Bitcoin Forum

Introduction
I know for now some miners in the west or east or other countries have differences in looking at altcoin mining, some are talking now altcoin mining is dead, altcoin mining is no longer profitable, mining is still profitable, etc., whatever that is a common discussion if associated with profit. I just want to share a brief experience about Altcoin mining starting from hardware commonly used by some miners. Maybe this things does not fully apply to other miners, because the problem of altcoin mining is very complex and too much to discuss. So I'm just a variety of things that I know and experience.

If you want to start mining of altcoins those things should be considered and knowing:

• How much electricity costs and internet cost in your region or country
  These very important for now because many miners have been shut down their rigs and sell it because of an earning from mining can't be closed an electricity cost.
• How fast do you want ROI
  Every miner, of course, wants as soon as possible for this matter but in mining is different, there are many things can be an influence such as coin are mined, coin prices when mined and sold, electricity and internet cost every a week or month, also durability their rigs.
• Lists of devices that can be used for the mining of altcoins
  
  • Mining Rig
  • CPU, Laptops
  • The smartphone/cell phone
  • Bitmain products
  • FPGA

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[1] Mining Rig
Usually call it the Mining Rig, which means a CPU with multiple GPUs and frames. The Mining Rig consists of:

Motherboard
These lists of MB is usually used:

• 20xGPUs
  Asus H370 Mining Master (https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/H370-MINING-MASTER/)
• 19xGPUs
  Asus B250 Mining Expert (https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/B250-MINING-EXPERT/)
• 15xGPUs
  Esonic Q270 (https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/World-s-1st-15-GPU-Esonic_60651198349.html)
• 13xGPUs
  Asrock H110 Pro BTC+ (https://www.asrock.com/MB/Intel/H110%20Pro%20BTC+/)
  MSI H310-F PRO (https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/H310-F-PRO.html)
• 12xGPUs
  ZA-B250 D12P/ONDA B250 D8P (https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/ZA-B250-D12P-ONDA-B250-D8P_60735031860.html)
  C.B250A-BTC PRO V20 (https://en.colorful.cn/contents/251/656.html)
  Gigabyte GA-B250-FinTech (https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-B250-FinTech-rev-10#kf)
  Biostar TB250-BTC PRO (http://www.biostar-usa.com/app/en-us/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=884)
  Esonic B250-BTC-GLADIATOR (https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=1JW-002X-00001)
• 11xGPUs
  Supermicro X11DPX-T (https://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/Xeon/C620/X11DPX-T.cfm)
  Supermicro X10DRX (https://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/xeon/c600/x10drx.cfm)
  Supermicro X9DRX+-F (https://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/xeon/c600/x9drx_-f.cfm)
• 9xGPUs
  Sunfa 6299-FA355 (https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/9gups-9-pci-e-16X-slot_60728424903.html)
• 8xGPUs
  Shenzhen Zrt ZRTK-21612 (https://zhiruitong.en.made-in-china.com/product/RyeEjxFOlYcS/China-8-PCI-E-Slot-Motherboard-for-Mining-Mining-Industry-Suitable-for-Etheric-Currency-Operation.html)
  Colorful C.B250A-BTC PLUS (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/COLORFUL-Mining-Motherboard-8-Graphics-Cards-LGA1151-Colorful-C-B250A-BTC-PLUS-BTC-ETH-Blackchain-Antminer/32834821844.html)
  TB250-BTC D+ (http://www.biostar-usa.com/app/en-us/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=902)
  TB250-BTC+ Ver. V6.3 (http://www.biostar-usa.com/app/en-us/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=886)
• 7xGPUs
  Asus Prime Z270-A (https://www.asus.com/id/Motherboards/PRIME-Z270-A/)
  Asus Rog STRIX Z270E Gaming (https://www.asus.com/us/ROG-Republic-Of-Gamers/ROG-STRIX-Z270E-GAMING/specifications/)
  MSI Z170A Gaming M5 (https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/Z170A-GAMING-M5/Specification)
  MSI Z170A Gaming M5 (https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-Z170X-UD5-rev-10#sp)
  Gigabyte Z170X G5 (http://www.gigabyte.us/Motherboard/GA-Z170X-Gaming-5-rev-10#sp)
  
• 6xGPUs
  Biostar TB350-BTC (http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=882)
  Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 (https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-990FXA-UD3-rev-10#sp)
  Asus Prime H270-PLUS (https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/PRIME-H270-PLUS/)
  Asus Prime Z270-P  (https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/PRIME-Z270-P/)
  MSI Z170A (https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/Z170A-GAMING-PRO/Specification)
  MSI Z270 Gaming M7 (https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/Z270-GAMING-M7/Specification)
  MSI 990FXA-GD65 (https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/990FXA-GD65/Gallery)
  MSI 990FXA-GD80 (https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/990FXA-GD80.html)
  Gigabyte H110-D3A LGA 1150 (https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-H110-D3A-rev-10#kf)
  Biostar TB250-BTC (http://www.biostar-usa.com/app/en-us/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=865)
  TB85 Ver. 6.x (http://www.biostar-usa.com/app/en-us/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=734)
  Asrock ATX Z97 Extreme4 1150 (http://www.asrock.com/mb/intel/z97%20extreme4/)
  Asrock H81 PRO BTC R2.0 LGA 1150 (https://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/H81%20Pro%20BTC%20R2.0/)
  
• 5xGPUs
  ASUS P7P55D-E (https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/P7P55DE/specifications/)
  MSI K9A2 Platinum (https://us.msi.com/Motherboard/K9A2_Platinum/Specification)
  
• 4xGPUs
  MSI 970A-G46 (https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/970a-g46.html)
  MSI 970A-G43 (https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/970a-g43.html)
  Asus P8H61-M LX R2   (https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/P8H61M_LX_R20/specifications/)
  Asus P5W DH Deluxe (https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/P5W_DH_Deluxe/specifications/)
  Asrock 970 Extreme3 (http://www.asrock.com/mb/AMD/970%20Extreme3/)
  Asrock 970DE3/U3S3 (http://www.asrock.com/mb/AMD/970DE3U3S3/)
  
• 3xGPUs
  MSI 770 C45
  MSI 870-C45
  MSI H81-E34
  MSI 785GM-P45
  Asus P5G41T-M LX3 PLUS
  Asrock 870iCafe
  Biostar TP55 Ver.6.x
  Gigabyte GA-M68MT-S2
  

Processor
Actually, for mining rigs, processors with low specifications are enough, examples: Celeron(Intel) as long as they support the chipset (motherboard). if anyone asks about the difference between AMD and Intel with mining performance, I don't think there is a significant difference(IMO).

RAM
for size, 4GB is enough as long as supporting (ex: DDR2, DDR3, DDR4) with the motherboard but above 4GB is better and for brands, I use  Kingston, Corsair has so far been very good for Mining Rigs.

SSD/HDD
Better to use SSD than HDD. This difference will be felt when you set the rig for the first time. Usually when you first often restart the rig and use SSD saves more power consumption than the HDD. For size at least 128 or there is some miners use 64GB and for brands, I use Samsung(128GB,256GB)

USB RISER
Basically, USB Riser is used only to convert PCIEx1 to PCIe-x16 on GPUs and also provides more space on the motherboard and this can have implications at temperature the GPU and motherboard itself (not direct).

The following are the types of USB Risers commonly used by miners:

• VER008C
• VER008S
• VER006C
• VER006
• Etc

There is a bit of difference between the types, such as:

• Number of Capacitor
  
• Type of power connector
• Led Indicator
• Type of USB cable

PSUs
The most important thing is to use the PSU for mining at least PSU with 80+ a Gold rating and above Gold rate is better but more expensive and depending on the brand.

These are the difference between the rating of PSUs:

• 80+ Titanium
  at least 90% efficiency at 10% load,   
  at least 92% efficiency at 20% load,   
  at least 94% efficiency at 50% load,
  at least 90% efficiency at 100% load.
  
• 80+ Platinum
  at least 90% efficiency at 20% load,   
  at least 92% efficiency at 50% load,
  at least 89% efficiency at 100% load
  
• 80+ Gold
  at least 87% efficiency at 20% load,
  at least 90% efficiency at 50% load,
  at least 87% efficiency at 100% load
  
• 80+ Silver
  at least 85% efficiency at 20% load,
  at least 88% efficiency at 50% load,
  at least 85% efficiency at 100% load.
  
• 80+ Bronze
  at least 82% efficiency at 20% load,
  at least 85% efficiency at 50% load,
  at least 82% efficiency at 100% load
  

some brands are usually used by miners like Corsair, EVGA etc. there are several miners who use Server PSU.

GPUs
This hardware is critical in a mining rig because it determines Hashrate and what coins can be mined adjust with type/series of GPU also algorithm of coins. AMD and NVIDIA both are popular in mining (altcoins).

Type/Series of AMDs:

• RX Series
  Vega: Vega 64/56.
  500: 560, 570, 580.
  400: 460, 470, 480
  
• R9 Series
  R9 200: 270, 270x, 280, 280x, 290, 290x, 295x2.
  R9 300: 380, 380x, 390, 390x.
  R9 Fury: Fury, Fury X.
  R9 Nano
  

Type/Series of NVIDIA:

• 1060 3/6GB, 1070, 1080, 1080Ti

Another peripheral:

• Thermal Paste
  I use Deepcool Z5 & Z9
  This is a web about pasta comparison
  https://play3r.net/reviews/cooling/thermal-paste-comparison-2017-what-is-the-best-thermal-paste-2017/
  
• PCIe Extension board (4 in 1/ 8 in 1)
• Watt Metter such as Kill A Watt Meter
• PWM fan
• Dummy plug/output

Software

• OS
  like on a PC generally requires some software in the mining process, OS either Windows or Linux. These two OS have the advantages of each but the most important which OS we usually use and master. Personally, I use Win10.
  
• Mining Software such as claymore, etc
• GPUz
• Atikmdag
• DDU
• Etc, adjust to your needs

Installation of Mining Rigs
These steps are based on my experience. If you assemble yourself:

• like assembling a PC in general, but for thermal paste, I use Deepcool Z9 for a processor (MB)
• Installing Win10 via a USB stick, wait for it to finish
• Installing GPUz and atikmdag
• Installing GPUs with drivers (using USB Riser)
• Installing claymore / another mining software

And trying to run your Rigs but not as easy as imagined there is always a problem but don't worry there is always a solution. These are the problems and solutions that I have experienced.

If there are several GPUs that are not detected in the system (Win10)
Try these steps:

• Check the driver
• Plug a card, one by one
• Check/change a cable PCI-e USB Riser
• Move to another PCI-e slots
• Check Power from/ to USB Riser
• Patch atikmdag, using an atikmdag patcher
• Patch Win Registry

If Asrock H81 Pro BTC R2.0 will not start (power failure and the like)
Try these steps:

• Reset BIOS via jumper
• Unplug the CMOS battery and plug it in again.
• Move the CPU Memory Slot to DIM1 or DIM 2 or viceversa

If stability issue about Mining rig crash every hour
Try these steps:

• Make sure the GPU doesn't power shortage
• Check a cable from PSU to RISER
• Try to use another PSUs

If claymore software hangs or freeze
Try these steps:

• make sure a Virtual Memory at least 16GB
• make sure the Power to a GPU isn't lacking power.
• make sure RAM on CPU doesn't have a problem.
• make sure doesn't have a problem with update windows

GPU Rig often restart itself when starting miner (e.g RX series)
Try these steps:

• Clean the drivers use DDU
• then reinstalling the driver again
• check window (if use Win) update history, cases like this can be possible

[2] CPUs, Laptops
Many threads that contain questions about whether the CPU/Laptops can be used to mine?, actually, yes it can mine as long as the coin can be mined or is usually called a coin mined with the CPU. But some miners, including me, cannot give recommendations because of these things:

• unprofitable
• just a waste of time
• The resulting hash rate is small

But if you want to try it, can use:
Minergate, for more information: https://minergate.com/downloads/gui

Another information:

• Best CPU Mineable Coins in 2018 and CPU Mining Guides (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2683343.0)
• [CryptoNight] CPU mining guide & coins that will get you a return (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2891680.0)
• https://newcpucoins.com/
• https://www.cryptunit.com/

[3] The Smartphone/cell phone
I prefer to call it airdrop, not mining. Personally, I don't a recommendation.

but if you want to try that, read this:
https://electroneum.com/

[4] Bitmain products
These are lists of Bitmain Products that can be used for altcoin mining:

• Antminer E3, Batch 3 (https://shop.bitmain.com/product/detail?pid=00020180522174346413QnsK8vmu0702)
• Antminer Z9 mini (https://shop.bitmain.com/product/detail?pid=00020180516100211649AUOpGcK4066D)

[5] FPGA
I don't discuss FPGA because I don't have that, but there are several topics that can be used as References.

• DIY FPGA Mining rig for any algorithm with fast ROI (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=3459858.0)
• FPGA Mining Rig, Meet NR104 by NocRoom LLC (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4957557.0)

Great thread for those of us that are aspiring miners soon.
2. There's a thread about CPU mining if you haven't seen it.
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2891680.0

3. I see that it's an airdrop though they are making it look that users are mining through simulation.

already posted in OP

Yes,
Especially for ETN Mobile mining

The thread will be updated every time I have free time

why not make an index thread for Mining I think it's good

Building a mining rig isn’t “difficult” per say, it’s can just be really really frustrating.

Skills you need:

    Patience - yes, you’re dealing with hardware (it’s better now I suppose) but there are still electronic problems that arise
    Basic computer building skills - understanding what goes where, what types of things you need to build a desktop from the ground up
    Great research ability - everything is on Google or Reddit or Bitcoin talk forum, so you just have to know where to look and what to search for
    Basic understanding of networks (if you plan on running more than one computer on one network and run into router problems)
    Basic understanding of power usage & electrical outlets (if you plan on running more than 6 cards on one machine or more than one 6-card rig in your house / condo / apartment)

That’s about it.

Common problems you’ll run into:

    overloading electrical outlets
    blue screen of death for unknown reasons
    driver challenges

Good luck!