Building a Mining Rig

[grndzero]

hmm which MOBO are u guys talking about? The cheapass one? Cuz I'm trying to drive down the investment for the rig. other than the gfx card. which I already planned on investing in the first place. The rest of the stuff I wanna get as cheap as possible.

My question now is how many PCIe should I try to get cuz I could expand with maybe 5850s for the rig. but is it worth the increase cost of the MOBO and PSU or is it just cheaper to get another cheapass rig

Yes, he said the Foxconn board will support Sempron processors.

A more expensive board and better power supply up front will always be less expensive than another board, cpu, ram, power supply, and possibly another case to build another rig later.

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[grndzero]

You should talk to the person on this thread also. http://forum.bitcoin.org/index.php?topic=9194.0 He says he's in Malaysia and seems to know about the computer parts market in that area.

[SchizophrenicX]

Yup I just saw his tread and in fact I'm pretty interested in his idea of starting a business revolving around Bitcoin in the region. I'm very close to Malaysia . Thanks for the reply. I was quite knocked out yesterday haha.

Anyway. the Foxconn MOBO would be the first I saw? The $45 one that I first mentioned?

[grndzero]

Yup I just saw his tread and in fact I'm pretty interested in his idea of starting a business revolving around Bitcoin in the region. I'm very close to Malaysia . Thanks for the reply. I was quite knocked out yesterday haha.

Anyway. the Foxconn MOBO would be the first I saw? The $45 one that I first mentioned?

Yes

[fadisaaida]

grndzero : i just donated the free 4 Bcents i got 2 days ago when registering to you cause u sir are wonderfull . been cracking my head with the same issues with the thread starter and u came to my rescue . Thanks alot again for your great help.

I know the 0.04 are not much but i hope u can see the gesture

[grndzero]

grndzero : i just donated the free 4 Bcents i got 2 days ago when registering to you cause u sir are wonderfull . been cracking my head with the same issues with the thread starter and u came to my rescue . Thanks alot again for your great help.

I know the 0.04 are not much but i hope u can see the gesture

The gesture is appreciated. Every little bit helps to getting me back to profitable after reinvesting my earning so far. I spend all kinds of time on Newegg and the net looking for ways to make all different types of miners, the least expensive, the fully loaded, the modular, the best upgradeable. Now if I had enough money to buy any of them it would be even better. lol

[fadisaaida]

so after few hours of going through the various options and prices i had i came up with this build for my 1st mining experience!, 2 5870 Gpus, with 1000W SPU, and cheapest motherboard with 2 16x slots. case was the cheapest i found. Total money for it is about 1000$ and expected hash power is 750m/s, now got 2 questions

1. is my list compatible ? and if yes do i need to order some special pins,cables,etc ?
2. is the 1k$ price is fare price comparing your local prices ?

Thanks a lot in advance


בקניית מחשב חדש בלבד - SAPPHIRE RADEON 5870 1GB DDR5 - RETAIL
http://www.zigzag2000.co.il/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=14371
AMD AM3 dual-core Athlon II X2 220 2MB Cache 2.8GHz - Tray
http://www.zigzag2000.co.il/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=15540{23}47
Gigabyte GA-870A-UD3 - ATX
http://www.zigzag2000.co.il/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=13569
HEC COUGAR 1000W ACTIVE PFC Cable management - ספק כח
http://www.zigzag2000.co.il/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=12101
2GB TRANCEND DDR 3 - 1333 - TRANCEND Original
http://www.zigzag2000.co.il/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=8971
COMPUCASE CI-6920 ATX (Black & Blue) - NO PSU
http://www.zigzag2000.co.il/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=418
Seagate Barrcuda7200 250GB 8MB 7200RPM S-ATA II
http://www.zigzag2000.co.il/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=5108
TP-LINK Wireless 54Mbps 11g + 4dbi ANT - USB
http://www.zigzag2000.co.il/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=9629
Thermaltake PCI slot FAN (A2426) BLUE LED
http://www.zigzag2000.co.il/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=5924

[SchizophrenicX]

So since the Foxconn A7DA-S 3.0 that I initially looked at actually works with Sempron (although newegg didn't list it) I'm taking a second look right now. But hopefully this will work and if so. It's looking pretty good for the amount of money I'm putting in. I would probably change the PSU to something much more expandable and reputable. I'm going over to newegg now and look around more. Gonna be hanging around for the next few hours people

GPU: 2x 5970 ($808)
MOBO: Foxconn A7DA-S 3.0 ($45)
CPU: Sempron 140 ($39)
PSU: Diablotek PHD ($70)
RAM: 1 GB Lying Around ($0)
HDD: None/USB ($0)
CASE: None/Cheapassjunk (~$20)
OS: Linux Ubuntu ($0)

And yea, grndzero. Thank you so much for your input and corrections wouldn't even get this far without you. I'll be heading down to my local stores to take a look at the prices, but I've heard that it's cheaper to ship internationally some of the stuff since our local stores are like tyrants and ripes people off -.- (5870 for $380 wtf)

[cschmitz]

a decent 750w unit is sufficient for two cards.
i am running three 5870 off an 800w superflower amazon, it works very well.
it is more important to get a decent brand of psu, i had 750w cheapo ones die on 2 cards in contrast to the brand 800w working 3 cards at ease.

[SchizophrenicX]

MOBO: Foxconn A7DA-S 3.0 - $45 - 140 W (?)

Does anyone know how much power does the MOBO consume? And if an 80+Gold certified meant that it will at least provide 87% at full load. What does the full 'Load' mean? Does mining does full load?. Actually during mining CPU is at idle right?

I just want to provide enough power at the supply's lowest efficiency so the machine doesn't blow. Can someone shed some light on this issue please.

As it is looking. seems like I need to get a power supply a lot higher than the expected 850 W -.- and those cost a lot more.

[SchizophrenicX]

GPU1: ATI Radeon HD 5970 - $909 - 350 W
GPU2: ATI Radeon HD 5850 - $155 -200 W
GPU3: ATI Radeon HD 4850 - $110 - 100 W
MOBO: Foxconn A7DA-S 3.0 - $45 - 140 W (?)
CPU: Sempron 140 - $39 - 45 W (65 W Unlocked)
PSU: RAIDMAX RX-850AE - $120
RAM: Kingston 1 GB DDR3 1333 MHz - $14 - 10 W
HDD: None/USB ($0)
CASE: None/Cheapassjunk (~$20)
OS: Linux Ubuntu ($0)

Just an idea, Power consumption 845 W, @ 85% efficiency = 994 W (Before CPU unlock & OC and RAM OC if ever needed, however if setting provision for such 850 PSU is not enough)

Total Cost : $909 + $155 + $110 + $45 + $39 + $120 + $14 + $20 = $1412
Total Mining Power : 75 + 360 + 665 = 1.1 Ghash/s
Efficiency - $1.2836/(Mhash/s) | 1.107~1.301 Mhash/J [85%~100% eff. PSU]

I'm probably getting 2 of this rig : 2 x $1412 = $2824
The choice of GPU was because I'm getting a deal on both 2x5970 (@$808) and 2x4850 (@$81) essentially I'm paying $1149 less.
which is $1675 for 2 rig ($837.50 ea.) which gives me $0.7614/(Mhash/s) instead.

[cschmitz]

2900$ for the mhash you get out of this is really bad bang for the buck

[grndzero]

Your motherboard only has 2 slots to fit those 3 video cards, unless you want to use extender cables.

[SchizophrenicX]

Your motherboard only has 2 slots to fit those 3 video cards, unless you want to use extender cables.

The 4850 deal I'm getting should be PCI-E (one) ? Gotta make sure of it.

2900$ for the mhash you get out of this is really bad bang for the buck

Ya I know but I'm getting it at $837.50 ea.

This is just a thought. I'm really open to suggestions though. and reading alot on rig building. If you have any suggestions do share it with us thx

Anyway, the basic build is the same
MOBO: Foxconn A7DA-S 3.0 - $45 - 140 W (?)
CPU: Sempron 140 - $39 - 45 W (65 W Unlocked)
PSU: RAIDMAX RX-850AE - $120
RAM: Kingston 1 GB DDR3 1333 MHz - $14 - 10 W
HDD: None/USB ($0)
CASE: None/Cheapassjunk (~$20)
OS: Linux Ubuntu ($0)

[2 GPU PCIex16] + $45 + $39 + $120 + $14 + $20 = $238 + Cost of GPU

What do you think of this? Is this an ok build? Cheap enough build? I don't know the benchmark of the cheap builds around. Theres a lot of information to take in. I'm still looking around about how to get them up and running over USB/Ubuntu

[HighVoltageLP]

Check out the MSI 870U-G55 it's cheaper than your Gigabyte and has 2PCI-e (x16+x16) instead of (x16+x4) on Giga but on 770 chipset

[grndzero]

so after few hours of going through the various options and prices i had i came up with this build for my 1st mining experience!, 2 5870 Gpus, with 1000W SPU, and cheapest motherboard with 2 16x slots. case was the cheapest i found. Total money for it is about 1000$ and expected hash power is 750m/s, now got 2 questions

1. is my list compatible ? and if yes do i need to order some special pins,cables,etc ?
2. is the 1k$ price is fare price comparing your local prices ?

Thanks a lot in advance


בקניית מחשב חדש בלבד - SAPPHIRE RADEON 5870 1GB DDR5 - RETAIL
http://www.zigzag2000.co.il/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=14371
AMD AM3 dual-core Athlon II X2 220 2MB Cache 2.8GHz - Tray
http://www.zigzag2000.co.il/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=15540{23}47
Gigabyte GA-870A-UD3 - ATX
http://www.zigzag2000.co.il/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=13569
HEC COUGAR 1000W ACTIVE PFC Cable management - ספק כח
http://www.zigzag2000.co.il/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=12101
2GB TRANCEND DDR 3 - 1333 - TRANCEND Original
http://www.zigzag2000.co.il/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=8971
COMPUCASE CI-6920 ATX (Black & Blue) - NO PSU
http://www.zigzag2000.co.il/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=418
Seagate Barrcuda7200 250GB 8MB 7200RPM S-ATA II
http://www.zigzag2000.co.il/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=5108
TP-LINK Wireless 54Mbps 11g + 4dbi ANT - USB
http://www.zigzag2000.co.il/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=9629
Thermaltake PCI slot FAN (A2426) BLUE LED
http://www.zigzag2000.co.il/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=5924

I don't speak Hebrew or know what the exchange rates between currencies are, but everything looks compatible and the price is about right according to the items you listed.

[fadisaaida]

I don't speak Hebrew or know what the exchange rates between currencies are, but everything looks compatible and the price is about right according to the items you listed.

cool thanks alot. now i need to convince some of my friends to chip in with the investment . i dunno if it will help cooling the gpu but i did order 1 PCI slot fan to put as extra air just in case i might play with overclocking a bit ( nothing extreme though.

[SchizophrenicX]

Hi all, just checking back after I went to my local store. I can't find anything in my list from newegg -.-||| So I have to go for similar stuff. This is what I have right now. Choice of Mobo is so that I could upgrade to 1100T Chip if Bitcoin doesn't work out PSU just course the prices are so close and there ain't 1 GB rams around anymore -.-|||

GPU1: ATI Radeon HD 5970 - $488 - (350 W)
GPU2: ATI Radeon HD 5850 - $162 (200 W)
MOBO: Biostar TA890FEX + CPU: Athelon II X2 - $202 (150 W + 255  - 65 W | 1100T - 125 W = 215 W | 375 W)
PSU: Seasonic 850 AT80+ - $126
RAM: 2 GB DDR3 1333 Mhz - $23 (10 W)

Basic: $351 + GFX: $650
Per Rig: $1001

650 Mhash/s + 350 Mhash/s= 1 Ghash/s

2 Rigs Statistic
2 Ghash/s | $2002 | (502 W~775 W) x 2 = 1004 W ~ 1550 W

$1.001s/Mhash | 1.992~1.29 Mhash/J

Current Difficulty
2^32*244139 = 1,048,569,020,678,144 hash

Mining Solo
@ 2Ghash/s -> 524284.51 seconds - 145.6346 hours - 6.06811 days
30 days/6 days (per Block) => 5 Blocks * 50 BTC = 250 BTC * 6.2949 USD = SGD $1,573.725 /mth (SGD $ 52.4575/day)

Lower Limit
Power Consumption: 1.004 kW * $0.20/kWh * 24 * 30 = $144.576/mth ($4.8192/day)
Profit $52.4575 - $4.8192 = $47.6383 /day
Days to breakeven = 42 days

Upper Limit
Power Consumption: 1.550 kW * $0.20/kWh * 24 * 30 = $223.20/mth ($7.44/day)
Profit $52.4575 - $7.44 = $45.0175 /day
Days to breakeven = 45 days

Mining Pool (Slush)
Current 70 Mhash/s ~ 0.3 BTC/day ~ $1.88847/day
@2 Ghash/s ~ 8.57143 BTC/day ~ $53.96/day

Days to Breakeven
Lower: $2002/[$53.96 - $4.8192] = 41 days
Upper: $2002/[$53.96 - $7.44] = 43 days

~43 Days

Can someone verify that I'm doing the right way of calculating and stuff. Because I'm very new and am just picking stuff up from the forum. I'm not sure if I'm doing the right calculations. Thanks and do comment on my rigs.

P.S Oh I forgot to factor in the PSU efficiency sorry so assuming it's 80+ Ready @ 80% minimum theres a x1.25 factor to the figures I'm using for both upper ($9.30/day) and lower limit ($6.024/day). Theres a +1~2 Days difference so I'm sitting on 45 Days till breakeven.

P.P.S The price for 5970 is low because I've got a deal from someone I know. I'm getting 2x this rig so instead of putting both of them in 1, I decided to separate the power distribution. Please advice on this too

[grndzero]

I don't speak Hebrew or know what the exchange rates between currencies are, but everything looks compatible and the price is about right according to the items you listed.

cool thanks alot. now i need to convince some of my friends to chip in with the investment . i dunno if it will help cooling the gpu but i did order 1 PCI slot fan to put as extra air just in case i might play with overclocking a bit ( nothing extreme though.

The PCI slot cooler is not even worth it with multiple video cards. I can't find anything that shows the layout of the inside of that case. From the picture on the website it doesn't look like it has any cooling from the side and doesn't look like it has more than 1 input fan in front and probably 1 output fan in back. With that case you can almost certainly plan on having to leave the side panel off to get enough airflow to the cards if that is in fact the layout.

[grndzero]

Hi all, just checking back after I went to my local store. I can't find anything in my list from newegg -.-||| So I have to go for similar stuff. This is what I have right now. Choice of Mobo is so that I could upgrade to 1100T Chip if Bitcoin doesn't work out PSU just course the prices are so close and there ain't 1 GB rams around anymore -.-|||

GPU1: ATI Radeon HD 5970 - $488 - (350 W)
GPU2: ATI Radeon HD 5850 - $162 (200 W)
MOBO: Biostar TA890FEX + CPU: Athelon II X2 - $202 (150 W + 255  - 65 W | 1100T - 125 W = 215 W | 375 W)
PSU: Seasonic 850 AT80+ - $126
RAM: 2 GB DDR3 1333 Mhz - $23 (10 W)

Basic: $351 + GFX: $650
Per Rig: $1001

650 Mhash/s + 350 Mhash/s= 1 Ghash/s

2 Rigs Statistic
2 Ghash/s | $2002 | (502 W~775 W) x 2 = 1004 W ~ 1550 W

$1.001s/Mhash | 1.992~1.29 Mhash/J

Current Difficulty
2^32*244139 = 1,048,569,020,678,144 hash

Mining Solo
@ 2Ghash/s -> 524284.51 seconds - 145.6346 hours - 6.06811 days
30 days/6 days (per Block) => 5 Blocks * 50 BTC = 250 BTC * 6.2949 USD = SGD $1,573.725 /mth (SGD $ 52.4575/day)

Lower Limit
Power Consumption: 1.004 kW * $0.20/kWh * 24 * 30 = $144.576/mth ($4.8192/day)
Profit $52.4575 - $4.8192 = $47.6383 /day
Days to breakeven = 42 days

Upper Limit
Power Consumption: 1.550 kW * $0.20/kWh * 24 * 30 = $223.20/mth ($7.44/day)
Profit $52.4575 - $7.44 = $45.0175 /day
Days to breakeven = 45 days

Mining Pool (Slush)
Current 70 Mhash/s ~ 0.3 BTC/day ~ $1.88847/day
@2 Ghash/s ~ 8.57143 BTC/day ~ $53.96/day

Days to Breakeven
Lower: $2002/[$53.96 - $4.8192] = 41 days
Upper: $2002/[$53.96 - $7.44] = 43 days

~43 Days

Can someone verify that I'm doing the right way of calculating and stuff. Because I'm very new and am just picking stuff up from the forum. I'm not sure if I'm doing the right calculations. Thanks and do comment on my rigs.

P.S Oh I forgot to factor in the PSU efficiency sorry so assuming it's 80+ Ready @ 80% minimum theres a x1.25 factor to the figures I'm using for both upper ($9.30/day) and lower limit ($6.024/day). Theres a +1~2 Days difference so I'm sitting on 45 Days till breakeven.

P.P.S The price for 5970 is low because I've got a deal from someone I know. I'm getting 2x this rig so instead of putting both of them in 1, I decided to separate the power distribution. Please advice on this too

Parts look good and calculations look correct. You also break even faster if the price of bitcoins goes up too. I originally planned on breaking even in 80-90 days, but I broke even in about 35 because the price went up so much. Too bad I didn't hold on longer or I could have more than doubled my money if I knew bitcoins were going to go as high as they did.