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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
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
:::
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 ThreeFold Farmers / Hosters chat: t.me/threefoldfarmers. Experienced operators can help you validate hardware ideas and ROI assumptions. :::