This mining tutorial is made for absolute beginners as well as for experienced miners looking for new mining opportunities. It focuses on Zcash mining as well as Ethereum mining, and can be very helpful for other cryptocurrencies based on memory-hard. How to build a Zcash / Ethereum mining rig? • • • • • • • Introduction: a few words about Zcash We’re all on an equal footing with Zcash: nobody knows if it’s just another ephemeral trend or a new Ethereum. But two points caught my attention: • A carefully designed cryptocurrency Zcash seems to have been designed by a highly skilled team made of various profiles with much experienceand they did well. Zcash has been introduced with care: announcements were made, a public betatest phase was launched, and the biggest exchanges like and supported the “ZEC” as soon as the first coins were emited. Note: yet, there has been some bugs, one of them, which is a feature they’ve been communicating a lot on.

However it sounds like it hasn’t killed the Zcash effect! (fixed with v1.0.1) • A timely release Keep in mind the context From Bitcoin has emerged a great community of tech-savvy do-it-yourselfers and a new caste of digital speculators, then ASICS and super mining farms came, endangering the idea of wholly decentralized and reliable network: the Proof-of-Work algorithms had to become “harder” for ASICs to mine, ie ASIC-resistant, and this was one of the numerous reasons why Ethereum had been praised. Now, is approaching limit for mining rentability, raising concerns for the mining community. As if we needed a new eldorado, easy to mine for, that would be capable of embodying a new crypto-era, with a fairly certain future mmh, ‘ looks familiar.

Yet, be quick because there are always some ASICs coming (remember Dash), and ZEC’s price has already fallen so that ETH is still worth mining. I / Designing a mining rig What will my mining rig do? Your mining rig will receive “works” from the cryptocurrency’s peer-to-peer network. These works are new transactions to be verified and added to the: they are divided in “blocks”. Your rig will calculate for a block. You are said to have successfuly mined a block if you have found a solution to the cryptographic problem associated with. It’s very hard to solve, so enumerating and verifying is the only way to achieve mining.

Home / Mining Rig's / Zcash (ZEC) miner 1600 sol(1600h/s) Sale! Our goal is to build a cryptocurrency where your neighbors. Specifications of the Zcash. Dec 21, 2017 In this guide I go through the process, start to finish, of how to setup and mine ZCash (ZEC). Why You SHOULDN'T Build A Mining Rig - Duration: 13:01.

The variable called difficulty level (self-explanatory) is an ever-increasing constraint at the scale of the network. Then the block is put at the end of the blockchain and you earn a reward (coins), made of static and transaction fees. For this kind of process, you need to run a tremendous number of simple operations in parallel. To be more accurate, this is not exactly the process your mining rig will run: this is a short description of the solo mining process, while you might go pool-mining (cf Section III).

Note: one may say “sounds weird to me, why hashing etc?” Well, this is the paradigm, which solves the issue of “consensus”. For example, Zcash’s algorithm was introduced in a paper called.

Then, what kind of hardware is needed? All computers are not created equal when dealing with massively parallel processing: either you’ve got a supercomputer with a great number of CPUs, or you create a very customized devicelike an. Third solution: use your GPU, or even better: build a computer with several GPUs! AMD R9 290x (2013) is a reference for miners.

There are more interesting GPUs now. Why GPU and not CPU? Graphic cards are particularly adapted for these simple, repeated and parallel operations: they have many s (Arithmetic Logic Unit) or for video processing. Whereas your CPU is a very good executive, a GPU is an unmatched laborer! For the same cost, you’ll end up with a far better mining rate with a GPU.

And should you prefer CPU-mining, you’ll need a high-end CPU, meaning usually high-end mobo plus RAM. Moreover, having several CPUs is expensive and quite unusual for desktop computers, while multi-GPU doesn’t scare anyone. Note: all this rethoric is ok for “memory-hard” algorithms, like (Zcash) and (formerly, Ethereum). It means that mining efficiency is limited by the memory, and the latter being a costly thing, it’s said to undermine profitability in mining. It’s also (especially?) targeting ASICs: the more it’s memory-hard, the less they’re likely to dominate. Read the for more information. Some cryptocurrencies are better CPU-mined, thanks to their hashing algorithms:.

Design of a mining-rig as a desktop computer with several GPUs An unforgivable constraint: heat Whatever the hardware, whatever the GPU: it will heat anyway, a lot. The processing units will be at almost 100% of charge 24/7, so a good cooling is needed.

For example, a controlled and well dissipated GPU will – at least – end up with 170 ºF (75 C°). A desktop computer case? It’s all about airflow. You can add box fans if you want. The multi-GPU problem: how to connect more than 2 cards to the motherboard?

You’ll find it out in Section II, be patient 😉 Some widespread designs With cases from the DIY version to the >$100 case. For rigs >3 GPUs, the cleanest way: a custom-made open-air-case. DIY or kits available on ebay (quite expensive). Here from spotswoodcomputercases.com II / Choosing hardware GPU: why AMD and not Nvidia? Nvidia has great cards for gamers, but the mining community runs on AMD. For several reasons.

“Historically”, Bitcoin mining chose in between Nvidia and AMD: the latter seemed to have a far better integer computation performance, which is typically what cryptography is about – integers – so it does make a difference for cryptocurrencies. Note that AMD also gives a good floating-point performance. While Nvidia dominates the high-end market with the fastest performance in absolute terms, AMD is said to reach the best mining performance per watt. Last but not least, if you compare AMD RX vs Nvidia GTX, you’ll find more GDDR5 memory along with a higher bandwidth (nice for memory-hard cryptos like ours), and much more shading units! Some laborers! Good point for AMD, whereas Nvidia gets better when it comes to frequencies. Usually both clock speed and turbo clock speed are higher, so it can meet gamers’ expectations for framerate in complex scenes.

Note: there is an algorithm known as LYRA2RE, used by and, that is said to allow a good mining performance on Nvidia. How to choose a GPU to mine Zcash / Ethereum with? Well, helps a lot. Take into account the Bitcoin mining performance shown by Gpuboss for each GPU: it’s not an absolute answer to our question (since Bitcoin neither use Equihash nor Dagger-Hashimoto but yet it’s guiding you in the right direction. Try not to focus on hashrates found on forums: those numbers depend on too many factors (mining software and its parameters, exact GPU version, driver version, overclocking, downclocking, etc).

Pay attention to the power consumption in charge. You can get it from tests available on the Internet. If not, use constructors’ indicator called (Thermal Design Power), which may allow you to compare the GPUs you’ve selected. Then, find the lowest price. Note: If you plan to sell your GPUs after their (profitable?) use, then you should definitely include the popularity of the GPU in your criteria.

For example, 8Go-GPUs are said to attract gamers in the second-hand market. What about the remaining components of the computer? Since we are not CPU-mining, performance isn’t determined by the CPU, the RAM or the hard drive: it just has to be working well together, with an internet connexion and reasonable performances.

Low-end products will be fine. However, we should pay attention to the TDP of these components, CPU first, because additional heat / electric consumption could decrease profitability. It’s a question of average consumption. Personal tip: I’ve figured out that a 2.5′ HDD – 5400rpm – from an old netbook could draw less power than a low-end SSD! Other recommandations: 8 Go RAM (better when compiling Zcash’s source on Ubuntu, for example). Of course, enough space on the HDD to run an OS, the drivers, the miner, etc.

If you’re not mining with a pool (see section III), you’ll have to download and sync the entire blockchain of the cryptocurrency, which might get very big: Ethereum’s blockchain reached 30 Go inone year. Motherboard and CPU Because of the GPUs, we’ll need several PCIe 2.0 x16 slots on the motherboard, and then cables known as “ risers” to connect the GPUs to the slots.

With these cables, we can also keep away the hot GPUs from the rest of the system. However, casual motherboards don’t have such a number of PCI-E slots, so a particular type of motherboard is required to run the rig.

It uses PCIe 2.0 x1 slots instead of PCIe 2.0 x16 slots. Some motherboards have several PCIe 2.0 x1 slots, each for a riser and thus for a GPU. They’re said “ BTC-ready“.

The brand ASRock has well-played its game, making bestsellers such as the ASRock H81 Pro BTC, which can be associated with a cheap Intel Celeron G1840 (. Ribbon riser vs USB-riser And the Power Supply Unit (PSU)? The choice of the PSU depends on the overall TDP of your GPUs plus the CPU/RAM/HDD. Moreover, keep in mind that the PSU efficiency, whatever its rating ( Bronze, Gold, Silver or Platinum), is a function of the load.

There are two strategies: either investing in a good branded PSU with a several-year warranty, or combining less powerful PSUs with a Dual PSU Adapter. You can make the choice of investing for durability or saving for the sake of your (Return On Investment). Moreover, each GPU is powered through the PCIe 2.0 x16 slot and (for our powerful GPUs) an additional cable (6 or 8 pins) plugged into the PSU. Problem: when the GPU is connected with a PCIe 2.0 x1 slot instead of a PCIe 2.0 x16 slot how is the GPU powered?

Well, the answer is on the USB-riser: you’ll power it thanks to a Molex cable. Finally, will you be able to plug all your cables on the PSU? Will you have enough cables?

This should be an important criteria. Note: high-end PSUs are more likely to be modular, ie only the cables you need are plugged in, saving lot of space.

Do you want to build Zcash mining rig? Do you want to know which is the best GPU for Zcash mining? Then hold on all the questions will be answered. Today we are going to build 13 GPU Zcash mining rig. I will show you what all the components you will be needing to build Zcash mining rig in 2018. First of all, we are going to use some GPU’s, Motherboard that will support 13 GPU’s, Processor, RISERS, PSU, Frame, etc. I have listed the hardware required down below.

Als, I have included Amazon links for you to buy. • • • • • • • • • Mining Frame. You will need 13 of them. EVGA build some good Nvidia Graphics Cards. With one you can achieve 430 Sol/s. With 13 GPUs we can achieve hash rate of about 5600 Sol/s. As we are building 13 GPU we are going to order 13 GPU’s.

If you are low on budget you can always order less and increase as you go. So, be sure to use the same components that I’m going to mention below. But, Why are we using Nvidia? Because Nvidia cards give the best output per watt consumption. But, the thing is Nvidia graphics cards are costlier than AMD.

Another reason we are using Nvidia Series 10 is because they have a higher resell values than the AMD. If you don’t want to spend much then I will always recommend you to go with reselling graphics cards on Amazon. They are good and prices are really low. You will definately save more money. You must have for connecting Graphics cards to the motherboards.

RISERS are easy to install with only snap a card on RISER on one end connect the other end to the motherboard. We will need 13 RISERS for our ZEC mining Rig. Next important thing that you should see that your motherboard is supporting 13 Risers not or any less. More is better. I have mentioned the motherboard below.

We are going to use this is very good and strong motherboard. The motherboard supports 13 GPU’s so you need not worry. In comparison, this is very cheap and affordable motherboard in the market. All the miners have been using Asrock motherboard.

So, no questions asked. This motherboard supports DDR4 RAM which will not affect our efficiency in mining.

Motherboards are the base of your mining rig. You have to make sure that there is much air flowing through and should not excess heat. RAM memory is not that important than you might think. You will be losing money if you are investing in 8GB RAM. So, Asrock H110 Pro BTC+ supports DDR4 RAM so we are going with DDR4 4GB RAM. Patriot Memory Viper is quite good and I’ve personally used it.

If you are going with any other RAM it is OK until it is DDR4. If you go with 8GB RAM you will have the same Zcash mining efficiency as with 4GB RAM. Now comes the main part of the Zcash mining rig. But, let me tell you it is not that important than you think. We are going to do GPU mining, not CPU mining.

So, we are going to use processor only to power on the mining rig. Also, we are going to use, you can also use. So, to save more and build an profitable ZEC mining rig build we will go with Intel Celeron.

Again don’t invest in i3 or i5 processors. You do need a storage but you don’t need HDD. We can use HDD if you need but SSD’s are faster in processing. You will conserve much time in processing. I think SSD is a bit faster and will increase your mining efficiency. SSD’s are bit expensive but in comparison to HDD, they are only a few more bucks to invest. Bitfury ZCoin XZC Mining. By using SSD’s you will increase processing speed and reduce the transfer time.

SSD will only be used to run your OS and mining software. I prefer they are pretty cheap and reliable. You will need 2 of them.

We are going to use 2 1500 Watt Power Supply Unit as we are going to build 13 GPU cryptocurrency mining rig. We will go with Corsair AX1500i as it provide 1500 Watt. What we will do is we will run these PSU’s simultaneously. So, there is no any kind of buying higher end PSU.

As per my experience Corsair and EVGA manufacture the best PSU. So, if we figure out that each of our GPU will need 180W of supply then we will supply (assumption) about 2400W of power to the GPU’s. The other supply would go to SSD, Motherboard, CPU – This will make up upto 200W. On the other end we are let up with some juice left. I like to buy an higher power as to be on the safe side. Choosing the matching power supply is important and if you have chosen the wrong one you have probably burned down your rig. Remember as I said that we are going to run two PSU’s simultaneously.

So, to do that we are going to use adapter cable. Mine Electroneum ETN Osx. This will connect both PSU and will run our mining rig that we have built.

These adapters are pretty cheap don’t waste on buying this cable individually – Buy it with the other components. You can connect the mining rig as shown in below image – Do you want to start your motherboard right? We are not using anykind of CPU cases which comes with pre-button to turn on and off. So, we are going to use these are small wires with an button attached. These go well directly in the motherboard.

You can turn on with the button. Try to buy this with other componants and you will cut out the shipping charges. Small but important!!! I’ve covered every small componant that are needed. You can always create one yourself to conserv some costs.

You can make it work as a project. When you order the products form the Amazon it will take some time to ship. Till the time of shipping you can always put it as a project and create some good mining rig frame. We are going to use 13 GPU so you need to create it big. You are going to make sure that all the componants like GPU, Motherboard, 2PSU, etc fit well. Most importantly you are going to make sure that there is enough of airflow. If there is going to be more heat involved you will probably burn down you Zcash mining rig.

I have listed this mining rig that can hold 14 GPU and will be enough. Linux / Windows You must have an OS installed on your mining rig. But, it’s harder to choose with this rig. The thing is Windows is good for mining as you will have good GUI and more of them are currently mining on windows. So, the downside of windows with this mining rig is that the efficiency of all the 13GPU running on windows will cause some problems. Sometimes the windows will not recognise all the 13 GPU’s. If you are going to build the same rig with 8 or 6 GPU then windows is ok.

There are few guides around internet where you can achieve all 13 GPU running at once and good. But, if you want to run this rig efficiently with 13GPU Linux is what you are going to use. I will highly recommend going with linux. There would be no problem in mining with 13GPU and everything would be fine. You will also cut out some charges by not buying windows. Mining Pool You need a perfect mining software and also right mining pool.

This is recent expereince of mine. I was previously using Flypool fo mining Zcash. But don’t know why I was not getting more hashrates. So, a friend of mine recommended me to use.

They are still growing but they are legit and there are regular payouts of ZEC. Also they have low fees. Conclusion If you have built Zcash (ZEC) MiningRig as per my instruction you will be easily able to mine.

With the current rate and profitablity and adding electricity cost you will be easily able to mine $960/month. (UPDATE – You can get more than $1,882.55 / Month with this rig). This rig is future proof and can be used in 2018 too. And this is huge. So, there is lesser payout time. You can always increase the no. Low on budget?

Start with lesser number of GPU then periodically increase them as you earn. For mining there are many softwares available. Not only this you can always use this mining rig to mine Ethereum, Monero, Bitcoin, etc. If you want to start mining Ethereum then you can start with one of my easy guide – You can always invest in cryptocurrencies. You are starting out – you can look in my guide for Total ~ $8610 (Prices Can Change) You can always buy less GPU’s and increase periodically. Save Save Save.