Bitcoin core: "may expose hardware problems"

[simpic]

Hello, i'm synching blockchain with Bitcoin Core and before to begin it prompts this message:



What kind of hardware problems could happen with my computer?

I'm using Bitcoin Core 22.0 and I have attached an external hdd for the storage of blocks.

[PawGo]

It is a very generic statement, probably related to fact that you may have errors on disk (bad sectors etc) or problems with memory - something similar to "stress test", for example from mprime program: https://www.mersenne.org/download/#stresstest
By the way I think using external drive (ssd or not) could slow down the process a lot (it also depends on type of USB you use), download may take days.

[nc50lc]

What kind of hardware problems could happen with my computer?

That's only if your hardware already has problem in the first place.
Otherwise, you'll just experience high CPU, HDD, RAM and Network activity while Bitcoin Core is running.

It's common for a computer to run normally if it's idle or just at minimal usage, however if it's pushed to the limit, existing hardware issues may show-up.
The most common "exposed problem" when syncing Bitcoin Core are: HDD or RAM issues that could corrupt the blockchain.

[LoyceV]

What kind of hardware problems could happen with my computer?

If you use an old HDD, it might break from endured hard disk head movement. It's a bit of a weird warning though: if it breaks, it breaks. If Bitcoin Core kills it, it would have died a bit later anyway.

I'm using Bitcoin Core 22.0 and I have attached an external hdd for the storage of blocks.

Any chance you can put the chainstate directory on an internal SSD? It will improve performance a lot.

[simpic]

Thank you for your replies.

Any chance you can put the chainstate directory on an internal SSD? It will improve performance a lot.

I know, I will consider it.

[DaveF]

Thank you for your replies.

Any chance you can put the chainstate directory on an internal SSD? It will improve performance a lot.

I know, I will consider it.

For the initial download setting dbcache to 2048 to 4096 if you have enough RAM will speed up the initial download while putting LESS stress on your system.
There are a few discussions about it around about doing that. Using an SSD does help too.

-Dave