The Definition: GPU Mining Rig
In simple terms, GPU Mining Rig is a Desktop PC with more than one Graphics Card plugged into it. The Rig will use the combined computational power that the Graphic Cards produce to hash through the blocks, solving complex equations and securing the blockchain in return for a fee.
Why Should You Consider Mining
Pros
- Really Fun, and Interesting
- Generate Money With Minimal Maintenance
- An Opportunity To Join The Modern Day 'Gold Mine'
Cons
- The heat and noise are inconvenient
- Can be very hazardous if done incorrectly
- Electricity Can Be Expensive Based On Your Location
Parts Needed To Build A GPU Mining Rig
Let’s run down a list of the parts we need to assemble a Rig. Every hardware role will be explained and we will provide the most reliable parts that we use for our Mining Farm, so feel free to use the links we provide, and the prices will be based on your local Amazon store.
- Motherboard
- Processor (CPU)
- Memory (RAM)
- Power Supply (PSU)
- Graphic Card (GPU)
- Storage
- PCI-E Risers
- Internet Connectivity (WiFi Adapter Or Ethernet)
- Rack Or Case
- Zip-tiesAmazon Associate.We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Thank you for the support!×Dismiss alert
Motherboard
Connects every component together. Check if it is the right socket and generation for your CPU. Some models have much more support for mining and provide more PCI-E lanes resulting in the capability to add more GPUs.
Processor (CPU)
The Brains of the PC. Don’t get a high-end CPU unless you’re mining with it.
New ones have CPU Fans included used ones do not.
Memory (RAM)
Random Access Memory, 4 to 8 GB stick would do great, ideally 8GB for 9+ GPU Rigs.
Storage
Where you will be downloading your Operating System on either HDD or SSD. We recommend going with Windows 10 if you are a starter with a smaller-scale farm. Click here for the guide.
You can also use USB sticks for storage.
Power Supply (PSU)
The only part you don’t want to be cheap on. PSUs rank from White to Titanium, while Titanium is the most efficient and wastes less Watts, and make sure to get enough wattage for your rig, preferably, get more than you need in case you want to add more GPUs down the line.
We recently did a video to cover everything about PSUs. Click here.
Graphic Cards (GPU)
Your bread and butter for your entire mining operation, here you can buy your preferred choice, and We will give our personal favorites. Pick and choose which one fits your budget, they don’t all need to be the same GPU, but if they are, it is very eye pleasing.
PCI-E Risers
Extensions to the PCI-E Lane in your Motherboard that connect to the Graphic Cards. Always have a backup, in case one breaks down you can always swap it so you experience no downtime.
Internet Connectivity
Going with WiFi Adapters can get expensive if you own a couple of rigs, but it is also preferred to go with Ethernet so you avoid any unnecessary delay, and disconnectivity.
Frame
Buy or Build a frame of your own, it will be where everything will come together, there are 4, 6, 8, etc, GPU Racks. The one below is great because of the rigid build quality, and stackable, and it also comes included with a power button.
LCD Screen Or Monitor
A screen for your mining rig is necessary for the setup and to keep an eye on it if you are not too comfortable using the methods we provided on How To Monitor Your Mining Rig.
Booting It For The First Time
Now that you have all the parts, and developed a little of an understanding of what everything does, we can move on to building it. The process is very similar to how you build a PC, so make sure you take all precautions and don’t hold anything from the gold pins, also, make sure to ground yourself (do it on wood, wear a static bracelet, AVOID Carpet) so you don’t static -shock your components.
Building The Rig
- Assemble your Frame, and make sure it is secure and ready for the hardware.
- Take out the Motherboard from the box and place it somewhere safe and accessible.
- Put the CPU in the Motherboard facing the correct angle.
- Place a rice grain size thermal paste on the top of the CPU.
- Now take the CPU fan and safely install it.
- Insert your RAM in the 2nd Slot, if you have a second stick, then put it in the 4th slot.
- Connect your SSD to the motherboard, and then connect it to the PSU Via SATA.
- Afterward, plug in the button included in with the rack to the pwr on pins on the motherboard, refer to the manufacturer manual for more information.
- Plug in 1 GPU and Boot into BIOS.
Graphic Cards get pretty buggy if you plug all of them in at once in your first boot. Hence, we recommend plugging in only one GPU in the first PCI-E x16 slot and then booting it up.
Head to ‘How To Setup A Mining Rig‘ to see which settings you should change before you start mining.