Scientific computing with a crypto mining rig
Despite the steady increase in computing power from one generation to the next, computers are rarely fast enough for their users. Over the years, programmers and PC vendors have found ways to speed them up. If you know exactly how a computer will be used, you can design it to maximize performance and minimize cost.
Crypto rigs are created with only one task in mind: to perform the arcane mathematical computations associated with crypto mining. The crypto gold rush has led to a rapid evolution of the technology – a mining unit that was competitive a few years ago might already be obsolete. For instance, a few years ago, mining rigs made extensive use of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs); in more recent years, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and then Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) have replaced graphics cards. Crypto mining has also experienced a bit of a downturn recently due to environmental fears and instability of the larger economy.
As a result of these and other factors, mining rigs are increasingly ending up on the second-hand market, where you can buy them relatively cheaply even if you are not a professional user. Could one of these rigs serve another role?
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
CIQ Releases Compatibility Catalog for Rocky Linux
The company behind Rocky Linux is making an open catalog available to developers, hobbyists, and other contributors, so they can verify and publish compatibility with the CIQ lineup.
-
KDE Gets Some Resuscitation
KDE is bringing back two themes that vanished a few years ago, putting a bit more air under its wings.
-
Ubuntu 26.04 Beta Arrives with Some Surprises
Ubuntu 26.04 is almost here, but the beta version has been released, and it might surprise some people.
-
Ubuntu MATE Dev Leaving After 12 years
Martin Wimpress, the maintainer of Ubuntu MATE, is now searching for his successor. Are you the next in line?
-
Kali Linux Waxes Nostalgic with BackTrack Mode
For those who've used Kali Linux since its inception, the changes with the new release are sure to put a smile on your face.
-
Gnome 50 Smooths Out NVIDIA GPU Issues
Gamers rejoice, your favorite pastime just got better with Gnome 50 and NVIDIA GPUs.
-
System76 Retools Thelio Desktop
The new Thelio Mira has landed with improved performance, repairability, and front-facing ports alongside a high-quality tempered glass facade.
-
Some Linux Distros Skirt Age Verification Laws
After California introduced an age verification law recently, open source operating system developers have had to get creative with how they deal with it.
-
UN Creates Open Source Portal
In a quest to strengthen open source collaboration, the United Nations Office of Information and Communications Technology has created a new portal.
-
Latest Linux Kernel RC Contains Changes Galore
Linux kernel 7.0-rc3 includes more changes than have been made in a single release in recent history.