Building a cost-effective 12-GPU mining rig requires balancing performance, power efficiency, and scalability. This guide details a budget-friendly setup optimized for mining Monero, Vertcoin, Bitcoin Gold, and Ethereum, while ensuring flexibility for other cryptocurrencies.
Key Components
1. Motherboard
Recommended:
- ASRock H110 Pro BTC+ (13 GPU support)
- ASUS B250 Mining Expert (19 GPU support)
- Why? Both offer LGA 1151 compatibility and expandability. The ASUS model includes a riser-card diagnostic feature.
2. Processor
Intel Celeron G3900 or G3930
- Low power consumption (<50W) and budget-friendly.
- Suitable for GPU-focused mining (CPU mining is only viable for Monero).
3. Memory
4GB DDR4 RAM (e.g., Kingston KVR21N15S8/4)
- Adequate for running 12 GPUs with minimal overhead.
4. Power Supply
2x EVGA 1000 GQ (80+ Gold)
- Total 2000W to support 12 GPUs (each card averages 84W–120W).
- Backup option: Thermaltake Toughpower 1000W.
👉 Check power supply compatibility
5. PCIe Risers
MintCell 6-Pack PCIe 16x to 1x Adapters (x2 for 12 GPUs)
- Molex-powered for stable connectivity.
6. Storage
120GB SSD (e.g., Kingston A400)
- Stores OS (Linux/SimpleMining OS recommended) and mining software.
GPU Selection
| GPU Model | Hashrate (Monero) | Power | Best For |
|-----------------------------|----------------------|----------|-----------------------------|
| NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB | 550 H/s | 120W | Monero, ZCash, Vertcoin |
| AMD RX 580 | 800 H/s | 150W | Ethereum, Bitcoin Gold |
| AMD Vega 56 | 1800 H/s | 210W | Monero, Ethereum, ZCash |
Performance Estimates (12-GPU Rig)
| Cryptocurrency | Hashrate | Daily Revenue* |
|--------------------|-------------------|-------------------|
| Monero (XMR) | 5,160 H/s | ~$12 |
| Ethereum (ETH) | 270 MH/s | ~$18 |
| Vertcoin (VTC) | 243.6 MH/s | ~$10 |
*Based on current network difficulty and prices.
Cost Breakdown
| GPUs | Total Cost | Hashrate (Monero) |
|----------|--------------|----------------------|
| 1 | $792 | 430 H/s |
| 6 | $2,237 | 2,580 H/s |
| 12 | $4,198 | 5,160 H/s |
FAQs
1. Can I start with fewer GPUs?
Yes! Begin with 1–6 GPUs and scale up using mining profits. Adjust power supplies accordingly.
2. Which OS is best?
- SimpleMining OS or Linux (no GPU limit vs. Windows’ 8-GPU cap).
3. How to reduce power consumption?
Underclock GPUs and optimize voltage settings (e.g., reduce GTX 1060 power to 80W).
Final Tips
- Prioritize cooling (open-air frames recommended).
- Monitor profitability monthly using WhatToMine.
- Join mining pools (e.g., SupportXMR for Monero).
By focusing on efficiency and scalability, this rig maximizes ROI while minimizing upfront costs.
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