180 lines
5.5 KiB
Markdown
180 lines
5.5 KiB
Markdown
---
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sidebar_position: 2
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---
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# Buy or Build Your Hosting Node
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You have two main paths to becoming a hoster on the Mycelium stack:
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- **Buy a pre‑configured node** from an official vendor.
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- **Build your own node** from compatible hardware.
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Both can earn SPORE; the right choice depends on your budget, time, and hardware skills.
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## Option 1: Buy a Pre‑Built Node (Easiest)
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### Why Buy Pre‑Built?
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✅ **Plug‑and‑play** – Arrives ready to host.
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✅ **Vendor support** – Get help when you need it.
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✅ **Optimized hardware** – Tested configurations for 24/7 uptime.
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✅ **Warranty** – Hardware support and replacements.
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✅ **Quick start** – Hosting within hours after delivery.
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### Where to Buy
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:::info Official Node Vendor
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Purchase certified nodes from **YourData Network**:
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[yourdata.network/product-category/nodes](https://yourdata.network/product-category/nodes/)
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These nodes are pre‑configured, tested, and ready to join the grid.
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:::
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### What to Look For
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When selecting a pre‑built node, consider:
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- **Capacity** – CPU cores, RAM, and SSD size.
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- **Power Efficiency** – Lower watts = better long‑term returns.
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- **Warranty & Support** – Vendor guarantees and replacement policies.
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- **Shipping & Duties** – Full landed cost, not just hardware price.
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### Typical Node Profiles
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**Entry Level**
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- 4–8 CPU cores.
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- 16GB RAM.
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- 500GB–1TB SSD.
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- Very low power (~50W) – ideal for home hosting.
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**Mid Range**
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- 8–16 CPU cores.
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- 32–64GB RAM.
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- 1–2TB SSD.
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- Balanced performance (~100W).
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**High Performance**
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- 16+ CPU cores.
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- 64–128GB+ RAM.
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- 2TB+ SSD (often multiple drives).
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- Designed for maximum capacity (~150–200W).
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### Specialized Edge & AI Nodes
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Beyond traditional hoster nodes, there are **Edge Compute** and **Edge AI** configurations designed for higher‑value workloads:
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- **Edge Compute Node** – GMKtec NUCBox M6 Ultra (Ryzen 5 7640HS, 32GB RAM).
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- **Edge AI Node** – Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 platform (128GB RAM, integrated NPU).
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Why consider these?
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- Higher earning potential for compute‑heavy and AI workloads.
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- Optimized for hybrid usage (your private workloads + rented capacity).
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- Future‑proof for Mycelium Agent workloads and advanced cloud use cases.
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For details, see **[Advanced Node Options](/hosters/advanced-nodes)**.
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## Option 2: Build Your Own Node (DIY)
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### Why Build Your Own?
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✅ **Lower upfront cost** – Reuse or repurpose existing hardware.
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✅ **Flexibility** – Choose exactly which components you run.
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✅ **Learning experience** – Understand the stack in depth.
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✅ **Upgrade path** – Incremental improvements over time.
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### Hardware Requirements (Guidance)
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| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
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|----------|---------|------------|
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| **CPU** | 4 cores | 8+ modern cores (Ryzen / recent Intel) |
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| **RAM** | 8GB | 16–64GB depending on workloads |
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| **Storage** | 500GB SSD | 1TB+ NVMe SSD (+ optional HDDs) |
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| **Network** | 1 Gbps Ethernet | 1 Gbps+ wired, stable uptime |
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### Compatible Hardware
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**Processors**
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- Intel Core i5/i7/i9 (6th gen or newer).
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- AMD Ryzen 5/7/9.
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- Intel Xeon / AMD EPYC for larger deployments.
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**Storage**
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- SATA or NVMe SSDs for primary capacity.
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- HDDs for additional bulk storage.
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- Hardware RAID or ZFS possible on some setups.
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**Network**
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- Standard Ethernet NICs.
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- Wired connection strongly recommended for reliability.
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### Where to Source Hardware
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- **Repurpose** – Old servers or workstations already on hand.
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- **Consumer Parts** – Build from off‑the‑shelf PC components.
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- **Used Enterprise** – Refurbished servers from online marketplaces.
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- **Local Dealers** – Regional hardware vendors or system integrators.
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:::tip Pro Tip
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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.
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:::
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## Cost Considerations
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### Initial Investment
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| Item | Pre‑Built | DIY |
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|------|----------|-----|
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| Hardware | ~$500–3000+ | ~$200–2000+ |
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| Setup Time | 30–60 minutes | 2–6 hours |
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| Technical Skill | Low | Medium–High |
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| Support | Vendor | Community / self‑managed |
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### Operating Costs
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Ongoing costs mainly come from:
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- ⚡ **Electricity** – Varies by hardware profile and local rates.
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- 🌐 **Internet** – Often your existing line; business‑grade recommended for larger farms.
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- 🔧 **Maintenance** – Occasional drive or PSU replacements.
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Approximate monthly electricity (very rough examples):
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- Efficient mini PC (~20W): **$1–3/month**.
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- Standard desktop (~75W): **$5–15/month**.
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- High‑performance node (~150W): **$10–30/month**.
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## Making Your Decision
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### Choose Pre‑Built If
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- You want the **simplest** path to becoming a hoster.
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- You value **hardware support** and warranties.
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- You prefer a **plug‑and‑play** experience.
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- Your time is more valuable than incremental cost savings.
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### Choose DIY If
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- You already have compatible hardware.
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- You **enjoy technical projects** and tuning systems.
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- You want to **optimize costs** aggressively.
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- You're comfortable with BIOS, storage, and networking basics.
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## What's Next?
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Once you have a node (or a clear hardware plan), move on to:
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**[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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---
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:::tip Need Help Deciding?
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Experienced operators and hosters can help you validate hardware ideas and ROI assumptions. Use your preferred community channels to ask for feedback.
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:::
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