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+---
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+---
+
+# Buy or Build Your Hosting Node
+
+You have two main paths to becoming a hoster on the Mycelium / ThreeFold Grid stack:
+
+- **Buy a pre‑configured node** from an official vendor.  
+- **Build your own node** from compatible hardware.
+
+Both can earn SPORE; the right choice depends on your budget, time, and hardware skills.
+
+## Option 1: Buy a Pre‑Built Node (Easiest)
+
+### Why Buy Pre‑Built?
+
+✅ **Plug‑and‑play** – Arrives ready to host.  
+✅ **Vendor support** – Get help when you need it.  
+✅ **Optimized hardware** – Tested configurations for 24/7 uptime.  
+✅ **Warranty** – Hardware support and replacements.  
+✅ **Quick start** – Hosting within hours after delivery.
+
+### Where to Buy
+
+:::info Official Node Vendor
+Purchase certified nodes from **YourData Network**:  
+[yourdata.network/product-category/nodes](https://yourdata.network/product-category/nodes/)
+
+These nodes are pre‑configured, tested, and ready to join the grid.
+
+Need recommendations or sizing advice? Join the community:  
+**Telegram (Hosters/Farmers)** – [t.me/threefoldfarmers](https://t.me/threefoldfarmers)
+:::
+
+### What to Look For
+
+When selecting a pre‑built node, consider:
+
+- **Capacity** – CPU cores, RAM, and SSD size.  
+- **Power Efficiency** – Lower watts = better long‑term returns.  
+- **Warranty & Support** – Vendor guarantees and replacement policies.  
+- **Shipping & Duties** – Full landed cost, not just hardware price.
+
+### Typical Node Profiles
+
+**Entry Level**
+
+- 4–8 CPU cores.  
+- 16GB RAM.  
+- 500GB–1TB SSD.  
+- Very low power (~50W) – ideal for home hosting.
+
+**Mid Range**
+
+- 8–16 CPU cores.  
+- 32–64GB RAM.  
+- 1–2TB SSD.  
+- Balanced performance (~100W).
+
+**High Performance**
+
+- 16+ CPU cores.  
+- 64–128GB+ RAM.  
+- 2TB+ SSD (often multiple drives).  
+- Designed for maximum capacity (~150–200W).
+
+### Specialized Edge & AI Nodes
+
+Beyond traditional hoster nodes, there are **Edge Compute** and **Edge AI** configurations designed for higher‑value workloads:
+
+- **Edge Compute Node** – GMKtec NUCBox M6 Ultra (Ryzen 5 7640HS, 32GB RAM).  
+- **Edge AI Node** – Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 platform (128GB RAM, integrated NPU).
+
+Why consider these?
+
+- Higher earning potential for compute‑heavy and AI workloads.  
+- Optimized for hybrid usage (your private workloads + rented capacity).  
+- Future‑proof for Mycelium Agent workloads and advanced cloud use cases.
+
+For details, see **[Advanced Node Options](/hosters/advanced-nodes)**.
+
+## Option 2: Build Your Own Node (DIY)
+
+### Why Build Your Own?
+
+✅ **Lower upfront cost** – Reuse or repurpose existing hardware.  
+✅ **Flexibility** – Choose exactly which components you run.  
+✅ **Learning experience** – Understand the stack in depth.  
+✅ **Upgrade path** – Incremental improvements over time.
+
+### Hardware Requirements (Guidance)
+
+| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
+|----------|---------|------------|
+| **CPU** | 4 cores | 8+ modern cores (Ryzen / recent Intel) |
+| **RAM** | 8GB | 16–64GB depending on workloads |
+| **Storage** | 500GB SSD | 1TB+ NVMe SSD (+ optional HDDs) |
+| **Network** | 1 Gbps Ethernet | 1 Gbps+ wired, stable uptime |
+
+### 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**
+
+- SATA or NVMe SSDs for primary capacity.  
+- HDDs for additional bulk storage.  
+- Hardware RAID or ZFS possible on some setups.
+
+**Network**
+
+- Standard Ethernet NICs.  
+- Wired connection strongly recommended for reliability.
+
+### Where to Source Hardware
+
+- **Repurpose** – Old servers or workstations already on hand.  
+- **Consumer Parts** – Build from off‑the‑shelf PC components.  
+- **Used Enterprise** – Refurbished servers from online marketplaces.  
+- **Local Dealers** – Regional hardware vendors or system integrators.
+
+:::tip Pro Tip
+Start with one efficient node to learn the system before scaling. A modern low‑power configuration often has better net returns than an old, power‑hungry server because of electricity costs.
+:::
+
+## Cost Considerations
+
+### Initial Investment
+
+| Item | Pre‑Built | DIY |
+|------|----------|-----|
+| Hardware | ~$500–3000+ | ~$200–2000+ |
+| Setup Time | 30–60 minutes | 2–6 hours |
+| Technical Skill | Low | Medium–High |
+| Support | Vendor | Community / self‑managed |
+
+### Operating Costs
+
+Ongoing costs mainly come from:
+
+- ⚡ **Electricity** – Varies by hardware profile and local rates.  
+- 🌐 **Internet** – Often your existing line; business‑grade recommended for larger farms.  
+- 🔧 **Maintenance** – Occasional drive or PSU replacements.
+
+Approximate monthly electricity (very rough examples):
+
+- Efficient mini PC (~20W): **$1–3/month**.  
+- Standard desktop (~75W): **$5–15/month**.  
+- High‑performance node (~150W): **$10–30/month**.
+
+## Making Your Decision
+
+### Choose Pre‑Built If
+
+- You want the **simplest** path to becoming a hoster.  
+- You value **hardware support** and warranties.  
+- You prefer a **plug‑and‑play** experience.  
+- Your time is more valuable than incremental cost savings.
+
+### Choose DIY If
+
+- You already have compatible hardware.  
+- You **enjoy technical projects** and tuning systems.  
+- You want to **optimize costs** aggressively.  
+- You're comfortable with BIOS, storage, and networking basics.
+
+## What's Next?
+
+Once you have a node (or a clear hardware plan), move on to:
+
+**[Set Up Your Node](/hosters/setup)** – Install Zero‑OS, attach it to your farm, and start hosting capacity on the grid.
+
+---
+
+:::tip Need Help Deciding?
+Ask the community in **ThreeFold Farmers / Hosters** chat: [t.me/threefoldfarmers](https://t.me/threefoldfarmers). Experienced operators can help you validate hardware ideas and ROI assumptions.
+:::