Data Center Mining Garage and Man Mining Cave

[yun9999]

ikuzo1 - The center bar already have predrilled holes and it's form is not very ideal to mount GPU but is good to use for cable management.  It's better to get another piece of aluminum and cut it for the GPU mount.

@dance191 - I will get a FLIR later on to play. Thanks for the recommendation and letting me know the caveats.  I love automation and I also have a Nest Thermostat as well as many other Automation like Racchio for automated water sprinkler and Chamberlain MyQ for WIFI garage door sensor control.  There's usually someone home so a $10 smoke detector is better for me as my Canary camera would notify me of Temp and air quality issue.  I can hit 1 button and it would call the fire department.  I will discuss later on my home automation and how some will not work anymore if you're planning to mine in the garage due to interference.

@ m1n1ngP4d4w4n - My brother in law's original design have the air intake from the ground in the middle or both side and is wider.  Racks would be on both side with exhaust fans on both walls.  Optional Roof exhaust fan as hot air rise.  However due to the very narrow approved 6ft width, this simply won't work as I will not have much access space.  That would also be a safety issue being overly crowded.  If the width is 8-10 ft minimum then I may consider but it's really important to be able to move racks and have rear access.  Pulling air from the ground gives infinite possible configurations.

@ Tmdz - Yes, I love toys and gadgets.  Just don't really have time to play them.  Bought these for my son, but he have no interest in them only in League of Legend which works no issue on our Celeron config while mining!  

@ citronick - Yeah I really enjoy Simple OS.  Works well on Eth, just that Linux is still a tiny tad slower for Claymore Eth on Claymore.  Everything else, Linux is way faster, more stable and uses less resources.  Huge money saving on SSD is another side benefit.  $40 x 60 = $2400.  Huge win, although I still keep all my SSD, just for the backup option should I need to revert back to Windows rather than have to remove the rig and connect 1.  Furies are ridiculously stable on SimpleOS so I don't bother having SSD on those rigs. A standard 19" Server Rack is 42U, you can fit 10 of these into that with slide out rails.  The Rosewill rails sucks so I don't use those.  Slide out rails when not used properly can also be dangerous for unbalanced rack, etc.  So I decided on fixed rails.  They are cheaper and I don't want to be servicing the rig in front of the hot air anyways so it's better to slide it out and bring it to my "Cooler" service station.  In that config, you can only fit 9 per rack as you need to skip 1 hole spacing to allow smoother sliding in and out of the case.

@ construktor - Sapphire Nitro + is my other favorite card.  You simply can't beat the Dual Bios Mode as ZEC needs different BIOS than ETH.  Not that ZEC need ROM much anymore other than preset undervolting but previously it did give a nice Boost.  For my Sapphire Fury it is nice as I have custom BIOS for ZEC and flip the switch if I ever have to go back to ETH which I hope would be never as the Furies are FAST on Zec at lower wattage.  I am shifting more over to Sapphire after how unhappy I am with the way MSI treated me on the RMA process.  They (MSI) do have sexy product and their Twin Frozr is one of the best cooler system, but appears the failure rate is very high.  One of my new MS RX480 4GB just sizzled like a Steak few days ago and died.  I am concern whether MSI will honor the warranty or use some excuse to get out of it like my last RMA.  If you read on the forum, people are returning dead cards and they are out of the MSI Red 470 and are getting new NVIDIA 1070 in exchange.   This is a very sweet deal which makes me wonder, is this why they're trying to cheat some customers out of their RMA due to the higher cost?  Zero issues with Sapphire RMA so far and I have done at least 5 different RMAs with them.

@ dagarair - Yes pollen is a concern but I will not be using filters.  I need to test over 1 Spring / Summer to see how it handles it.  My guess is that it will handle much better than the garage which have handled 2 years of Pollen Nation without any issues.  Nothing some compressed air can't fix and surprisingly due to my very high flow, most of my GPUs looks very good when it's time to sell.  I never had to use the compressed air.  I hope the shed will be the same and since the flow have to blow sideways and then up, I'm hoping the grass and dirt will catch most of it.  Time will tell, but adding a filter is super simple with my setup.  I wouldn't put it directly on my intake as it would block too much flow.  I would put it on the intake allowed space around the bottom of my shed which have more volume area so even if restricted by 30% it would still allow more air volume then my intake.  My bigger concern is whether I can survive the Pollen season working out there, my allergies are very severe.

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[m1n1ngP4d4w4n]

@ m1n1ngP4d4w4n - My brother in law's original design was to have air intake from the ground in the middle and wider.  Racks would be on both side with exhaust fans on both walls.  Optional Roof exhaust fan as hot air rise.  However due to the very narrow approved 6ft width, this simply won't work as I will not have much access space.  That would also be a safety issue being overly crowded.  If the width is 8-10 ft minimum then I may consider but it's really important to be able to move racks and have rear access.  Pulling air from the ground gives infinite possible configurations.

Yup, i was actually thinking of using a modded/revised version of datacenter "best practice" airflow (cold/hot aisle design) this is a design i know well since my daily job is working in datacenters, but that can't be done with a "narrow space", i'll see what i come up with, but first i need to know what i can build in my garden (having to ask what i can do to the permit authorities) then i will decide on the interior design for the best efficient PUE solution.

With your ideas alot of things "unlocked" in my mind, and i'll come up with something so much more efficient in the end than what i had planned before, because i was able to see that such solutions i ignored before are actually working in the real work very nicely !  So thanks for that, you rock 

I'll be sure to share my findinds & thinkings with you when i'll be more advanced, for now, i need to break the wall i had built in my head, and redo it again 

[construktor]

@ construktor - Sapphire Nitro + is my other favorite card.  You simply can't beat the Dual Bios Mode as ZEC needs different BIOS than ETH.  Not that ZEC need ROM much anymore other than preset undervolting but previously it did give a nice Boost.  For my Sapphire Fury it is nice as I have custom BIOS for ZEC and flip the switch if I ever have to go back to ETH which I hope would be never as the Furies are FAST on Zec at lower wattage.  I am shifting more over to Sapphire after how unhappy I am with the way MSI treated me on the RMA process.  They (MSI) do have sexy product and their Twin Frozr is one of the best cooler system, but appears the failure rate is very high.  One of my new MS RX480 4GB just sizzled like a Steak few days ago and died.  I am concern whether MSI will honor the warranty or use some excuse to get out of it like my last RMA.  If you read on the forum, people are returning dead cards and they are out of the MSI Red 470 and are getting new NVIDIA 1070 in exchange.   This is a very sweet deal which makes me wonder, is this why they're trying to cheat some customers out of their RMA due to the higher cost?  Zero issues with Sapphire RMA so far and I have done at least 5 different RMAs with them.

The info you provided on this thread is precisely why I chose it, I wasn't even paying attention to this card previously, all I saw was MSI red in my mind. Now I know better and I will aim to buy whatever I can get cheapest between those top models, and if I find any reference 480s, I will try to get those.

I really learned so much with a few hours on this thread. Very often you take info on a webpage or blog with a grain of salt, it's good to see likeminded miners supporting each other like this. I will be buying all my risers here and supporting the group when I can. Located in Canada, Montreal myself, so there are a few challenges with big scale mining, so for now nothing more than an expensive hobby

And the learning continues, - don't use Rosewill's sliding rails and use fixed ones instead for future setup! Thanks again Yun! and everyone else!

[Myffas]

Thanks everyone for sharing so much valuable information. I would like to understand better your mobo choice: MSI GAMING 5 VS TB85

As many other, I liked the H81 pro BTC and as it became difficult to find I switched over to the H97 anniversary and more recently to the TB85. For my next expansion, I was thinking about using the TB85 as they are reliable, easy to find and because they are cheaper than the MSI Z97 GAMING 5. Factoring in 6/7 GPU per rig the MSI gaming 5 is about 5$ more per GPU. This may not seems much but it adds up quickly. What are the factors that offset this premium ?

[yun9999]

You guys can call me Nhan.  The Yun nick is just due to BCT Admin's failure to fix my hacked account even with Phillipma's verification of my old btc transactions, etc.  I don't want to start a conspiracy theory but seems like Valuable accounts gets hacked alot for fraud use.

@ m1n1ngP4d4w4n - Whatever you do, just leave room for scaleability / improvements and you will be fine.  Don't pack it balls to the walls.

@ construktor - Yes and the rosewill rails are very expensive.  1 Rack = 10 rigs x $40-50 rails is $400-500 in rails.  I donn't think anyone wants to do slide rails that high up top to service the gear which is dangerous as you will need to bolt down the rack.  Best to keep it at 9 per Rack, safer and no need to bolt it down as you slide the entire rig out not hanging out waiting for someone to slip from the ladder.  Before over investing into the Server rack, please be aware of all the hidden cost, 3 x Fan upgrade, rails, aluminum bars, and most importantly time.

@ Myffas - I don't have any experience with the Biostar TB85 other than comparing what I see for the spec.  The H81 excel with it's Dehumidifying feature which is important for Houston Humid weather but not a huge concern if rigs are powered up, they're drying up the air faster than local humidity can offer.  However it is important if you shut down the rigs for a few days and then start to power them up.  The Biostar excel with it's feature to protect from overvoltage.  I like this and wonder if it would have saved my 7 GPU that the MSI killed.  

OC / OV / OH Protection
All BIOSTAR special circuit design detects overvoltage conditions and prevents voltage surges from spreading in real time. It also actively cuts off the overvoltage supply to protect your system. Over current protection helps avoid motherboard from damage when doing overclock or an unusual current import. Over heat protection helps avoid motherboard & CPU from burning when exceeding the temperature limitation.

I've been looking at MB alternatives lately as well.  I saw a SUPER SUPER SEXY ASROCK Fatality Z97 MB.  Yes, stupid stupid name.  I was the first Fatality as I need 6 PCIE slots not 4.  The Z97X offer 6, the Z97 looks like it have 6 but only 4 are PCIE!  The MB looks so polished, I really really wanted to keep it even it's for my Test Rig or ROM Station but getting it to work with the 16X on multiple GPU config was also a pain so I am returning it.  I will order 1 of the Biostar TB85 and let you know how it stacks up.  

[yun9999]

Uncle Visited and said "Yeah Nhan, let me help you out with that new MB you want to try out.  Do it for the Community!!!  Getting boring with just ASROCK H81 and MSI Gaming 5".

[citronick]

"You guys can call me Nhan." ~ great name, I have a mining-buddy in HCMC with the same name!

One of my suppliers (specializing in office/IT/furniture removal) has used IBM racks coming into his warehouse on Monday - so I will drop by to see if I can pickup one. Do you have any specific racks from server vendors that is suitable for the Rosewill chassis?

I will start a small project to convert 9 of my 33 open cage rigs into 1 rack -- and we see how it goes since this is extra cost to implement and the project is purely for "cosmetic" reasons since all of them are humming peacefully at the warehouse.

[m1n1ngP4d4w4n]

You guys can call me Nhan.  The Yun nick is just due to BCT Admin's failure to fix my hacked account even with Phillipma's verification of my old btc transactions, etc.  I don't start a conspiracy theory but seems like Valuable accounts gets hacked alot for fraud use.

@ m1n1ngP4d4w4n - Whatever you do, just leave room for scaleability / improvements and you will be fine.  Don't pack it balls to the walls.

Oh yeah definitly, i will take my time to think about everything, hope to do as good as you 

[philipma1957]

I wonder if I should use my sheds to mine.

I would need to trench a line to do a 30 amp pdu.

My gpus pull just about 24 amps.

I could lay two ethernet cables and two ten gauge 30 amp lines.

Most likely I would never use  two pdus just one.

Just a thought .

[Prelude]

Fantastic thread, going to start reading through it.

I wonder if I should use my sheds to mine.

I would need to trench a line to do a 30 amp pdu.

My gpus pull just about 24 amps.

I could lay two ethernet cables and two ten gauge 30 amp lines.

Most likely I would never use  two pdus just one.

Just a thought .

Why 2 ethernets? I'd run a single 60A 6AWG cable instead, would surely be cheaper than 2x 10AWG.

[groovy1962]

My new option now allows the ability to power even 7-GPU rigs strictly with server PSU's.  Here's a 2-rig setup with 14x RX 470's using an IBM 2880W PSU:
http://i65.tinypic.com/11hw0uq.jpg

Please excuse the wiring mess.  I put this together quickly yesterday for Nhan to show him how it can be done.  Each rig can be independently powered on, off or rebooted as normal with the Pico PSU.  Here you can see it in the 24P slot:
So the parts required to make this work are:

24Pin Pico PSU with SATA connector to power SSD
6pin PCIe to EPS patch cable for motherboard
PCIe 6pin-powered risers (with on-board voltage converters for 3.3/5V)
a bunch of PCIe 6pin and 6+2pin splitter cables

Looking at that motherboard, I see an unused M.2 slot next to the far left PCIe slot.   Why not get a M.2 to PCIe adapter and another riser and that motherboard could then run 8 GPUs?  I have seen these adapters for $10.  Works for PCIe M.2 slots, not SATA ones, of course, but the PCIe X4 m.2 slot is more than enough to drive a X1 riser.

I'm considering trying this but have not had a chance to do so.  Wanted to know if others have done so, and if there's some reason it wouldn't work.  (Might require a Z270 MB to have enough PCIe lanes in the chipset.)

[yun9999]

@ citronick - It won't be just cosmetic as you're having heat challenges at just 33 Rigs.  However it is also not a 1 size fit all solution as open air is cheapest and easiest to maintain.   Server racks are very standard for 19" Just make sure the shape and the rear fits everything you like.   I like Dell due to the fast spin of the lock down bolt.  I like HP for the sexier look, but overall everything is standardized with a few exceptions or mounting, etc.

@ m1n1ngP4d4w4n - I went thru the difficult part of testing of many different configuration already as I searched for 2 years without finding anything good other than "Don't do it, yadda yadda for shed".

@ philipma1957 - If you're already at max of 24 Amp on a 80% of 1 x 30 AMp PDU, I would recommend starting at 2 x 30AMP as new code may just push you slightly over the top where the PDU will start tripping.

@ Prelude - I have redundancy for everything so 2 x ethernet is the way to go in case some rat decided that Ethernet Twizzler is tasty.  2 x 10 AWG wire is very cheap and likewise provide that extra redundancy.  Most people don't even know what an ARC Breaker is but in the event that some rat decide to chew on your wire and you don't have an ARC breaker, ugly things can happen.  Either way I always prefer redundancy over 1.  30 Amp breaker is also cheaper than 60AMP, similarly 2 x 30AMP PDU is cheaper and easier to find options then 50AMP PDUs.

@ groovy1962 - It's already hard enough to keep 6 and 7 GPU rigs stable.  Adding an 8th just increase your stability risks. It only take 1 bad GPU to crash an entire rig.  I have the M2. options, I just prefer not to use it.  GPU are probably the most stable at 6 GPU or less.  7 GPU config are best for non OC GPU or well tested config.  8 GPU rigs are asking for trouble unless on something very well tested but even for those config, each new version of mining software, it could change everything like Open CL issues, crashes, non stop funs.

[bughatti]

@YUN or whoever can answer.  I am getting more into these rigs and growing them.  Watching this thread I read all the protection you guys are doing which is great but I am not at the point to spend thousands yet, plus my HOA wont even let me have a shed.  I have a few spare spots on my breaker but it is only 200 amp total.  I already have a 50, 40 and 30 double pole breakers, all for my dryer, stove and AC.  I know I need to spend some time mapping out what I am actually using but I dont want to allow myself to push it to far with additions and I am not at the point to add another box yet, hence why I am making the decision on what I am posting.  Would like to get some thoughts on if you guys would do the same in my situation and if what I have looked up is good

Breaker: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Square-D-Homeline-30-Amp-1-Pole-Single-Pole-Circuit-Breaker/1010299

Wire:      https://www.lowes.com/pd/Southwire-6-ft-10-Gauge-3-Conductor-Non-Metallic-Liquidtight-A-C-Whip/3616544

Plug:      https://www.amazon.com/Eaton-L630R-Hart-Lock-Industrial-Receptacle/dp/B00062BJG6

Surge:   https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Industries-SSP30-Smart-Surge/dp/B0009SQQ1A

PDU:      https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812120346&ignorebbr=1&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-PC&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-PC-_-pla-_-Power+Distribution+Units-_-N82E16812120346&gclid=CjwKEAiA_p_FBRCRi_mW5Myl4S0SJAAkezZr4Qixy-S2QES7hH2MkGrRXWySpISnHIeQ3W4KbwBjChoCGwrw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Power Cable:    https://www.amazon.com/APC-CABLES-AC2-3-POWER-CORD/dp/B00JPNHD5S/ref=sr_1_9?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1487482511&sr=1-9&keywords=c13+cable

[groovy1962]

https://s5.postimg.org/hfieijxsn/IMG_1583.jpg

I'm building my first couple of rigs, which are open air rigs.  These are going to be my test rigs, and for experimentation.

But going forward, I am investigating a version 2 rig using rack mount cases.  I want to standardize on a design and then scale up from there.

It appears this is what you are doing (in fact I think I got the idea from this thread!)

Can someone explain how you convert the Rosewill RSV-L4500 to fit the GPUs?  Like in the picture above nobody has shown ow the GPUs are mounted.

Here's what I'm looking at:
https://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Rackmount-Computer-Pre-Installed-RSV-L4500/dp/B0091IZ1ZG

They have a couple different models-- is it not the L4500 you are using?

The steps I think are:

1. Take out the Drive Cages (press fit and slide out)
2. Take out the holder for the drive cages?
3. Magic happens and there is somehow a bar that the tabs of the GPUs can screw into? Where to get this?
4. Put balsawood across bottom to rest the risers on?

Any details appreciated, and please link me to a thread with instructions if you know of one. I wasn't able to find one.  (And pictures that show how the GPUs are mounted would be appreciated as well if its convenient to anyone.)

Thanks so much for all the info you have provided here!  I hope to pay it forward in the future.

[bughatti]

I'm building my first couple of rigs, which are open air rigs.  These are going to be my test rigs, and for experimentation.

But going forward, I am investigating a version 2 rig using rack mount cases.  I want to standardize on a design and then scale up from there.

It appears this is what you are doing (in fact I think I got the idea from this thread!)

Can someone explain how you convert the Rosewill RSV-L4500 to fit the GPUs?  Like in the picture above nobody has shown ow the GPUs are mounted.

Here's what I'm looking at:
https://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Rackmount-Computer-Pre-Installed-RSV-L4500/dp/B0091IZ1ZG

They have a couple different models-- is it not the L4500 you are using?

The steps I think are:

1. Take out the Drive Cages (press fit and slide out)
2. Take out the holder for the drive cages?
3. Magic happens and there is somehow a bar that the tabs of the GPUs can screw into? Where to get this?
4. Put balsawood across bottom to rest the risers on?

Any details appreciated, and please link me to a thread with instructions if you know of one. I wasn't able to find one.  (And pictures that show how the GPUs are mounted would be appreciated as well if its convenient to anyone.)

Thanks so much for all the info you have provided here!  I hope to pay it forward in the future.

If no one else wants to do it (yun I am getting mine in tomorrow and will try to video it and post it up on youtube.  It will be new for me but im pretty good and fab and working with materials!

[citronick]

Please be conscientious that there are forum members who are selling these exact server configs or Drop in configuration to make our life easier.  Good to do it for yourself and take advantage but let's not put others out of business.  If you want to pay it forward, create a new style which is what I did, as the sold solution could not accommodate large cards like Furies or make yourself available to answer other member's questions.  I support the hard work our forum members do to support community and the hard work they put into to create great new solutions for us.  I will always support them before large business like Amazon or similar.  

P.S Prior to starting this exercise, my partner wanted to buy Gray Matter cases for $395 which is just an empty shell, not even fans included!!!  I said HELLLLLLLLL NO!!!!!!!!!!  Let's do it ourselves as sexy case don't make $$$, they are just to cost.  Let's not put the very people who invested great R&D time to come up excellent ideas we get to use today by putting them out of business.  I also support SpotsWood.  His configuration didn't meet my need but he was awesome .  He saw a need and work hard to understand what we wanted / need and worked towards that.  Fortunately for me, I have a metal company that handle everything I need but for the Mass, he definitely step in to fill the void.  Spotswood product was top notch and his quality is amazing.  I also believe AriesV's design is very well done and deserve the premium.

I will always supports guys like these as well as many others forum member product that I will be reviewing.  My reviews will never be Bias, if they suck, I will say it suck but no one knows what miners need better than miners themselves.  Let's support our community.  This is why I bought 2 Spotswood drop in Case, Simple Rig Resetter as well as only risers from Hawkfish007 and server PSU from Finksy.   Please support the people that do us right and understand what miners want / need to take us all to the next level!!!  Wait until you see SRR review and Pico, PCI risers plus server PSU.  You WILL want to support them.  THEY ARE HELPING us evolve and solved our biggest pain points.  You will also be seeing many of my other reviews where you will at first think it's a waste of money but once you fully understand, you will be LIKE, I WOULD be STUPID to not have these TOOLS in my BELT!!!!!!!        STAY  TUNE<,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and always always SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY FIRST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

+ 100

The more exciting solutions and generous information sharing out there, the better for everyone to learn and even invest into - lowering the barrier to enter the mining world.

I was a newbie not that long ago - I am indebted to many many experts out there and I was lucky to do solo mining ETH in 2015 thanks to miners who shared with me how to do it - made tons of coins back then.

Then comes along dudes like Claymore with his amazing miners, or Mr Optiminer another super wizard, hardworking Tytanick with SMOS, SRR, Eliovp with amazing custom roms, etc etc etc. list goes on.

Sure most of them are not free -- but I would gladly support them because they simply solve our own mining nightmares, and we miners rewarded with steady operations and consistent revenue - so all win win for everyone.

[m1n1ngP4d4w4n]

@ m1n1ngP4d4w4n - I went thru the difficult part of testing of many different configuration already as I searched for 2 years without finding anything good other than "Don't do it, yadda yadda for shed".

Yup, hence why you definitely opened my mind & horizon to new solution that i've put aside thinking it wouldn't work ! You're a pioneer ! Again hope to do as good as you, even better   (but that's gonna be near impossible because you did so good, but i like the challenge ahah), and as you justly said in your last post, only people that take risk and are willing to try new stuff will be great, especially against the dismissing peoples around ! Inspiring !

You may have replied to this one already, but in your rack, i saw you put your fans in front of the rack, just to confirm but i kinda know your answer already, they're "intake" fans right ? taking the fresh air from the front and pushing it behind so that your "wall" fans take it outside ?

[yun9999]

No, you're not upsetting me at all.  I'm just saying please don't do a YouTube video on how to create one which could disrupt someone's business.  They spent the R&D time and deserve to recoup some of that.  Just use the knowledge for our own self benefits.  That's all.  We want to keep supporting our innovators.  


Yes, I always have plenty of extra supplies including many PDUs and are happy to hook up our forum members.  Just let know if you need something, If I have spares, I will sell them at reasonable prices.  If I don't I can always refer to you good places to get them.

[groovy1962]

I finally found spotswoods solution:
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1731197.0;all

[Bulletdodger]

Guys, please lets not turn this very valuable forum topic in a shitstorm.

Thank you!