Appendix — Hardware
Complete Parts List: Proven, Working Hardware
Every component listed here is the exact hardware used in this working setup. These were not chosen randomly — each part was selected for 24/7 reliability, thermal performance, and long-term stability.
Quality Parts Are Not Optional for 24/7 Mining
This is not a "use whatever old hardware you have lying around" project. A Bitcoin mining setup runs continuously — every hour of every day. Cheap or unreliable components will fail, costing you downtime and potentially damaging other hardware. The components listed here were deliberately chosen for their reliability track record.
Part 1: Bitcoin Full Node Build
A purpose-built PC that runs Ubuntu Server, Bitcoin Core, and public-pool 24/7. Total cost approximately $710.
| Component | Exact Model | Why This Part | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 5600G | Integrated graphics means no discrete GPU needed. Low TDP (65W), excellent single-core performance for Bitcoin Core's verification tasks. Runs at 45–55W under typical load. | ~$130 |
| Motherboard | GIGABYTE B550I AORUS PRO AX (Mini-ITX) | Mini-ITX form factor keeps the build compact. B550 chipset supports PCIe 4.0 for maximum NVMe speed. Built-in WiFi as backup. Excellent VRM quality for stable 24/7 operation. | ~$150 |
| RAM | G.SKILL Ripjaws V 16GB DDR4-3200 (2x8GB) | 16GB is the minimum for comfortable Bitcoin Core + public-pool operation. Dual-channel configuration improves memory bandwidth. G.SKILL is a proven, reliable brand. | ~$45 |
| SSD | Silicon Power UD90 1TB NVMe (PCIe 4.0) | The Bitcoin blockchain is ~600GB and growing. 1TB provides comfortable headroom. PCIe 4.0 dramatically speeds up the initial blockchain sync. Silicon Power UD90 offers excellent endurance ratings. | ~$75 |
| Power Supply | Corsair CX550 80+ Bronze | 80+ Bronze efficiency means less wasted heat. 550W is more than enough headroom for this build (~86W typical draw). Corsair CX series is known for reliability and long MTBF ratings. | ~$70 |
| Case | Thermaltake Tower 100 (Mini-ITX) | Excellent airflow for a compact case. Tool-free design. Already owned — any quality Mini-ITX case works here. | ~$70 (already owned) |
~$540
Total Build Cost
~86W
Typical Power Draw
~$6.20
Monthly Power Cost
~$74
Annual Power Cost
*Power cost at $0.10/kWh, 24/7 operation
Part 2: Raspberry Pi 5 Relay (Remote Location)
A 5-watt relay that replaces a power-hungry Windows desktop. Sits at the remote location (hangar) and creates a secure VPN tunnel to the home node. Total cost approximately $105.
| Component | Exact Model | Why This Part | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Board Computer | Raspberry Pi 5 (4GB RAM) | The Pi 5 is significantly faster than the Pi 4 — important for handling Tailscale VPN encryption overhead. 4GB RAM is more than enough for this relay role. The Pi 5 also has a real-time clock and improved thermal management. | ~$60 |
| Power Supply | Official Raspberry Pi 27W USB-C Power Supply | The Pi 5 is picky about power. Third-party chargers often cause undervoltage warnings and instability. The official 27W supply is specifically designed for the Pi 5 and ensures stable operation. | ~$12 |
| Case / Heatsink | iUniker Aluminum Passive Heatsink Case for Pi 5 | No fan means no fan failure — critical for unattended 24/7 operation. The aluminum case acts as a large heatsink, keeping the Pi cool through passive convection. Compatible with all Pi 5 models. | ~$15 |
| Storage | 128GB microSD Card (Class 10 / A2) | 128GB is overkill for the OS (which only needs ~5GB), but provides plenty of headroom for logs and future expansion. A2-rated cards have faster random I/O for better OS performance. | ~$18 |
~$105
Total Relay Cost
5–8W
Typical Power Draw
~$0.43
Monthly Power Cost
Saves ~$8/mo
vs. Windows Desktop
Part 3: The Miner (Remote Location)
The ASIC miner that does the actual hashing. Located at the remote hangar where power and noise are not concerns.
| Component | Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ASIC Miner | Bitmain Antminer S19j Pro | One of the most reliable and efficient miners in its generation. In Low Power mode: ~82 TH/s at ~2,400W. Excellent thermal management with automatic throttling protection. |
| Additional Miners (Home) | 2x NerdQaxe++ (~6.5 TH/s each) | Small, quiet USB-powered miners for home use. Add ~13 TH/s to the total hash rate without noise or significant power draw. |
Antminer Electrical Requirements
The Antminer S19j Pro requires a 240V circuit with a 20–30A breaker. It cannot be plugged into a standard 120V household outlet. Have a licensed electrician install the appropriate circuit. The miner also generates significant heat and noise — it is best suited for a garage, warehouse, or dedicated space.
Total Monthly Operating Cost
| Device | Power Draw | Monthly Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Antminer S19j Pro (Low Power) | ~2,400W | ~$173 |
| Bitcoin Full Node | ~86W | ~$6.20 |
| Raspberry Pi 5 Relay | ~6W | ~$0.43 |
| 2x NerdQaxe++ (Home) | ~20W total | ~$1.44 |
| Total | ~2,512W | ~$181/month |
*At $0.10/kWh, 24/7 operation. Adjust for your local electricity rate.