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Author Topic: Old PSU for mining rig  (Read 425 times)
xapsec (OP)
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June 19, 2017, 08:31:20 PM
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I just preordered two Rx470 and two RX480 nitro 8Gb on Amazon, to learn the basics in mining.I will use my old computer (Asrock p67 pro3 motherboard, I5 2500K proc, 8g ddr3 and Enermax ECO80+ 620 W power supply).The MB can hold 4 GPU but my PSU provide only two video card power connectors
Is it a way around that?Any advice is appreciated.
Vann
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June 19, 2017, 08:44:29 PM
Last edit: June 19, 2017, 08:55:50 PM by Vann
 #2

I just preordered two Rx470 and two RX480 nitro 8Gb on Amazon, to learn the basics in mining.I will use my old computer (Asrock p67 pro3 motherboard, I5 2500K proc, 8g ddr3 and Enermax ECO80+ 620 W power supply).The MB can hold 4 GPU but my PSU provide only two video card power connectors
Is it a way around that?Any advice is appreciated.

With 4 cards in a case it's going to be very hard to get enough airflow to keep the temps in check. If you can't buy a new motherboard, I would suggest removing the motherboard and building the BBT mining case below out of two 8ft pieces of 1/8" x 3/4" angled aluminum, one 8 ft 1" x 3" piece of pine and #8 1/2" self-tapping screws. The case will fit up to 7 RX 4XX/5XX if you put them about 1 inch apart. The cost of the aluminum angles and screws was ~$35. If you build it out of all wood, the cost would be less than $10. That's a much better design that allows for good airflow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5xNrlxsCVs



The only tools needed were a drill with a 3/32" hex titanium drill bit to drill pilot holes and a #2 phillips screwdriver bit. A hacksaw with a 32 tooth blade and a plastic miter box to cut the aluminum and wood. The case is very sturdy and can support up to 7 GPU's.

A good quality PSU is very important since it's under constant load. You need to get a good quality PSU that can power your cards adequately. For ~$120 an EVGA G2 750W or 850W would easily give you all the connections you need for four cards. The higher efficiency will also save you money in the long run.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16817438018
xapsec (OP)
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June 19, 2017, 08:59:17 PM
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Thank you for your answers.I will build the rig case and I'm looking for EVGA (out of stock at first look).
All I can find is Antec and Seasonic.
Any advice for the risers?
CarlOrff
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June 19, 2017, 09:31:56 PM
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Used an old PSU for 24/7 mining operation is a very bad idea.
You need a high quality PSU for mining.

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xapsec (OP)
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June 19, 2017, 09:43:54 PM
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Thank you again for the help.Unfortunely, EVGA G2 is out of stock.Any other suggestions?
Vann
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June 19, 2017, 09:45:17 PM
Last edit: June 19, 2017, 09:59:09 PM by Vann
 #6

Thank you for your answers.I will build the rig case and I'm looking for EVGA (out of stock at first look).
All I can find is Antec and Seasonic.
Any advice for the risers?

BBT also recently uploaded a case build video with a smaller form factor for a four card rig:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n9tgRw_JkM

The benefit of the previous case is it would give you room to expand in the future. Though I would also suggest making the case 1.5" taller from 9 1/4" cuts to 10 3/4" cuts to give you more clearance when using USB risers.

Seasonic is a good brand, though I prefer Corsair or EVGA. As long as the PSU is at least gold rated and has enough connectors for the cards (at least for PCI-E connectors), it should be adequate.

I use 6-pin PCI-E risers. Three thicker wires that are designed to spread a higher 12V load instead of two used by molex and sata connectors. The 6-pin risers also use four capacitors for a more stable current flow compared to the three used by the molex and sata risers. The good ones also come with a voltage regulator to prevent spikes. The problem is they are sold out everywhere, so you have to order them from China which can take 2-3 weeks. That's why it's a good idea to order twice as many risers as you think you will need. Nothing worse that having cards idle while you wait for risers.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/TISHRIC-VER006C-Blue-PCI-E-Extender-1x-to-16x-PCI-Express-Riser-Card-60cm-USB-3/32808611545.html
xapsec (OP)
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June 19, 2017, 10:16:50 PM
 #7

Nice video.I will build the rig case.
After I buy a PSU and receive the risers, the only thing missing are the GPU's.
Thank you again for your time and patience.
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