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111 sats \ 16 replies \ @Taranis 8 Oct 2022 \ on: Best/cheapest/available hardware for Bitcoin node + lightning bitcoin
umm, i'm working on this site: www.pleb.parts
it's not finished. i don't have shipping configured. if you're in the states, message me and i'll make sure you have an affordable node.
Look's good but i'm in EU actually. I'm looking for a smaller size though.
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search for a micro chassis or ultra small form factor variants -- refurbished/renewed/used.
reach out to local technology recycling companies to see if they have any workstations on hand. business-grade hp/lenovo/dell are commonly cycled out by businesses.
these make for a cheap and sturdy personal node. you'll also have a surplus of replacement parts for any repairs, if needed, too.
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Exactly, the local recycling companies are a gold mine for these cheap machines.
Many office companies now are closing doors or buying new machines. So they are selling a lot of 1-2 years old office PCs and miniPC. Very good for a node.
Like you said, even if you find a good base, that doesn't have enough RAM and disk, just buy those brand new from another place and you have a damn strong node.
The Dell machines have the strongest power source.
I still have a Dell PC from 2005 that still works just fine. Never failed.
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yeah, sure, if you already bought it, is not a problem. Keep it, use it, test it, is a good toy to learn.
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Was this meant as a reply to my comment?
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yes
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this is such a great idea, does this come built and pre-installed with Ubuntu
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thanks!
yes. i chose to pre-install 'ubuntu server' as it's available as a configuration option from the manufacturer and 'citadel' (https://runcitadel.space) since it's a foss fork of umbrel. i believe this combination offers beginners the best starting point.
advanced users could simply wipe and deploy their preferred distro.
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The Optiplex DELL are damn good. I have another node (mostly testing stuff) with a Dell machine and is damn good. Never failed.
I don't know why people are so obsessed with RPis...
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thanks for the feedback Darth. i have access to business-class equipment that's being life-cycled and will continue to post equipment for the community. godspeed.
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Totally agree, and you can get refurbished ones on Amazon starting at like $60 or something ridiculous
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Since you know roughly what software it will run at a minimum, you can provide additional value by also listing watts drawn and dB of noise while running such a load, after initial syncing to be fair. These are important variables to many when running in homes.
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good questions. i haven't personally measured, however, these machines are very well documented.
i believe the average power consumption is less than ~60W for the optiplex 390 i've listed. it's max total power is 235W. newer machines are usually more energy efficient.
it appears the sound level is around 23dB from the bystander position for machines placed on a table-top.
hope this helps!
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I meant listing it among the specifications. It could help customers, I don't believe many do that.
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ah, yes. good idea.
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Good job, keep up this.