---
sidebar_position: 3
---
# Advanced Node Options
Beyond traditional farming nodes, ThreeFold offers specialized **Edge Compute** and **Edge AI** nodes designed for specific use cases and enhanced earning opportunities.
## Edge Compute Node
**Based on GMKtec NUCBox M6 Ultra (Ryzen 5 7640HS)**
### Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|-----------|---------------|
| **CPU** | AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS (6 cores / 12 threads, up to ~5.0 GHz) |
| **RAM** | 32 GB |
| **Storage** | 1 TB NVMe SSD |
| **Power Usage** | ~30-40 W typical under load |
| **Network** | 2.5GbE LAN |
| **Form Factor** | Mini PC, silent/dedicated use ready |
### Cost and Earning Potential
| **Parameter** | **Value** |
|---------------|-----------|
| **Purchase Price** | €400 (~$435 USD) |
| **Guaranteed Monthly Earning** | €20/month (≈ 2,000 SPORE/month) |
| **Break-even Time** | ~20 months |
### Three Usage Options
#### Option 1: Use It Yourself (Free Forever)
When you dedicate the machine to your own AI, cloud or development workloads:
- ✅ Full control of the hardware and software stack
- ✅ Access to the Mycelium OS / stack, for experiments and private workloads
- ✅ No hosting fees. Use it as your private edge compute device
#### Option 2: Host for the Mycelium Network
When you make part or all of it available to the network and earn SPORE tokens:
- ✅ Divide the machine into "slices" (allocate CPU cores, RAM, storage)
- ✅ Submit to the marketplace and match bids or customer demand
- ✅ Guaranteed baseline income via bid tiers
- ✅ Example: Standard compute tier = minimum price × 80% in SPORE
#### Option 3: Hybrid Approach
- ✅ Use 50% for yourself, rent out 50% to the network
- ✅ Mycelium coop willing to rent 50% of your node
- ✅ Best of both worlds: personal use + earning
---
## Edge AI Node
**Based on Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 platform**
### Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|-----------|---------------|
| **CPU** | AMD Ryzen™ AI MAX+ 395 (8C/16T, up to 5.1 GHz) |
| **AI Accelerator** | Integrated NPU (~50 TOPS) |
| **RAM** | 128 GB DDR5 |
| **Storage** | 2 TB NVMe SSD |
| **Power Usage** | ~45–55 W typical load |
| **Network** | Dual 2.5 G LAN |
| **Form Factor** | Compact, silent, ready for 24/7 operation |
### Cost and Earning Potential
| **Parameter** | **Value** |
|---------------|-----------|
| **Purchase Price** | Premium pricing (varies by vendor) |
| **Guaranteed Monthly Earning** | €66.67/month (≈ 6,667 SPORE/month) |
| **Break-even Time** | Variable based on purchase price |
### AI-Focused Features
- ✅ **Built-in AI Acceleration** - 50 TOPS NPU for local AI workloads
- ✅ **High Memory** - 128GB DDR5 for memory-intensive AI tasks
- ✅ **AI Development Ready** - Perfect for running local AI models
- ✅ **Edge AI Processing** - Handle AI workloads closer to data sources
---
## How It Works
1. **Buy your node** - Choose Edge Compute or Edge AI based on your needs
2. **Install Mycelium OS (ZOS)** - Quick setup with our step-by-step guide
3. **Decide usage mode** - Private use, hosting, or hybrid approach
4. **Earn SPORE automatically** - 80% of revenue goes to you, 10% burned, 10% to development
### SPORE Earning Example
```mermaid
graph TD
A[Node Provides Capacity] --> B[User Rents Resources]
B --> C[80% to You
SPORE Tokens]
B --> D[10% Burned
Makes SPORE Scarcer]
B --> E[10% Mycelium
Development]
C --> F[You Choose:
Hold • Convert • Use]
D --> G[SPORE Supply Decreases
Your Holdings More Valuable]
```
---
## Comparison: Edge vs Traditional Nodes
| **Feature** | **Edge Compute** | **Edge AI** | **Traditional Mini 1** |
|-------------|------------------|-------------|------------------------|
| **CPU Performance** | High (6-core Zen 4) | Very High (8-core AI) | Moderate |
| **RAM** | 32GB | 128GB DDR5 | 32GB |
| **AI Capabilities** | Basic | Advanced NPU | None |
| **Purchase Price** | €400 | Premium | $350 |
| **Monthly Earning** | 2,000 SPORE | 6,667 SPORE | 1,000-12,000 SPORE |
| **Power Usage** | 30-40W | 45-55W | ~60W |
| **Best For** | General compute | AI workloads | Traditional farming |
---
## Getting Started with Edge Nodes
### Ready to Buy?
1. **Research vendors** - Compare prices for GMKtec NUCBox M6 Ultra or Ryzen AI MAX+ 395
2. **Choose your approach** - Private use, hosting, or hybrid
3. **[Set up your node](/getstarted/farming/setup)** - Follow our setup guide
4. **[Learn about SPORE](/getstarted/farming/economics)** - Understand the token system
### Need Help Deciding?
- **Edge Compute**: Choose if you want efficient general-purpose computing with earning potential
- **Edge AI**: Choose if you're interested in AI development and want maximum earning potential
- **Traditional**: Choose if you want to start with the most affordable farming option
### 💡 Pro Tip
Edge nodes offer higher earning potential than traditional nodes, but require a larger initial investment. Consider starting with a traditional Mini 1 node to learn the system, then upgrading to Edge nodes as you become more comfortable with farming.
---
## Links
- **[GMKtec NUCBox M6 Ultra](https://www.gmktec.com/products/amd-ryzen-5-7640hs-mini-pc-nucbox-m6-ultra)**
- **[Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 EVO X2](https://www.gmktec.com/products/amd-ryzen%E2%84%A2-ai-max-395-evo-x2-ai-mini-pc)**
- **[Learn SPORE Economics](/getstarted/farming/economics)** - Understand the token system
- **[Community Discussion](https://t.me/threefoldfarmers)** - Get advice from experienced farmers
---
:::tip Next Step
Ready to set up your node? Check out the **[Setup Guide](/getstarted/farming/setup)** to get started.
:::