Building Cheap Miners : My "Secret" - page 51.

Jz111

newbie

Activity: 6

Merit: 0

Nice! thanks Vann!

Finding some info -see above now, but good to get practical working experience from users is always best.

Looks Like this old K9 board can do something useful yet Grin

Mining - even Zen/zcash is a bit slow currently even w/1070 gaming, and found the option to sell hash on nicehash... anyone do this here? Granted could miss on early coin price increases if hoarding, but longer term - it seems a viable approach to setting up a (small) mine farm.

Definitely be looking at powered risers - if not needed currently, in upgrades they would hold their use.

Thanks for Reply so fast Vann Cool

Vann

hero member

Activity: 1036

Merit: 606

Quote from: Jz111 on June 11, 2017, 04:56:01 PM

Great information, thank you

I started my mining career with just my solo MSI GTX 1070 on my home rig, but am looking at making a dedicated miner.

Been building my own computers since way back but never made a miner, and my question is about the PCIe slots/speed -

Got an older MSI K9A2 CF V2 motherboard I may use to start? (It runs now with 4gb ram and Athlon duo core 3.0/ Win 7 - was retired but mining got me to fire it up to test it. - not my current system) https://www.cnet.com/products/msi-k9a2-cf-f-v2-motherboard-atx-socket-am2-plus-amd-790x/specs/

The card it has is too old - HD 5770 radeon and is a PCIe 2.0

By looking this post over it appears one can run newer PCIe 3.0 cards on these older boards? i.e. the Dell T5500 - Just trying to wrap up my confusion on how PCIe 1/2/3.0 slots make any difference to mining. I'm used to building pc's for.. eh computing/internet/gaming/etc.

If attaching by risers/cables - it makes no difference as to the cards requirements for a slot? So if anyone can enlighten me / point me to a good guide, I would be most grateful.

Happy mining!

Yes, you can run PCI-E v3 cards on a PCI-E v1.1 and up board. I was running a HD 7850 PCI-E v2.0 card and two RX 480's with powered USB risers on a Dell XPS 700 motherboard that had PCI-E v 1.1 slots. The speed of the slot makes no difference for mining. The newer PCI-E specifications are able to deliver more power through the slot, but as long as you use powered risers the card can get enough power without overloading the motherboard. The problem I had on the XPS 700 was the BIOS would not recognize the PCI-E v3 cards on Post. I had to use the HD 7850 PCI-E v2 card in the primary PCI-E slot to be able to access the Bios. Once in the OS, all the cards were recognized and mined.

Jz111

newbie

Activity: 6

Merit: 0

Great information, thank you

I started my mining career with just my solo MSI GTX 1070 on my home rig, but am looking at making a dedicated miner.

Been building my own computers since way back but never made a miner, and my question is about the PCIe slots/speed -

Got an older MSI K9A2 CF V2 motherboard I may use to start? (It runs now with 4gb ram and Athlon duo core 3.0/ Win 7 - was retired but mining got me to fire it up to test it. - not my current system) https://www.cnet.com/products/msi-k9a2-cf-f-v2-motherboard-atx-socket-am2-plus-amd-790x/specs/

The card it has is too old - HD 5770 radeon and is a PCIe 2.0

By looking this post over it appears one can run newer PCIe 3.0 cards on these older boards? i.e. the Dell T5500 - Just trying to wrap up my confusion on how PCIe 1/2/3.0 slots make any difference to mining. I'm used to building pc's for.. eh computing/internet/gaming/etc.

If attaching by risers/cables - it makes no difference as to the cards requirements for a slot? So if anyone can enlighten me / point me to a good guide, I would be most grateful.

Happy mining!

EDIT:

found some info on this, sorry have waaay to many thing s going on here atm.

But any comments to this are welcome, in case anyone has ? about this as well - here is a post I found:

http://www.gobitgo.com/articles/1001/How-To-Correctly-Use-and-Install-PCI-E-Riser-Cables/

lexele

full member

Activity: 190

Merit: 100

yes it's for the 8 pin cpu plug.Mine have only 2x6 peg, the 2x8 are the motherboard plugs for the cpu(BGNing CPU 8Pin).

Storx

full member

Activity: 322

Merit: 233

Quote from: lexele on June 10, 2017, 05:32:19 PM

Quote from: Storx on June 09, 2017, 12:10:41 PM

Quote from: sundownz on June 09, 2017, 09:59:57 AM

Quote from: lexele on June 09, 2017, 02:53:08 AM

Don't forget that I mentioned "adapters' for dell t5500:

- It has 2x6 pins PEG => 6 to 8 adapters

- to plug third card you may need to use adapters aswell (and it should not be an AMD card they use to much power especially through the riser).

Psu is big enough but each rail has it's limits.

- I plan to plug a 4th card, and ordered adapters for cpu2 rail (as there is no cpu 2 in my case), BGNing CPU 8Pin to PEG 8Pin. they take forever to come from china.

I will share some pictures when I get my T5500 and configure it for 3 cards -- I will use 3x RX580 cards in that one I think. Either that or 3x Geforce 1070.

hmm have a link to these adapters?
I was just going to run the workstation to 5 cards on risers.. or maybe place 1 in the computer and 4 on risers.. this is going to be my first open case build with this workstation, i was just going to place the workstation on its side on a garage shelving unit i purchased from home depot, then suspend the GPU's off the shelf above with zip ties.. seen it on another persons setup and he has over 50 rigs this way, but all his are with brand new mobo and cpu's... I do have a 1200watt EVGA PSU that was for another build on its way i can use temp tell i get adapters and just short out the startup pin so i can turn it on from the switch on the back... i also have a server 1200w psu on its way from ebay, want to try one of these units out due to how dang cheap they are.

I ordered on amazon, look for "BGNing CPU 8Pin to PEG 6+2Pin"

So is that the connector for the 8pin plugs coming off the PSU? i looked up the part number on the PSU it says it has 2x8PEG and 2x6PEG off the PSU

lexele

full member

Activity: 190

Merit: 100

Quote from: Storx on June 09, 2017, 12:10:41 PM

Quote from: sundownz on June 09, 2017, 09:59:57 AM

Quote from: lexele on June 09, 2017, 02:53:08 AM

Don't forget that I mentioned "adapters' for dell t5500:

- It has 2x6 pins PEG => 6 to 8 adapters

- to plug third card you may need to use adapters aswell (and it should not be an AMD card they use to much power especially through the riser).

Psu is big enough but each rail has it's limits.

- I plan to plug a 4th card, and ordered adapters for cpu2 rail (as there is no cpu 2 in my case), BGNing CPU 8Pin to PEG 8Pin. they take forever to come from china.

I will share some pictures when I get my T5500 and configure it for 3 cards -- I will use 3x RX580 cards in that one I think. Either that or 3x Geforce 1070.

hmm have a link to these adapters?
I was just going to run the workstation to 5 cards on risers.. or maybe place 1 in the computer and 4 on risers.. this is going to be my first open case build with this workstation, i was just going to place the workstation on its side on a garage shelving unit i purchased from home depot, then suspend the GPU's off the shelf above with zip ties.. seen it on another persons setup and he has over 50 rigs this way, but all his are with brand new mobo and cpu's... I do have a 1200watt EVGA PSU that was for another build on its way i can use temp tell i get adapters and just short out the startup pin so i can turn it on from the switch on the back... i also have a server 1200w psu on its way from ebay, want to try one of these units out due to how dang cheap they are.

I ordered on amazon, look for "BGNing CPU 8Pin to PEG 6+2Pin"

Storx

full member

Activity: 322

Merit: 233

Quote from: sundownz on June 09, 2017, 09:59:57 AM

Quote from: lexele on June 09, 2017, 02:53:08 AM

Don't forget that I mentioned "adapters' for dell t5500:

- It has 2x6 pins PEG => 6 to 8 adapters

- to plug third card you may need to use adapters aswell (and it should not be an AMD card they use to much power especially through the riser).

Psu is big enough but each rail has it's limits.

- I plan to plug a 4th card, and ordered adapters for cpu2 rail (as there is no cpu 2 in my case), BGNing CPU 8Pin to PEG 8Pin. they take forever to come from china.

I will share some pictures when I get my T5500 and configure it for 3 cards -- I will use 3x RX580 cards in that one I think. Either that or 3x Geforce 1070.

hmm have a link to these adapters?
I was just going to run the workstation to 5 cards on risers.. or maybe place 1 in the computer and 4 on risers.. this is going to be my first open case build with this workstation, i was just going to place the workstation on its side on a garage shelving unit i purchased from home depot, then suspend the GPU's off the shelf above with zip ties.. seen it on another persons setup and he has over 50 rigs this way, but all his are with brand new mobo and cpu's... I do have a 1200watt EVGA PSU that was for another build on its way i can use temp tell i get adapters and just short out the startup pin so i can turn it on from the switch on the back... i also have a server 1200w psu on its way from ebay, want to try one of these units out due to how dang cheap they are.

senseless

hero member

Activity: 1118

Merit: 541

Quote from: sundownz on June 09, 2017, 10:01:05 AM

Quote from: senseless on June 09, 2017, 03:31:26 AM

My secret is, I pay a little more and buy DL580 G7s for $500 -- $125/mo monero cpu mining and up to 12 GPUs without a breakout board. It also comes with 4x 1200W PSUs. Just make sure to buy some ear plugs so you don't go deaf.

Also a cool idea -- I will look into it as well. Where do you buy yours ?

Thanks for sharing too!

I don't want to mention it publicly Undecided

Quote from: navydude on June 09, 2017, 10:55:24 AM

Quote from: senseless on June 09, 2017, 03:31:26 AM

My secret is, I pay a little more and buy DL580 G7s for $500 -- $125/mo monero cpu mining and up to 12 GPUs without a breakout board. It also comes with 4x 1200W PSUs. Just make sure to buy some ear plugs so you don't go deaf.

So does the bios allow for 12 GPUs in windows? This could be damn nice if so. Or have to run linux?

I don't know, I don't use windows

navydude

sr. member

Activity: 283

Merit: 250

Quote from: senseless on June 09, 2017, 03:31:26 AM

My secret is, I pay a little more and buy DL580 G7s for $500 -- $125/mo monero cpu mining and up to 12 GPUs without a breakout board. It also comes with 4x 1200W PSUs. Just make sure to buy some ear plugs so you don't go deaf.

So does the bios allow for 12 GPUs in windows? This could be damn nice if so.

Edit: And i can only find the chassis for 500$. Can you give a link to a full machine?

sundownz

hero member

Activity: 714

Merit: 512

Quote from: senseless on June 09, 2017, 03:31:26 AM

My secret is, I pay a little more and buy DL580 G7s for $500 -- $125/mo monero cpu mining and up to 12 GPUs without a breakout board. It also comes with 4x 1200W PSUs. Just make sure to buy some ear plugs so you don't go deaf.

Also a cool idea -- I will look into it as well. Where do you buy yours ?

Thanks for sharing too!

sundownz

hero member

Activity: 714

Merit: 512

Quote from: lexele on June 09, 2017, 02:53:08 AM

Don't forget that I mentioned "adapters' for dell t5500:

- It has 2x6 pins PEG => 6 to 8 adapters

- to plug third card you may need to use adapters aswell (and it should not be an AMD card they use to much power especially through the riser).

Psu is big enough but each rail has it's limits.

- I plan to plug a 4th card, and ordered adapters for cpu2 rail (as there is no cpu 2 in my case), BGNing CPU 8Pin to PEG 8Pin. they take forever to come from china.

I will share some pictures when I get my T5500 and configure it for 3 cards -- I will use 3x RX580 cards in that one I think. Either that or 3x Geforce 1070.

senseless

hero member

Activity: 1118

Merit: 541

My secret is, I pay a little more and buy DL580 G7s for $500 -- $125/mo monero cpu mining and up to 12 GPUs without a breakout board. It also comes with 4x 1200W PSUs. Just make sure to buy some ear plugs so you don't go deaf.

2econd

full member

Activity: 243

Merit: 100

Great ideas! Thanks for sharing!

lexele

full member

Activity: 190

Merit: 100

Don't forget that I mentioned "adapters' for dell t5500:

- It has 2x6 pins PEG => 6 to 8 adapters

- to plug third card you may need to use adapters aswell (and it should not be an AMD card they use to much power especially through the riser).

Psu is big enough but each rail has it's limits.

- I plan to plug a 4th card, and ordered adapters for cpu2 rail (as there is no cpu 2 in my case), BGNing CPU 8Pin to PEG 8Pin. they take forever to come from china.

Storx

full member

Activity: 322

Merit: 233

I went ahead and ordered one of those Dell T5500 with bitcoin for future rig... figured if it truly has a 875 watt PSU i can toss 3-4 cards into and call it done..

Storx

full member

Activity: 322

Merit: 233

So it seems people on here claim you can get a new mobo/cpu/mem combo for about the same.. can someone link me this combo... i cant find anything to beat the price of the workstation prices

swogerino

legendary

Activity: 3318

Merit: 1247

Bitcoin Casino Est. 2013

I agree with keeping 3 graphics cards for a rig and it works better for these cheap old used workstations like Z400 from HP or Dell Precision T5500. Maybe I try one, I like mining with Nvidias as they are more persistent cards and usually have a longer life span that ATI cards so I think in the long run is better to mine with Nvidias.

Storx

full member

Activity: 322

Merit: 233

Quote from: sundownz on June 08, 2017, 07:30:30 AM

Quote from: lexele on June 08, 2017, 03:36:43 AM

Quote from: sundownz on June 07, 2017, 11:01:55 AM

Quote from: lexele on June 07, 2017, 10:39:06 AM

I have even cheaper:
I bought several Dell T5500,100$ each. They have plenty of Ram, 4 PCIe and 875W PSU. The case comes with a HDD support plate where you can put a GC.
with some risers and adapters you're setup for less than 150$

That's great -- are they readily available at that price or a special deal situation ?

With the PSU in mind that is a great deal for sure even at a bit more money.

Thanks for sharing =)

I get them on a grey market. Unit replaced by newer computers in a big companie.

Good deal -- I was able to find them about $160 on Newegg so I ordered one to try out. Thanks for the tip =)

dang, you would pay $100 for a 875w PSU these days..

sundownz

hero member

Activity: 714

Merit: 512

Quote from: lexele on June 08, 2017, 03:36:43 AM

Quote from: sundownz on June 07, 2017, 11:01:55 AM

Quote from: lexele on June 07, 2017, 10:39:06 AM

I have even cheaper:
I bought several Dell T5500,100$ each. They have plenty of Ram, 4 PCIe and 875W PSU. The case comes with a HDD support plate where you can put a GC.
with some risers and adapters you're setup for less than 150$

That's great -- are they readily available at that price or a special deal situation ?

With the PSU in mind that is a great deal for sure even at a bit more money.

Thanks for sharing =)

I get them on a grey market. Unit replaced by newer computers in a big companie.

Good deal -- I was able to find them about $160 on Newegg so I ordered one to try out. Thanks for the tip =)

Vaccinus

sr. member

Activity: 406

Merit: 250

Quote from: Mugtaiya on June 07, 2017, 02:04:17 PM

Quote from: iamnoobplzhelp on June 07, 2017, 01:05:22 PM

I've thought about doing this as well, but the overhead of maintaining more systems is a PITA.

The largest expense are the GPUs anyway. I can build an 8 card rig for ~$500 (+ cost of gpus). I could get that down much further by using smaller SSD and using Linux, but I pay for the convenience. Maintaining and optimizing 1 8 card rig is worth the extra cost compared to maintaining 2x smaller rigs. Plus, it costs more power since you have to power 2 separate motherboards, CPUs, and SSD.

Last gen server/workstation hardware is cheap af though. I wish there were some options with more PCIe slots then I'd be all over it.

What MB do you use for 8 GPU?

the asus 270a or 270p can handle 8 gpu easily but you need to configure the bios properly, there are other msi board that can handle 8 gpu, but i don't remember their name now, or wait for the new asrock h110 btc pro board, can handle 14 gpu

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