Advice on rig build

[us11csalyer]

I been reading a lot and I keep running into the same conclusion. If I want to mine and be profitable after Dec 2012 I need to go the FPGA route. If I were to invest in 50 FPGAs that mine each at roughly 200Mh/s I would break even in roughly 11 months and still be doing good after Dec when the blocks go down to 25 coins. Before Dec I would mine roughly 1,500 USD a month at 5.50 USD per coin.

My question is should I still stick to GPUs or go ahead and buy FPGAs? I have no clue on what I would need to run 50 FPGAs but I do know how to setup and run multiple rigs with GPUs.

So for now I am taking anyone's advice on builds. So let me hear your input please.

[Eisenhower34]

Its always a tradeoff with the risk you can take. So question would be, do you havethe money for 50 FPGAs? Can you afford to lose it (if by which reason whatever the btc value drops / get illegal whatever...)?

[DeathAndTaxes]

You didn't post the most important factor.  What is your power rate?

[us11csalyer]

My power rate is 11-15 cent depending on amount used. This is calc with distro charges. If you only look at the charge per Kw it is 9 cents.

Yes I have 17,000 to invent that I have been saving. Of course I'll miss it if bitcoin turns into a flop but it won't be the end of the world for me either.

[us11csalyer]

Okay so how does this rig sound?

MSI 5 pci-e           189.99
MSI 6950 2x5         959.96
Antec 1200W PSU   219.99
2GB ddr3 1333        16.99
Sempron 145          39.99
160GB HDD             64.99

Total+shipping 1,513.19 about 1,400Mh/s

[jake262144]

Go for the 1GB 6950s, not the 2GB.
You are pouring money down the drain and gain absolutely nothing by going with the 2GB versions.

[DeathAndTaxes]

drop the HDD and use a USB stick w/ linux.
The Antec is a decent unit.  Make sure you buy a 80plus-Gold.  I would prefer seasonic but any major brand is fine.

You may want to look into used 5000 series GPUs.   If you are building multiple rigs the cost savings buying used outweigh any risk of failure.  If you get cards 33% off you would need 1 in 3 to fail before it is worse than buying new.

[us11csalyer]

Going used is one of the options I am exploring. I know 2GB vs 1GB GPU makes no difference. The one I listed is 1GB and the cheapest 6950 on newegg right now. I'd love to find one of those mining cluster unit in one read to go case. I forget what the website is but a few months ago some website was selling 10Gh/s box for a few thousand but I think it required some license to buy?

[xloki]

I think I know what your talking about, but I cant find the link at the moment. You don't need a license though, just lots of money for the crazy 20+ghash boxes