docs_projectmycelium/docs/hosters/buy-node.md

sidebar_position

sidebar_position
2

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

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 :::

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.

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 – Install Zero‑OS, attach it to your farm, and start hosting capacity on the grid.

---

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