Initially, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies could be mined on a regular PC of average power. However, over time, the complexity of mining has increased significantly, and specialized video cards and processors for mining cryptocurrencies have appeared. Several video cards connected to each other form a rig, which can be part of a larger mining farm.

Rig and mining farm

A mining farm is a group of devices combined into one system that is capable of performing calculations for mining cryptocurrencies using the Proof-of-Work algorithm. Sometimes there is so much equipment involved in this process that it is impossible to connect it to one server. Then the farm is divided into barns.

A mining rig is part of a farm, which also consists of several components and can mine cryptocurrency. This design is mounted on a special case along with a power supply, motherboard and other equipment. Combining such rigs allows you to assemble a powerful mining farm.

The profitability of mining depends on many factors:

  • video card models;

  • mined cryptocurrency;

  • the value of the coin on exchanges;

  • cost of electricity used.

Some farms consist of a large number of rigs and reach industrial scales.

What does a rig consist of?

A rig can include a different number of video cards (GPUs), usually 6–8 pieces. At the same time, the miner does not set himself the task of finding the cheapest or most powerful equipment. Its main goal is to get high profitability, and for this you need to generate maximum hashrate at minimum costs. For this purpose, components are selected taking into account their return on investment. This indicator is calculated as the ratio of equipment cost to daily profit. Associated costs must also be taken into account, such as maintenance costs, energy consumption, and cooling.

Usually, a rig is assembled from identical video cards - this makes it easier to control the process. But you can use different models.

Another important component of the rig is the central processing unit (CPU). It plays the role of a link between all other elements of the system, but is not involved in the mining process itself, so you can use budget options, for example Intel or AMD with 4–6 cores with a clock frequency of 2.5 GHz.

Also, to assemble the rig you need the following elements:

  • Motherboard. It must be selected taking into account the type of socket (must be compatible with the CPU), as well as the number of connectors for video cards.

  • Power unit. It must have sufficient power (with a margin of up to 15–20%) and the number of wires according to the number of GPUs.

  • HDD. The best option is a 240 GB solid state SSD. If you plan to mine without participating in pools, additional memory will be required to load the blockchain.

  • RAM. Any RAM from 8 GB will do.

  • PCI-Express risers. These are special adapters for connecting video cards. SATA or MOLEX are suitable; the second option can withstand greater loads.

You can also connect additional elements:

  • Watchdog - monitors the operation of the system and reboots it if necessary.

  • Monitor emulator - needed to “deceive” the Windows system, which blocks video cards without a connected monitor.

  • Energy meter - to check voltage, current, power and other indicators.

  • Cooling system - without it, there is a risk of overheating of the rig components.

The equipment is installed on a metal case (most often aluminum), which can be purchased or assembled manually.

For full mining you also need:

  • computer with Windows or Linux system;

  • equipment for connecting to the Internet (Wi-Fi router, cable);

  • special software;

  • cryptocurrency wallet.

Some suppliers sell ready-made mining rigs, but most miners prefer to assemble them themselves. With some knowledge, this can help you achieve maximum profitability.

In 2023, solo mining is used only for the extraction of new coins, because mining top cryptocurrencies requires enormous power, which can only be generated in industrial data centers. The second option is to connect to pools, such as Binance Pool.

Launch and operation of the rig

To launch and manage the rig, you need special software. For example, for GPU farms you can use:

  • Gminer,

  • NBMiner,

  • mine OS,

  • Miracle Miner,

  • BFGMiner,

  • Nicehash,

  • EasyMiner.

Such programs are suitable for working with different equipment. But manufacturers sometimes recommend certain software for their video cards.

After connecting and setting up the equipment, mining is carried out automatically. However, it is advisable to periodically check the hashrate in order to identify malfunctions in time. This can be done remotely through special programs (TeamViewer, AnyDesk, etc.).

There is also special software to optimize the mining process. For example, when connecting to Binance Pool, it is better to use the affiliate service Ultimus Pool. The company provides an interactive HiveOS panel with extensive capabilities, including:

  • automation;

  • online process monitoring;

  • detailed statistics;

  • notifications about faults in Telegram;

  • remote control via console;

  • Autofan temperature control (controls the operation of coolers to maintain optimal temperature);

  • energy consumption optimization;

  • personalized settings;

  • integrated capabilities for overclocking video cards;

  • API;

  • ASIC hub and firmware for ASIC.

In addition, you need to carry out maintenance every few months to extend the life of the equipment.

How to keep your rig cool

The cooling system is not a mandatory part of the rig. But mining equipment generates a lot of heat and must be constantly cooled, otherwise it may lose its performance or fail.

Miners are looking for ways to reduce temperatures that do not affect the profitability of the entire process. When it comes to 1-3 rig farms, built-in coolers combined with a well-ventilated area are sufficient, which may require additional fans during the summer season. Larger farms and data centers require special cooling systems. They can be divided into two main categories:

  • air;

  • immersion (water).

There are several types of air cooling:

  • natural ventilation system;

  • centralized air conditioning system;

  • ducted air conditioner with extractor hood;

  • supply and exhaust ventilation (with or without air conditioning);

  • specialized climate systems.

The optimal solution is considered to be a supply and exhaust unit. It simultaneously controls the supply and removal of air, and if there is a threat of overheating, it launches additional power. Air cooling has some disadvantages such as noise, dust, vibration and additional power consumption.

Because of this, many miners prefer to use immersion cooling - a method that involves immersing the rig in a special liquid. It is safe for people and equipment, does not conduct current, moisturizes parts and takes away heat from them.

Immersion cooling has the following advantages:

  • saving electricity;

  • increased environmental friendliness;

  • noiselessness;

  • compactness;

  • absence of dust and vibrations;

  • increasing the service life of equipment.

The income from mining must cover all costs, so cooling methods must be assessed from the point of view of economic feasibility. To choose the right cooling system, you need:

  • determine available energy supply;

  • calculate the power of the rig (or the entire farm);

  • calculate the required power of the cooling system, which will allow the farm to operate uninterruptedly 24/7;

  • take into account temperature changes in this area throughout the year.

When calculating, take into account:

  • required temperature in the room;

  • equipment heat emission intensity;

  • room volume;

  • outside air temperature;

  • material of enclosing structures.

Of course, it is better to calculate all the parameters before starting mining. But you can install a cooling system at any stage of the farm’s operation. If it is not very large, it is possible to test different options.

When it comes to industrial scale, mining equipment is purchased together with cooling systems, and they must initially be perfectly combined. To avoid making mistakes in your calculations, you can use the services of companies that professionally develop and configure equipment for mining farms.