184 lines
4.6 KiB
Markdown
184 lines
4.6 KiB
Markdown
---
|
|
sidebar_position: 2
|
|
---
|
|
|
|
# Buy or Build Your Node
|
|
|
|
You have two main paths to becoming a ThreeFold farmer: buying a pre-configured node or building your own from hardware you already have or source yourself.
|
|
|
|
## Option 1: Buy a Pre-Built Node (Easiest)
|
|
|
|
### Why Buy Pre-Built?
|
|
|
|
✅ **Plug-and-play** - Arrives ready to farm
|
|
✅ **Vendor support** - Help when you need it
|
|
✅ **Optimized hardware** - Tested configurations
|
|
✅ **Warranty** - Peace of mind
|
|
✅ **Quick start** - Farming within hours
|
|
|
|
### Where to Buy
|
|
|
|
Several vendors offer certified ThreeFold nodes:
|
|
|
|
<div className="info-box">
|
|
|
|
**📦 Node Vendors**
|
|
|
|
Check the official ThreeFold channels for current list of certified node providers:
|
|
- [ThreeFold Shop](https://threefold.io) - Official vendor listings
|
|
- [Telegram Community](https://t.me/threefoldfarmers) - Vendor recommendations
|
|
- [Forum Marketplace](https://forum.threefold.io) - Community sales
|
|
|
|
</div>
|
|
|
|
### What to Look For
|
|
|
|
When buying a pre-built node, consider:
|
|
|
|
- **Capacity Size** - Storage, RAM, and CPU cores
|
|
- **Power Efficiency** - Lower electricity costs
|
|
- **Warranty & Support** - Vendor backing
|
|
- **Price vs. ROI** - Balance cost with earning potential
|
|
- **Shipping & Import Fees** - Total landed cost
|
|
|
|
### Typical Node Configurations
|
|
|
|
**Entry Level (~$500-1000)**
|
|
- 4-8 CPU cores
|
|
- 16GB RAM
|
|
- 500GB-1TB SSD
|
|
- Low power consumption (~50W)
|
|
|
|
**Mid Range (~$1000-2500)**
|
|
- 8-16 CPU cores
|
|
- 32-64GB RAM
|
|
- 1-2TB SSD
|
|
- Balanced performance (~100W)
|
|
|
|
**High Performance (~$2500+)**
|
|
- 16+ CPU cores
|
|
- 64-128GB+ RAM
|
|
- 2TB+ SSD (multi-drive)
|
|
- Maximum capacity (~150-200W)
|
|
|
|
## Option 2: Build Your Own Node
|
|
|
|
### Why Build Your Own?
|
|
|
|
✅ **Lower cost** - Use existing hardware
|
|
✅ **Flexibility** - Choose your own specs
|
|
✅ **Learning experience** - Understand the system
|
|
✅ **Upgrade existing gear** - Repurpose hardware
|
|
|
|
### Hardware Requirements
|
|
|
|
**Minimum Configuration:**
|
|
```
|
|
CPU: Any 64-bit processor (Intel/AMD)
|
|
Multi-core recommended (4+ cores)
|
|
RAM: 8GB minimum (16GB+ recommended)
|
|
Storage: 500GB SSD minimum (1TB+ recommended)
|
|
Additional HDDs for more capacity
|
|
Network: Gigabit Ethernet (wired connection)
|
|
Boot: USB drive (16GB+) for Zero-OS
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
**Recommended Configuration:**
|
|
```
|
|
CPU: Modern multi-core processor (8+ cores)
|
|
RAM: 32GB+ for better capacity utilization
|
|
Storage: 1TB+ NVMe SSD for high-performance
|
|
Additional SSDs or HDDs for capacity
|
|
Network: Gigabit Ethernet (1Gbps+)
|
|
Power: Efficient PSU (80+ certified)
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
### Compatible Hardware
|
|
|
|
**Processors:**
|
|
- Intel Core i5/i7/i9 (6th gen or newer)
|
|
- AMD Ryzen 5/7/9
|
|
- Intel Xeon
|
|
- AMD EPYC (for larger deployments)
|
|
|
|
**Storage:**
|
|
- Any SATA/NVMe SSD
|
|
- HDDs for additional capacity
|
|
- RAID controllers supported
|
|
|
|
**Network:**
|
|
- Standard Ethernet adapters
|
|
- Wired connection strongly recommended
|
|
|
|
### Where to Source Hardware
|
|
|
|
- **Repurpose** - Old servers or workstations
|
|
- **Consumer Market** - Build from PC components
|
|
- **Used Enterprise** - eBay, server resellers
|
|
- **Local Dealers** - Computer hardware stores
|
|
|
|
<div className="info-box">
|
|
|
|
### 💡 Pro Tip
|
|
|
|
Old enterprise servers (Dell PowerEdge, HP ProLiant) can make excellent farming nodes at low cost. Check eBay and local liquidators.
|
|
|
|
</div>
|
|
|
|
## Cost Considerations
|
|
|
|
### Initial Investment
|
|
|
|
| Item | Pre-Built | DIY |
|
|
|------|-----------|-----|
|
|
| Hardware | $500-3000+ | $200-2000+ |
|
|
| Setup Time | 1-2 hours | 2-8 hours |
|
|
| Technical Skill | Minimal | Moderate |
|
|
| Support | Vendor | Community |
|
|
|
|
### Operating Costs
|
|
|
|
**Monthly expenses to factor in:**
|
|
|
|
- ⚡ **Electricity** - Varies by location and node size
|
|
- Small node (~50W): $5-15/month
|
|
- Medium node (~100W): $10-30/month
|
|
- Large node (~200W): $20-60/month
|
|
|
|
- 🌐 **Internet** - Usually existing connection
|
|
- Recommend dedicated connection for serious farming
|
|
- Business-grade for maximum uptime
|
|
|
|
- 🔧 **Maintenance** - Occasional hardware replacement
|
|
- Budget for failed drives, power supplies
|
|
- Usually minimal with quality hardware
|
|
|
|
## Making Your Decision
|
|
|
|
### Choose Pre-Built If:
|
|
|
|
- 👍 You want the easiest path
|
|
- 👍 You value vendor support
|
|
- 👍 You prefer plug-and-play
|
|
- 👍 Time is more valuable than cost savings
|
|
|
|
### Choose DIY If:
|
|
|
|
- 👍 You have existing hardware
|
|
- 👍 You enjoy technical projects
|
|
- 👍 You want to minimize costs
|
|
- 👍 You're comfortable with system building
|
|
|
|
## What's Next?
|
|
|
|
Once you have your hardware (or know what you'll buy), move on to:
|
|
|
|
**[Setup Your Node](/farming/setup)** - Configure and connect to the grid
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
|
|
:::tip Need Help Deciding?
|
|
|
|
Ask the community! The [ThreeFold Telegram](https://t.me/threefoldfarmers) has experienced farmers who can help you choose the right option for your situation.
|
|
:::
|