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# Buy or Build Your Hosting Node

You have two main paths to becoming a hoster on the Mycelium 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:  
**Hosters Community Chat** – [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.

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:::tip Need Help Deciding?
Ask the community in the **Hosters Community** chat: [t.me/threefoldfarmers](https://t.me/threefoldfarmers). Experienced operators can help you validate hardware ideas and ROI assumptions.
:::