mm of empty space in between each (same width as the cards themselves).

Extenders: http://cablesaurus.com/

Don't even think about running the cards crammed up next to each other with no gap in between.


Title: Re: I want to build a mining rig.
Post by: vm1990 on March 11, 2013, 05:28:59 PM
well in my opinion depending how much you want to commit to bitcoin just stick with the 2 cards for now and wait untill we find out whats happening with the ASIC miners (if they come online in force GPU mining will probably be a waste of time) and i know how you feel i was getting new hardware for my mining but stopped all i have is 2x5870s in my main computer so i can mine on 1 card and use the computer while playing games all at the same time :D



Title: Re: I want to build a mining rig.
Post by: Bogart on March 11, 2013, 05:36:24 PM
Yeah, if you're not planning for more than 2 cards, a regular desktop case can work fine.  Just make sure the board lets you space them out.


Title: Re: I want to build a mining rig.
Post by: Stephen Gornick on March 11, 2013, 09:54:59 PM
well in my opinion depending how much you want to commit to bitcoin just stick with the 2 cards for now and wait untill we find out whats happening with the ASIC miners

I think we know what's happening with the ASIC miners.

If it weren't for the corresponding skyrocketing exchange rate as well, nobody would be talking about adding more GPUs.

Difficulty is going up at least 10% with this next adjustment then we get to see all of the Avalons kick in, and ASICMINER continuing its assault.

Unless there's a good place to use these GPUs after a few months, buying more GPUs today is probably not a good idea.


Title: Re: I want to build a mining rig.
Post by: mad_matt on March 11, 2013, 11:03:48 PM
A lot of ppl build a frame to hold the cards spaced out a bit so you can get good airflow between them, and use extender cables to connect them to the motherboard.

This also lets you use all of the PCIe slots on the board, regardless of their lane width.

My first custom-built GPU rig: https://i.imgur.com/nREwxM9.jpg

I arranged the cards with 40mm of empty space in between each (same width as the cards themselves).

Extenders: http://cablesaurus.com/

Don't even think about running the cards crammed up next to each other with no gap in between.
I never realized you could buy extenders...

I am curious, how well your rig handled heat?
Did you need to mount additional fans on the side of the case?


Title: Re: I want to build a mining rig.
Post by: corbs132 on March 13, 2013, 12:05:56 AM
Probably gonna be mining litecoins. Thanks for your help so far.