rph's approach feedback and question

[nedbert9]

Hello BTCtalk. 

Curious what the general take on rph's approach to DIY FPGA.
Ultra-Low-Cost DIY FPGA Miner: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=44891

Also, I'd like to PM rph, but am unable.  Is this because I'm a newb?  If not, anyone have contact info for rph?

[Gunny]

GPU has average MH/watt and good MH/$.  FPGA has good MH/watt but bad MH/$.  This is an attempt to improve the MH/$ by making the hardware cheaper.

They've succeeded making the MH/$ better but still not as good as GPU.  Currently GPU mining is break-even due to power cost and FPGA mining is profitable.  It will take a while to pay off the $50/175MH hardware but it will eventually happen unless mining profitability falls lower.

It is an interesting hobby project if you want to try it.

[BlueCorp]

Invest in dual mining?

[nedbert9]

Thanks for the responses.

Price point for entry in to mining is a factor for me.  So, the FPGA proposition is a bitter pill considering, when not buying FPGA rig gear in bulk qty, the MH/$ is not attractive.

The commercial package from BFL is nice, but considering it's MH/W the electrical expense could equate to 20% overhead when BTC reward halves.  Not including any other potential negative market conditions in the  future, particularly difficulty.

Still thinking it over.  I've considered an incremental entry to mining, but with what I have yet to decide.