Best products from r/EtherMining

Hey man, hope you got the BTC I sent ya!

I did a bunch more research, and I'd like to run the setup I am thinking of by you if you don't mind.

So after reading a lot about the graphics cards, I'm actually thinking about going with the RX480, for one simple reason; the power consumption:

http://imgur.com/a/QUcvj

The RX480 hashes at 25 MH/s compared with the R9 390's 30 MH/s, but uses 35% less power for only a 16% reduction in hashing power. It's also quite a bit cheaper at $210 a card new, compared to $300-400 for the R9 390.

This was also a plus in the PSU department, because I'll be able to run 6 cards off of one 1300W power supply (I'm like 99% sure, anyway). For simplicity sake, I like this.

So I chose my other components and here is what I came up with (Using amazon for pricing, because I happen to have a boatload of gift cards to amazon):

• RX 480 (x 6) -$210 ea
  
  
• AsRock Motherboard H81 Pro BTC- $144
  
  
• 8 GB DDR3 Fury ram- $56
  
  
• 120 Gb SSD- $50
  
  
• Intel Celeron 2.8 GHz processor- $44
  
  
• 1300 Watt EVGA G2 psu- $184
  
  
• USB 3.0 PCI-E 1x to 16x Extender Riser Adapter (x 6) - $50 total? I need a little help with this. Not trying to skimp as you mentioned, hopefully you can help me out!
  
  
• 120mm case fan (x 4)- $15 total
  
  This brings the total rig cost to about $1800. With the power consumption and Eth's current prices, it looks like about a 500 day ROI. It was much better than the R9's, due to the cost and increased power consumption.
  
  Just a couple of questions I can't seem to find the answer to:
  
  I can run only 4 or 5 cards, right? And just add more later if I don't want to spring for 6 off the bat?
  
  Also the question about the risers. I was thinking these, but would love the input.
  
  I still haven't gotten as far as the drivers/software setup, so I'm not sure what I'm doing about that. But it seems like there is plenty of info around that I should be able to figure it out.
  
  Anyway, thanks a lot for all of the help again. This is shaping up to be a really fun project. I'm probably going to build my own case and such, so that should be cool. Anyway, cheers!

Pic. It's modeled after this style of case, but again I didn't feel like spending a grip of money on it. I see a lot of guys with their mining rigs in dish racks, wire shelves, etc., so I didn't see the point of something extravagant or costly. I did want it to be portable and easy to service, which is why I chose a basic frame to begin with.

I had some 140mm fans from a previous case build, so I used those instead of buying some 120mm ones. I think the 120's would line up better with the frame, but it's functioning well. The last card on right is a RX 480 that exhausts to the rear, so it doesn't benefit from the front fans. Most of the cards run at 29.5 Mh/s, and around 56C. The blower card runs hotter and slightly faster at 30.5 Mh/s and 68C. It's heating my house fairly well this winter with recirculation :)

All that said, if I could just buy any case I'd buy the Flow 6.1 because it looks vertically awesome, which would help with space saving and aesthetics, which my wife would appreciate. Reviews have said it's cheaply made, and saved me from buying one. In my spare time I've been working on some CAD drawings of one in hopes to reproduce it with more stout materials. Ultimately it might be cost prohibitive to build, but it's interesting to me as a hobby.

• Edit - if you do decide to get that case, could you post a followup? I'm interested to see how it turns out.

Oh heck yea... that is what I am talking about heh.

I went ahead and grabbed a H81, figured start with what is proven and only what I needed.

I ordered a SSD drive (60gb), an ASRock H81, the two items you listed above.. heh (I work fast), 4GB of Corsair (still debating the extra 4GB if I use winblows but for now, I am leaning towards something other than that.

I am always worried about Linux.. learning curve as well as the security possible issues of me not knowing how to lock it down as well.

So, while I ordered these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075FR7Q5Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You are saying I do not need those since the 10-pack of connectors will allow me to connect to them directly?


That saves like 55 bucks heh. I can return those.

So, thinking of spending a tad extra and going with the G4400 Intel, vs a Celeron. I have read it is a little better performance.

I can build the case and then add a nice fan blowing over it. The office upstairs is freezing lol.. so, that will help.

Man, tons of learning today and great help, thanks bud :)

DMD

AKA Russ

What motherboard? You want a mobo that can support 6+ GPUs. They don't need to be 8x/16x PCIe slots, they can be the smaller 1x ones, but some boards' BIOS get cranky with more than 4-5 GPUs.

Let's assume worst case that your board doesn't. I'd sell that board if you can and get one that does (around $120-150). Sell the GTX 960 too, it's not going to do you any favors in mining. Make sure you get a board that can reuse your CPU and RAM to save on costs.

Buy 4-6 RX 570/580s (4GB or 8GB, either are fine). The Nitro+ cards are ideal but can be hard to find and/or expensive. If you're lucky and have someone local selling 470/480s on the cheap, pick them up. Supply is dwindling so be mindful.

Pick up an HP 1200W server power supply with the GPU breakout board. These things are awesome and can power all 6 of yours cards. Reuse your existing PSU for the mobo/cpu/ram (everything but the video cards).

Pick up some powered PCIe risers. The blue ones are awesome (VER006). Power them with the 4-pin MOLEX connector if possible (don't use the SATA adapter) from your existing PSU.

So your bill of materials looks like this so far:

• Motherboard ($120 to $150)
  
• HP 1200W PSU ($80)
  
• PCIe Risers (x6) ($55)
  
• RX 570/580s (x4) ($800 to $1000)
  
  (Yes, I recommend buying the six risers regardless of the number of cards you initially get. Mining parts can be a real pain to find when there are shortages, stock up when you can so you can expand freely.)
  
  If you can get sell the GTX 960 for $100, you'd make enough to almost cover the PSU+Risers costs. Maybe you'll get lucky and have a mobo that can be used with 6x GPUs too. Even if not, maybe it'll work for 4x until you get more funds to upgrade and expand.
  
  As for the case, you can get creative.
  

1. building custom aluminum rig frames is not ideal or cost efficient for larger farms.
   
   If you need a sensible mining rig frame that wont be a fire hazard and is very sensible for use in your home using these commercial shelving units from costco has been a far more sensible and cost efficient option than milk crates or building custom aluminum frames.
   
   I have six rigs running on one of those costco shelving units with all the GPU's hung from zip ties. Each shelf on the costco unit has room for 16 to 18 GPU's
   
   They also are incapable of becoming fire hazards.
   
   
2. Motherboard selection matters.
   
   If you want reliable motherboards that will work and not have GPU detection or pcie lane allocation issues using asus z270-a motherboards is highly recommended. all of my rigs run asus motherboards. Sure the asrock H110 BTC+ is flaunted as "the GPU mining motherboard" but i wouldn't use an asrock motherboard if my toenails were being removed with pliers.
   
   Asrock has poor QA and high chance of doa components.
   
   
3. CPU selction
   
   many miners prefer to use cheaper cpu's such as the intel celeron G3930 and it's a minimally capable cpu for a miner but still woefully underpowered compared to a G4400 pentium. avoid the celeron of your budget permits it.
   
   
4. power supply selection
   
   The power supplies i use are entirely evga G3 supernova units. Reasons entirely for this are each psu supports 5 pcie VGA connectors and the G3 psu has a near flawless review from Jonnyguru.
   
   Power supply selection should take into consideration you likely will be running that psu with a constant 80% load 24/7.
   
   If the power supply you use doesn't have quality components and a highly reliable review don't waste your money or ensure you have very good fire disaster and medical insurance.
   
   Also if you estimate your DC watt usage to exceed 1000 watts buying two lower wattage psu's can be more acceptable that trying to find a 1200 or 1300 watt power supply. The cost to buy two of those 1kw evga G3's was less than a single 1600 watt unit and much much easier to source for purchase.
   
   
5. Mining rig storage options.
   
   Coinsidering mining rigs require an abundance of pcie lanes for connecting graphics cards you can use m.2 ssd drive but that also consumes 4 pcie lanes just for your OS boot drive. Buy yourself a decent 128 GB sata ssd disk instead. Personally i've been using Adata SU800 3D nand ssd drives for my miners. Good enough for the task and they only cost around $65.
   
   Using sata ssd storage instead of m.2 ssd drives also frees up m.2 slots for use with m.2 to 4x pci express adapters to connect additional GPU risers.
   
   
6. pcie riser selection.
   
   This will be your most difficult task to find the good quality pcie powered risers. many of them are only available from amazon and most of the amazon sellers are manufacturer's based in shenzen china. the quality assurance is more often than not laughable. Four different orders of risers i bought over the past 10 months one order was worthless and completely did not match the description of what i purchased and none of the orders of risers was similar to the other order.
   
   The most widely known pcie riser reseller on amazon is Mintcell but if you order from Mintcell be damn certain mintcell is providing the product your buying and not some third party.
   
   Sold by MintCell and Fulfilled by Amazon.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZY2R85P
   
   Also DO NOT buy molex connector riser cables. they are a fire hazard.
   
   Lastly dont be fooled by the Version numbering scheme of powered pcie risers. That alone doesnt ensure you'll get a quality product.
   
   https://i.imgur.com/4i7GBrs.jpg
   
   I've had ONE order from Mintcell they supplied that had a mystery bonus of several ver 007 powered risers that were amazing quality. I wish i knew i could get those again if i wanted them.

It sounds like it should... But, the usual rule of thumb is max 2 risers daisy chained to one PSU 6 pin Molex cable (as in with no converter used just 2 risers hooked up to one psu molex cable), and I've got no experience with the aftermarket molex splitters to know if they're actually built for powering more than just two low power drives... So I can't officially say it's fine that way.

Goal is to avoid splitters/adapters/converters whenever possible unless positive everything isn't hitting max loads... I have a mix of 550s/570s since I mine Cryptonight coins, so that goal was easy, but strictly 580s means you have all the 8pins to worry about and either need new psu or to get creative with wiring safely.

You're at the point where you decide to go worry-free safety by just buying some extra psu specific molex cables and some 008s risers so you don't need to mess with adapters... Or you can go the molex splitter route and know you're "likely" safe from overloads assuming the adapters are quality, but still stretching the limits of safety by using them (and should seek advice elsewhere to confirm they're fine).

I've used those 8pin to two 6+2pin adapters to gain more connections with no issue, but those I know for sure I'm feeding nowhere near max rated loads into them. But they are another route you can potentially take to utilize the 8pin PCIEs and find new possible ways to connect things (as in you plug one PSU 8pin in a GPU and then split the other 8pin to power 2 risers).

Definitely 1000W psu, you might be able to scrape by with a 900 or 950, but thats assuming you find one of those and you think saving like ~$10 is worth more than peace of mind.

Go on amazon and look up PCIE 60cm 1x to 16x risers. They usually sell in packs of 6. They use Molex for power, then USB to connect the x1 and x16s.

Also, be ready to be annoyed -- if you aren't used to tinkering/fiddling around with hardware, this type of set-up will definitely frustrate you.

Really recommend doing things one at a time, dont get greedy and try to plug in multiple cards at once.

I used to run Insteon, but after repeat issues and expenses, I continually recommend the WeMo Insight. It does power monitoring with reporting (!!) and allows for on/off with your phone. I also recommend them because they're rated for 15A and 1800w, so if you're running a dual-PSU setup, it's likely going to run way under max load.

They're like $55, but I highly recommend them.

Also, I made the mistake of forgetting to enable Power-On in my bios after a power-off state, so I had to go home over lunch today and correct it. Don't forget to do that also :)

Well looks like EVGA has a pretty good sale and mail in rebate going at microcenter, so I'll go that route. I can get a EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 G1+ 1000 Watt 80 Plus Gold and EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G1+ 750 Watt 80 Plus Gold for a total of $260 after the rebate, so I will do that. I don't plan on running more then like 8 cards (and that wouldn't be for a while)

I will end up just getting this so expansion is easy: https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Stackable-Excellent-convection-performance/dp/B073Q2CN14/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Thanks :)

I like these: MintCell PCIe VER 006C PCI-E 16x to 1x Powered Riser Adapter Card w/ 60cm USB 3.0 Extension Cable & 6-Pin PCI-E to SATA Power Cable - GPU Riser Adapter. I only got three of them and they're now OOS. They seem solid, have nice thick USB cables with them, and I feel safest powering them straight off the 6-pin PCI-E cable from my power supply. Initially I was powering them all with their adapters on on a single SATA cable until I started reading about fire.

I really dislike these: QualityHWDirect 6-Pack PCI-E 16x to 1x Powered Riser Adapter Card w/ 50cm USB 3.0 Extension Cable & MOLEX to SATA Power Cable - GPU Riser Extender Cable. Some of these are too thick to fit in the PCI slot; the one that has worked so far ran at 2Mh/s slower than the rest; the cables are flimsy; and the boards are not even clean -- some of them have visible corrosion on the solder points.

Hope that helps. Bother are OOS, of course...

I have a friend who purchased the light blue slot with blue PCB like the one in the picture. Everyone came out defective.
I'm using the Mintcell, and all 6 i bought are working great. My friend purchased just one to try, and it works as well.
https://www.amazon.com/6-Pack-PCI-E-Powered-Adapter-Extension/dp/B01GU94QSQ

Hope this helps! Risers are always a hit or miss.

Alright, just got all my rig parts in and have been reading for a few days now about the best approach to powering risers. I have mapped everything out and I think I have everything dialed right, but just wanted to get another opinion and make sure I have the power distributed right. GPU and PSU:

• 6 x Sapphire Radeon NITRO+ RX 580 8GB
  
  
• 1 x Thermaltake Toughpower DPS G RGB 1250W Digital 80+ Titanium
  
  The PSU has these cable selections:
  
  
• PCI-E 6+2 PIN x4
  
• PCI-E 8 PIN x4
  
• Peripheral 4 PIN / SATA 5 PIN x8
  
  So this is what I was thinking of doing to power the GPU's and risers. Wanted to make sure this sounds ideal:
  
  
• Power each graphics card with its own PCI-E 8 PIN directly to the PSU
  
  
• Use these risers for 4 of the GPU's. Since I have 2 PCI-E 8 PIN slots left on my PSU, get 8-PIN to 2 x 6-PIN splitters to power theses 4 risers. SATA CONVERTERS GO IN THE TRASH.
  
  
• For the last 2 risers use these molex power ones since I have no PCI slots left on my PSU. Each riser uses its own Peripheral 4 Pin --> MOLEX cable. No daisy chaining.
  
  This is the best I could come up with so far. Thanks in advance for the feedback.
  

Have you replaced the USB cables? Quite frankly, the ones that come with the risers just shouldn't exist. I had a lot of issues with them not being recognized or having error codes. If I remember correctly, linux recognized mine as well, but I didn't get to the mining phase. If you are able to mine on linux and not on windows, then it may be another issue. I bought these and I haven't had trouble since other than not having an 8 pin seated correctly. https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-2-Pack-SuperSpeed-Black/dp/B00HSS9IDW/ref=pd_ybh_a_1?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=PTKEFV8V3BHE1FW5SHBA&th=1

Good luck!


0x1ef3970a0277397b53ce35136501d1ad3ce4ff16

That to me seems like the 4-pin fan header on the card could be going awry. Try unplugging it, put in a 4-pin to Molex and connect to your PSU. This will make the fan spin at 100%, but it's a good way to test if it something with the fans or the fan controller on the board.
https://www.amazon.com/Phobya-Adapter-Cable-4-Pin-Sleeved/dp/B004X2XBMA

Will take the opportunity to double check with you guys if my new rig setup will be safe power wise :D

GPUs: 5x Asus DUAL GTX1060 3GB 192-Bit GDDR5

PSU: EVGA 1000 GQ, 80+ GOLD 1000W

CPU: Intel Pentium Processor G4400 3.3 GHz

MotherBoard: MSI Pro Solution Intel Z170A LGA 1151 DDR4

RAM: Kingston HyperX FURY Black 4GB

thanks!

Do they look like this
Leboo 6-Pack PCIE Riser VER 007 PCI Riser 6 PIN 1x to x16 Powered Riser Adapter Card w/ 60cm USB 3.0 Extension Cable & PCI-E to SATA Power Cable - GPU Riser Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075FR7Q5Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_BKwDAbG6RFGSJ

Or more like this?

Ubit 6 Pack Latest PCI-E Riser Express Cable 16X TO 1X (6pin / MOLEX / SATA) With Led Graphics Extension Ethereum ETH Mining Powered Riser Adapter Card+60cm USB 3.0 Cable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076KLJR2Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-KwDAb3Q5MJF4


Also if you for some reason can’t get the slot to work you can always get an m2 to pcie adapter. I found these to work very well for me
EXPLOMOS M.2 Key M NGFF to PCI-E 4X Adapter Card, 4 PIN Power Cable (2 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074Z5YKXJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_CMwDAbSAQ8AW5

And these as well
Leboo M.2 NGFF to USB3.0 PCI-E X16 Slot adapter,Pci-E Converter Card Mining Riser Card 2280 2260 2242 M.2-M-key (No Cable Needed) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078SRVJ2X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_aNwDAbQ7T96HK

Hi fellow miners,

Excited first timer here.

Main illustration: https://imgur.com/mAYTeBN

This is my second attempt at building a 6 card mining rig. Since my last failed attempt (https://www.reddit.com/r/EtherMining/comments/7vr330/my_sexy_drawing_mining_rig_illustration_ps_i_am_a/) , I upgraded my PSU which gave more VGA slots. I also have ordered some splitters.

__
Setup:

2x 6 inch PCI Express Power Splitter Cable

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Startech-com-Express-Power-Splitter-Cable/dp/B004NNTVT6?th=1

6x 1070 ti graphics cards

i) 3x Asus TURBO GTX 1070 Ti 8GB
ii) 1x Inno3D GeForce GTX 1070Ti iChill X3 8192MB GDDR5 PCI-Express Graphics Card
iii) 2x KFA2 GeForce GTX 1070Ti EX-SNPR White 8192MB GDDR5 PCI-Express Graphics Card

6x Risers

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B071JNQ6F7/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
2x EVGA 750W GQ PSU's https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B017ROH8A6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Dual PSU power supply adapter

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0788KTZPC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

8GB Ram

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crucial-DDR4-2400-PC4-19200-288-Pin/dp/B019FRED60/ref=pd_yo_rr_psims_i_4?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=2DPXVKMBTBV9EDR17DVE&th=1

60GB SSD

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B019WAWYH0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

G660 CPU

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B015VPX05A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
ASUS z270 p

MOBO

https://www.scan.co.uk/products/asus-prime-z270-p-intel-z270-s-1151-ddr4-sata3-m2-(pcie-sata)-2-way-crossfire-realtek-gbe-lan-usb-30

_____

1. Am I ready to turn on the rig?
   
   
   
2. Do you reckon the 1070 ti’s are too close together: https://imgur.com/GyF8KIy ?
   
   You guys are awesome. I’m new to this community and I’m surprised to see that everyone is so supportive!
   

I would definitely recommend you at least use two molex to six pin adapters like these.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-Express-Video-Power-Adapter/dp/B0007RXDDM/

Awesome! Just to be sure is this one good to order? (sorry for the noobness)

1. Startech.Com 6-Inch Lp4 to 6 Pin PCi Express Video Card Power Cable Adapter LP4PCIEXADAP https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0007RXDDM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ZY0FzbR4BR8NK
   

Seemed like everyone around says not to do splitters, especially for the risers so I just tried to do 1 thing per cable.

I'm considering something like 2x of these for the next one. Each should be able to power 3 gpu's easily and it's only ~160 total - https://www.amazon.com/EVGA-SuperNOVA-Modular-Warranty-120-G1-0650-XR/dp/B00K85X2AW/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1501354763&sr=1-1&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_two_browse-bin%3A6906985011&th=1

First, some numbers for you.

A stock R9 290X will do around 29-30MH/s (Claymore) and use ~250W of power at the GPU side, which translates to 312W from the wall at 80% efficiency. Add ~80W at the wall for the CPU/mobo and you're at ~400W for single-coin mining. That's pretty good even for a 600W PSU (but not good if your electricity is expensive). I've run this card with a 180W card on a 750W PSU with no issues.

I've been able to undervolt an R9 so it hovers around 190W at the PSU at 29MH/s but I haven't had the time to push it further. MSI Afterburner has been weird in applying settings. So that setting draws 350W at the wall for single mining, 450W for dual. OUCH.

Now, in your case - you only have 2 VGA power cables so, like you mentioned, you need to use a 6-pin adapter. You say SATA, but be aware that 1x SATA is specced to provide up to 50W. **DO NOT USE SOMETHING LIKE THIS*: https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-108494-8-Inch-15-Pin-Express/dp/B009GUP6O0 - first review mentions that they melt! Of course they do, they are pulling all the power from a single SATA pin (even though it goes across two cables, it's the pin that's going to overheat). 6-pin is specced to provide up to 75W, 8-pin up to 150W.

These are much better because 2xSATA (50+50W) exceeds the spec of 6pin (75W) - but I would not do 2xSATA to 8pin:
https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-SATPCIEXADAP-6-Inch-Express-Adapter/dp/B007Y91B80
https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-2-Pack-Molex-Power/dp/B01DV1Z22K
https://www.amazon.com/Tenext-Power-Express-Connector-Adapter/dp/B00DP98P0A

Now, the million-dollar question - which rail are your SATA connectors on? You want to be able to provide 150W over the SATA adapters.

TLDR: A good** 750W PSU is fine for running that combo, but yours might be problematic. You can try, but get dual SATA adapters and definitely watch them for overheating.

I would recommend 6 pin risers- totally safe and all the power you’d need. I use these:
MintCell 6-Pack PCIe 6-Pin 16x to 1x Powered Riser Adapter Card w/ 60cm USB 3.0 Extension Cable & 6-Pin PCI-E to SATA Power Cable - GPU Riser Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZY2R85P?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Keep in mind you should NOT use the sata cable that comes with them.

You want to power them off the vga ports on your psu. I had to buy splitters for my 8 pin cables to accommodate them. I run rx580s overocked full tilt and the cables are ice cold.

Ok so the risers you want are this or something similar. There are a few different manufactures making these things

https://www.amazon.com/Onvian-Mining-Dedicated-Graphics-Supply/dp/B01MU51491/

For mining purposes it doesn't matter whether you are using a 1x or 8x slot or whatever. A motherboard that has one 16x slot and five 1x slots is fine. You'll be attaching these risers to the slots and put your cards in the adapters.

Any cheap Z170 Pro mobo from your favorite brand will be fine. I think a few like the MSI Z170-A Gaming Pro Carbon will let you hook up 7 GPUs, but you may want a 1050 or 1200 Watt power supply if you hook up a 7th 1060.

I am buying the Z170A SLI mobo below

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01DDR05P6/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am planning to use 5 gtx 1060 on it. I have ordered a EVGA GOLD 1000 Watt PSU.. Also ordered the below risers..

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N3UVJHM/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Few questions

• Is 1000 W enough to power the whole rig with 5 gtx 1060?
  
  
• The MOBO has 3 slots of 16 pin PCI-e and 3 slots of 1 pin PCI-e. Can I plug 2 cards directly and use riser for the rest 3? Or is it suggested to use riser for all GPUs to avoid over-heating? The risers I am buying are 16x to 1x. MOBO has only three 1x slots. Can I only use 3 risers in that case? Or can the 1x riser itself fit into the 16x pci-e slot on mobo?
  
  
• I read some horror stories about using molex to sata power cable that comes with the risers. So I dont want to use that. What cable should I buy to power the riser safely? Will that cable be included in the PSU itself? If not, can someone clearly post the steps to power risers in the safest way?
  
  Thank you !!!

Thank you for sharing you experience; I should go with these? https://www.amazon.com/VICTONY-6-Pack-Powered-Adapter-Extension/dp/B073LNKTBD/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1504018432&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=1X+to+16X+PCIE+USB+3.0+Adapter&psc=1

So these are what I have on ordered.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3UVJHM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

What would the best way to test? Probably need all throw away components right?

Right. Thanks a lot. Do you recommend any cases? The case I'm getting right now is literally the same price as a gpu..

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B073Q2CN14/

As you wish

FYI, I also needed to get some small metal angle brackets from the hardware store because they don't provide any way of securing the motherboard/psu/hdd onto the bottom of the rack. I also got some electrical tape that I used to wrap the angle brackets so they don't accidentally short anything on the motherboard.

yes for AMD cards they have to have monitor plugged in to them or you get hdmi dummy plugs. Something like this https://www.amazon.com/CompuLab-fit-Headless-Display-Emulator/dp/B00FLZXGJ6/ref=pd_sbs_147_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00FLZXGJ6&pd_rd_r=FSSEKECX6SAY57VZWBHA&pd_rd_w=AhFZX&pd_rd_wg=IRRq0&psc=1&refRID=FSSEKECX6SAY57VZWBHA

far superior psu on amazon for just ten bucks more

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K85X2AW/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_10?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

This is the rack that im using. They are under different name @diff price from various retailer for $20-$29
I’ll edit this later to include the link to risers later
That is a good PSU. It can run up to 6gpu solo mining after indervolt
Tips: never let the seller know u are using it for mining. It’ll void warranty
Edit: im using these risers and find that they’re well made. Prefered them to the ver the 103C with led and ver 008. Bigger cap
Leboo 6-Pack PCIE Riser VER 007 PCI Riser 6 PIN 1x to x16 Powered Riser Adapter Card w/ 60cm USB 3.0 Extension Cable & PCI-E to SATA Power Cable - GPU Riser Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075FR7Q5Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_zgBGAbWV47CTK

Yea I dont have many cards so i returned the risers after spending multiple hours trying to figure it out. If it helps I bought mine off amazon. Powered with sata cable.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3UVJHM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got these. Looks good?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MU51491/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.ca/ASUS-PRIME-Z270-P-LGA1151-Motherboard/dp/B01NAGY3C8/ref=sr_1_1?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1509828111&sr=8-1&keywords=ASUS+PRIME+Z270-P+LGA1151
That is the motherboard I am thinking about or I may use the following board as i may use more than 8 cards. So do you know a processor that may be better for this or if the one i mentioned above is enough?

But I thought powered PCIe Riser are recommended just to help with power delivery (like this: https://www.amazon.com/6-Pack-Powered-Riser-Adapter-Extension/dp/B01GU94QSQ/ref=pd_lpo_147_bs_t_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=V2YYB6045DF8TF5FXWVE)


Sorry for not myself clear

something like this?
https://www.amazon.com/CompuLab-fit-Headless-Display-Emulator/dp/B00FLZXGJ6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1497733546&sr=8-2&keywords=dummy+plug

right here: https://www.amazon.com/MintCell-6-Pack-Powered-Adapter-Extension/dp/B01GU94QSQ

youll never get a clear answer on powering risers. mintcell has some good risers. just dont get SATA to molex, avoid that connection type unless you have enough molex connections to power the risers, 6 of them, and no more then 2 risers per cable from the psu. other than that your good with sata to 6 pin or straight sata on the riser board.

something like this?

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-SATPCIEXADAP-6-Inch-Express-Adapter/dp/B007Y91B80

> TB85

https://www.techpowerup.com/img/16-07-07/27b.jpg

1 gpu goes to the 16x and the other 5 get to the 1x using risers like these.

https://www.amazon.com/6-Pack-PCI-E-Powered-Adapter-Extension/dp/B01GU94QSQ/ref=pd_sim_147_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01GU94QSQ&pd_rd_r=V1N8WRJF6ESEV4AFGX0K&pd_rd_w=OTDfU&pd_rd_wg=Wca0p&psc=1&refRID=V1N8WRJF6ESEV4AFGX0K

I like VICTONY they seem to work really well...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073LNKTBD/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

are these okay? https://www.amazon.com/CompuLab-fit-Headless-Display-Emulator/dp/B00FLZXGJ6/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_147_bs_tr_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=4ZS6R8GWZV2768391JTF%27

my other question is should i then disable i-gpu? i'm using asrock pro 110.

Just a heads up. I have bought two different kinds of Risers from Amazon. Seems like there are two different kinds.

These ones seem like they are much higher quality. Bigger transistors on the board, 6 pin connection for the Sata power, and a much thicker USB cable. Roughly the same price.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071NMZSZ4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

These were the first ones that I bought. 2 were DOA. Order 4 more of the higher quality (IMO) for my rig.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GU94QSQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I would personally stay away from the bottom link ones. But I know there is a shortage, so you may have to get what you can.

Hope this was helpful.

A dummy plug might be the solution.

https://www.amazon.com/CompuLab-fit-Headless-Display-Emulator/dp/B00FLZXGJ6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497667545&sr=8-1&keywords=dummy+plug

https://www.amazon.com/MintCell-6-Pack-Powered-Adapter-Extension/dp/B01GU94QSQ This is what I used. Make sure that you don't use the molex to SATA adapters though. Get some extra 6 pin to molex cables for your PSU so you can power the riser's molex connectors directly through properly rated cables.

MintCell 6-Pack PCIe VER 006C 16x to 1x Powered Riser Adapter Card w/ 60cm USB 3.0 Extension Cable & 6-Pin PCI-E to SATA Power Cable - GPU Riser Adapter - Ethereum Mining ETH + 2 MintCell Cable Ties https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZY2R85P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_DKQEzb3NH5MKZ

So these are okay?

I used these ones: MintCell 6-Pack PCIe VER 006 PCI-E 16x to 1x Powered Riser Adapter Card But I think I read online that the blue/black boards are better... not sure.

I didn't use the sata to molex cables that are provided, and just plugged it in straight to molex from my PSU.

I got several sets of these off Amazon. Came from Texas, got to NY in like 3 days including a weekend. A little higher price per, but USA and they're the 007 with 4 capacitors and a choke.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZY2R85P/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Edit - its not a referral link, but if you find it helpful tip me at 0x9D5f1E96a3DcF86f31fD9B5c3c3761938674fd65

So should I buy one of these?

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0007RXDDM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&psc=1

And hook up a molex cable to my psu and then plug the molex ends in to my psu and then the 6pin in to the riser?

Use some of those sata power plugs and get some of these:
https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-SATPCIEXADAP-6-Inch-Express-Adapter/dp/B007Y91B80/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1500042074&sr=8-3&keywords=pcie+power+cable

This..

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00FLZXGJ6/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1519347698&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=hdmi+dummy&dpPl=1&dpID=31uHUN7qVqL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/Intel-BX80662G4400-Pentium-Processor-FCLGA1151/dp/B015VPX05A/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_147_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HC7AP2VM00BA567023SR

https://www.amazon.com/6-Pack-PCI-E-Powered-Adapter-Extension/dp/B01GU94QSQ/ref=pd_sim_147_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01GU94QSQ&pd_rd_r=MGC8Z16KY340BZR5MH3F&pd_rd_w=SwWOV&pd_rd_wg=D1M0F&psc=1&refRID=MGC8Z16KY340BZR5MH3F

I use these https://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/B01GU94QSQ/crypto0dd-20. Just throw away the molex to sata adapters so you aren't tempted to burn your house down. Just connect them directly to the PSU.

Powered pci express riser adapter cards

example: https://www.amazon.com/MintCell-6-Pack-Powered-Adapter-Extension/dp/B01GU94QSQ

Go with these type of Riser : https://www.amazon.com/6-Pack-PCI-E-Powered-Adapter-Extension/dp/B01N3UVJHM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496778283&sr=8-1&keywords=gpu+riser

And throw away the Sata to Molex adapters and connect psu through molex directly to the Riser

Just return the board it will not work.

https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-PRIME-Z270-P-LGA1151-Motherboard/dp/B01NAGY3C8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499279946&sr=8-1&keywords=z270p+motherboard

I’ve set up all my rigs with these risers. Never had an issue with them. Mintcell
They’re based out of Texas.

6-Pack PCIe VER 006C PCI-E 16x to 1x Powered Riser Adapter Card w/ 60cm USB 3.0 Extension Cable & 6-Pin PCI-E to SATA Power Cable - GPU Riser Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZY2R85P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_McAeTxwcMPSRt

I was using these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZY2R85P/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

MintCell (??) - they were connected via a 6pin on the riser to sata cable then via the normal IDE/SATA rails on the PSU (There are a total of 3 or 4 of these rails on the PSU)

https://www.amazon.com/VICTONY-Pack-PCI-Riser-6-Pack/dp/B073LNKTBD

There is another one with capacity for two PSUs but sadly at the same price range: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073Q2CN14/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_XIMLzbN9CYST5

You cam use the same powered risers for all of your slots, regardless of what size the slot is. You only need the 1x - 16x risers. A lot of people recommend ordering an extra riser or two just in case one is bad, though I have yet to receive a bad one myself, others have.

Panto makes good 006C ones if you want the 6 pin risers. No issues with them.

https://www.amazon.com/Panto-6-Pin-Powered-PCI-E-Express/dp/B01MR22J4G/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1497206239&sr=8-20&keywords=powered+riser

If you want the standard 006 risers, I've purchased some from MintCell on amazon (Usually the ones linked from a lot of guides) and also had no issues... those have the 4 pin molex. (Avoid using the SATA adapters if you can)

https://www.amazon.com/6-Pack-PCI-E-Powered-Adapter-Extension/dp/B01GU94QSQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1497206770&sr=8-2&keywords=powered+risers

• 007S uses a SATA power plug Link
  
  
• 006C uses 6 Pin connector Link
  
  
• 006 uses 4 Pin MOLEX Link
  
  
• 005 shit it uses the Molex as well... hell I don't know. Disregard this research. Link

I can give you exactly the specs of each one.

All run the same motherboard, cpu and ram and hard drive, the cards vary a bit. Cpu's I got a deal at Fry's when they were on sale for 69.99 each so I picked up 4 of them used 3 so far. The SSD's I had from previous systems so I cant say, the ram was 22.99 each CHEAP ram nothing special at Microcenter, motherboards I ordered from newegg for 119.99 each.

Common parts:
ASRock H110ProBTC+
Intel I3 6100
4GB DDR4 2600mhz
256GB SSD 850 evo's

system1 video cards:
3x 750 EVGA B2 PSU's
6x GTX 1070's EVGA SSC 8GB

4x RX 580's MSI 8GB

2nd system:
3x EVGA 750 B2 PSU's
6x GTX 1070's EVGA FTW 8GB
2x RX 570's MSI 4GB
2x RX 580's Sapphire 4gb

3rd System:
1x 1000 watt corsair
1x 750 watt EVGA B2
4x RX 580 MSI 4GB
4x RX 580 Sapphire 4GB
5x RX 570 Sapphire 4GB

bought 8 packs of these 6 pack of risers, love the quick release.
https://www.amazon.com/Onvian-Mining-Dedicated-Graphics-Supply/dp/B01MU51491/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1510444630&sr=8-3&keywords=pcie+risers&dpID=515Z87CSRdL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

I have only had 2 of them die since I bought them, but 1 was of course my fault the other was a defective right away.

All main psu's are hooked up to a Wemo Insight which is controlled via my own created software where it pings each system that is online and if it fails to ping it reboots the system by clicking off the power and back on and then waiting the specified time I have given it to boot back up, since each of my system stake roughly 31 seconds I give it 45 secs to make sure, if it fails to boot in that time, it triggers again and it starts it over.