How to Set Up a Mining Rig Best info (6 GPU Crypto Mining Rig Setup)

adminFebruary 21, 2023

0 379 9 minutes read

What is cryptocurrency mining?

Mining is a process by which Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are created, and transactions involving these coins are verified. It involves large, decentralized networks that connect computers around the globe to verify and protect blockchains. These are virtual ledgers that track crypto transactions.

How to Setup a Mining Rig (6 GPU Crypto Mining Rig)

The right hardware and software are required for cryptocurrency mining. Initiating the entire process takes patience, guidance, and a lot of knowledge.

In this artical I will show you how to build a 6-GPU mining rig that can mine cryptocurrency. This tutorial is for people who don’t have any previous experience building computers.

What is a Mining Rig?

A mining rig is a hardware that adds new coins to the existing circulating supply. This is the key to cryptocurrencies functioning as a peer-to-peer network. Cryptocurrency mining eliminates the need for a third-party, centralized entity governing cryptocurrency.

Overview of the Mining Rig to Be Built

In this artical I will show you how to build an Nvidia-based mining machine that runs on Windows 10. This tutorial can also be used on any other operating system or with an AMD graphics card.

The main difference between Nvidia and AMD graphics cards is the chips at their core. Each one is compatible with many different cryptocurrency algorithms. An Nvidia GPU is preferred as it requires expertise to correctly install AMD cards.

To mine the cryptocurrency, you will need several computer components, peripherals, operating systems, mining software, and a wallet. This tutorial will use an Nvidia GTX1070. Total process can be completed in 3 hours if everything goes smoothly.

List of Mining Rig Parts

All the hardware parts described below are required.

GPU

This part is the most important for a mining rig setup is the GPUs. It’s the key component that generates profit. It is recommended that you buy six GTX 1070 GPUs.

List of Other Components

Below is a list of components you will need for your mining rig.

Motherboard: There are some things to consider when choosing a motherboard.

1. Processor socket type

2. The number of GPUs you will use (in this instance, 6).

CPU: You will need a high-end CPU if you plan to mine alone. In this instance, however, we will use a GPU to mine. You can choose a low-end or moderate CPU to power our bitcoin miner. You should get an Intel 8th Generation or 9th Generation 1151 Socket CPU.

RAM: Although RAM is less critical in our mining setup, it is still a necessary component.

PSU: Any PSU that has a 1200 W Platinum rating can do

Risers: PCIe-e risers allow the GPU to be raised from the Motherboard, allowing for increased cooling and airflow.

SSD: Any SATA SSD with a maximum of 240 GB will work.

Internet connection: Ethernet cable, any Wi-Fi adapter

Mining Rig: You have the option to build your Mining Rig frame with 6 GPUs. You can also buy one.

Flash Drive: Any USB Flash Drive that has a capacity of 5GB or more

Zip Ties: 20+ nylon cable ties, also known as Zip ties.

PCI-e Y-Splitter: If you don’t use the PSU mentioned above, you may need a PCI e Y Splitter.

The Rig Can Mine Cryptocurrencies

Nvidia GPUs can handle many algorithms for mining. These include Lyra2REv3, MTP, and X16RT. X25X, Ethash, and CryptoNightGPU. Cuckaroo29s, Zhash, and Zhash are just a few.

Complete List of Cryptocurrencies That Can Be Mined

Aion (AION).

BitcoinZ (BTCZ).

Bitcoin Gold (BTG).

Beam (BEAM).

Beam II Nicehash

Conflux (CFX)

Ethash Nicehash

Ethereum (ETH).

Ethereum (ETC).

Sinovate (SIN)

SnowGem (XSG).

Swap (XWP).

Ubiq (UBQ)

Veil (VEIL)

Zcoin (XZC).

Zel (ZEL)

How to build a mining rig – Set Up a Mining Rig

Once you have gathered the necessary components, it is time to start assembling your rig. Although it may seem daunting at first, once you have gathered all the necessary components, you can begin to assemble the rig. If you follow the instructions carefully, it will be like building a Lego set.

Step 1: Attach the Motherboard

Place your 6 GPU+ capable Motherboard outside the mining frame. Experts recommend placing the box with foam or anti-static bags underneath it. Before moving on to the next step, ensure that the lever holding the CPU socket protection in place has been released.

Step 2: Attach the processor

Next, attach the processor to your Motherboard. Place your CPU in the socket. Take care when removing the CPU fan, as thermal paste may remain. You should mark both the motherboard socket and the side of your CPU.

Otherwise, the CPU won’t fit in the socket. When inserting your processor into the motherboard socket, be careful about the CPU pins. They can bend easily, which could cause damage to the entire CPU.

The manual should always be with you. Referring to the manual when installing the heat sink above the CPU will be helpful.

Before attaching the processor, you will need to apply the thermal paste to the heat sink. Connect the heat sink’s power cord to the pins “CPU_FAN1”. If you can’t find it, check your motherboard manual.

Step 3: Install RAM

Next, you must install the RAM (or system memory). Inserting the RAM module in the Motherboard’s RAM socket is easy. Once you have removed the side brackets from the motherboard slot, gently push the RAM module into its socket.

This step is crucial as RAM locks into the socket only one way. Sometimes it takes a stronger push to insert the RAM into the right slot. However, be careful not damage it. When the RAM is correctly fitted, the side brackets will lock in automatically.

Step 4: Fixing the Motherboard to the frame

Depending on the type of mining frame you use, the Motherboard must be placed carefully onto the frame.

The Motherboard should be handled with care as you don’t want to scratch its bottom. If you have a mining machine with a metal frame, the Motherboard shouldn’t touch the frame beyond the points where there are screws. Attach the Motherboard securely by tightening the screws.

Step 5: Attach the Power Supply Unit

Power Supply should be located near the Motherboard. You should ensure enough space on your mining rig for the PSU. Look for the 24-pin power connector found in motherboards. They usually have one 24-pin connector.

The Motherboard should have them attached securely to the miner’s rig. The Motherboard closest to the CPU should have the 8-pin power connector for the CPU connected. As the PCI-e 6+2 and CPU power conductors are 8-pin connectors, you should be careful not to mix them. The CPU cable is thicker than the PCI-e one.

Step 6: Attach USB risers

The x16 USB riser must be connected to the PCI e x1 connector, the shorter PCI e x1 connector. This connector must be connected to your Motherboard. An electric connection is required to power the risers. It depends on the model of a riser you have, as you may need a PCI-e six-pin connector, a SATA cable, or a Molex connector.

Connect all power cables to the USB risers with care. For each PSU cable, you can use up to 2 Molex or SATA connectors. It is dangerous to connect more than four power connectors with 3 or 4 risers.

Step 7: Attach GPUs

Use the USB riser to secure the graphics cards to the frame. The PCI-e 6+2 connectors should be plugged into your GPU. These connectors will be attached to the five remaining GPUs later.

Step 8: Final steps You should connect your monitor to the graphics card connected to the main PCI E slot.

Connect the keyboard and mouse to your computer. Turn it on. Connect the power switch to the Motherboard’s power pins. You can refer to the manual for more information.

It will boot if it is functioning properly. Once everything is properly installed, the BIOS message will appear on your screen.

Start the Cryptocurrency Mining Rig To Mine Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Other Cryptocurrencies

Once all components are attached, you can turn on the bitcoin miner and configure it. First, configure the BIOS settings.

Step 1: Configure the BIOS for mining

Each motherboard model has a unique BIOS appearance. Access the BIOS by pressing F2 or DELETE while you boot.

To enter Advanced Mode, press F7 after entering the BIOS setup. You can change the settings in the advanced tab to match the ones below.

Follow the steps to configure System Agent (SA), DMI/OPI Configuration, and then set DMI Max link speed to Gen1
Enter PEG Port Configuration in System Agent (SA), Configuration. All PCIEX16_x should be changed to Gen1.
You can go to PCH Storage Configuration to change the settings to disable all SATA devices without an SSD
Click on PCH Configuration, then PCI Express Configuration. Set PCIe Speed to Gen1
Go to Configuration of on-board devices. Set the HD Audio Controller to “Disabled”.
Go to APM Configuration settings. Set the Restore AC power loss option to Power on. This step is optional.
Next, navigate to the BIOS Boot Settings and make the following modifications:
Fast Boot: Disabled
Enabled Above 4G Coding

Once you have completed these steps, plug your USB Windows USB stick to the Motherboard.

Step 2) Windows 10 installation:

. The screen will show (copying files… getting files ready) after you turn on the CPU. Make sure to disable OneDrive or Cortana.

. Turn off location, relevant ads and speech recognition. Once everything is done, the system will automatically restart. Log in to Windows 10 to open Device Manager.

. The NVIDIA GeForce 1070 and Intel Onboard Graphics should be visible. All updates are required to be installed.

Step 3) Nvidia Driver Installation:

Windows automatically recognizes the GTX 1070 driver. But download the most recent drivers from Nvidia.

Right-click the file and select Run as Administrator. Select Custom Installation and uncheck all but the graphics driver. Once the process is complete, you will be asked for a restart.

Step 4: Tuning Windows 10

Click the System option in the lower-left corner. All notifications and actions should be turned off. Change the sleep settings from “never” to “never”. Click the settings under the performance section, and then click on “Adjust to best performance”. Set the maximum and initial sizes to 16384MB. Once completed this step, close all windows until the “About” screen appears. You can make any changes to the security and update sections as you like. Windows updates can be turned on to provide frequent updates for your computer. It can also stop the whole mining process while updating is taking place.

Other 5 GPUs to be installed

This next step can be quite tricky, so you should be cautious.

These steps will help you complete the setting up the remaining five GPUs.

. Before you begin, ensure that your mining rig is turned on, including the master power.

. Connect the Riser card to the GPU slot closest to your processor. Connect the Motherboard to the Riser card.

. Turn on the PSU to power the mining rig.

. Log in and navigate to Display adapters under Device Manager. The NVIDIA GeForce 1070 card should now be listed. Refresh page 5 times until you see it.

. Keep going with the previous steps until you have all your cards in the Device Manager.

You should always ensure that you only power two 1070s per power cord and no more than 2 Riser Cards per power line from the PSU. You should also connect the GPUs one at a time to quickly identify any problems that might arise while turning them on.

Troubleshooting:

A common problem when installing the five remaining GPUs is that Windows Device Manager does not correctly identify them. You might see them with a different name or an alert icon next to their name. There are ways to fix the situation in either case.

. To verify that the device is correctly recognized, click the right-click button.

. Next, choose the device you wish to update and click on the Update Driver button. Instead of searching for a driver in the search box, type C: /Nvidia/. Windows will search the child directories for drivers and update them automatically.

. If above steps notwork, you can uninstall the device by right-clicking it. Select Action, then scan for hardware modifications.

. Finally, run the NVIDIA driver installer again. It will most of the time, it will identify the hardware correctly and then install the correct drivers.

If the problem persists, you can try these hardware parts:

. Make sure that the riser card fits properly on the GPU. Also, make sure the power connections are tightened back to the PSU.

. Verify that the GPU’s 8-pin power is connected properly.

. Make sure your riser card works properly and that the computer can recognize the slot on the Motherboard.

. You can test your new riser cards with other GPUs to see if they work. If the riser cards work fine, it could be the GPU or Windows installation.

Summary

In this artical I will show you how to build your own 6 GPU mining machine. You can substitute any of the parts with other components. If you follow the tutorial, you can become a successful cryptocurrency miner quickly. This is a simplified process for first-time miners.