Bitcoin Forum

So I'm building my first rig (two 1060s and a 1070). I have been researching the pcie risers and I understand that we don't NEED the full pcie x16 for mining, which is why the risers are only x16 on one end. However, i've also heard that the powered risers are one of the biggest problem areas for mining rigs (and safety) and it looks like a mess to have to run power to them.

So, other than being a bit more expensive... is there any reason why someone shouldn't just buy the pcie x16 ribbon risers that don't require external power? I feel like it would be easier, cleaner, and less likely to malfunction/ burn up

Thanks

I haven't had a need to use risers in several years.  You used to have to use them on old motherboards where there wasn't sufficient room to cool multiple GPUs running 24/7.  I don't think that's much an issue anymore as GPUs have come a long way since then.  I've personally had lots of issues with risers, so I would say to avoid them if you have the option.

The reason people use powered risers is to help take some of the electrical strain from the motherboard.  With 3 GPUs you might consider running 2 of them on the board normally, and the third using a powered riser if you can't fit it on the board with the other 2 (likely).