The “Serious” Blockchain Development, Part 1: Getting PC Hardware for Ethereum Full Node.
In this 2018, blockchain is on the rise. Beginning in early year, the Bitcoin Hype market surge the IT technology hard, It has made many attention and publicity about this new technology to public. Followed by many large company finally acknowledged the importance and impact blockchain technology today and future.
The technology itself still largely in development to be implemented in future IT class world problem (Like cryptocurrency, certificate, land registry, Precious Goods tracing, e-voting, and etc.). In such that case, The blockchain development must involve massive of networking as the principal is Decentralized Applications. In that environment, we must also understanding the concept of web 3.0 (Semantic Web) where the place of web that totally different like we now today.
And, Let’s go the post. I got a project to make set of hardware for Blockchain development by a “national company” Let’s say like that.
Part 1 : Getting PC Hardware for Ethereum Full Node. (Scroll down)
Part 2: Plan, System, Setup, and Experiment
Part 3 : (To be continued)
The Hardware
I was given money to spend it into mining development server, which can be translated as it can be functional as web server as well as blockchain full node with capable of using ethereum smart contract and also not so big. Within budget of (4 * 10⁷ IDR ≈ 2500 USD) and my current Country PC hardware pricing parts and/or OEM (Indonesia, November 2018) I conclude the best way to get best of the best is by build a PC.
First thing to be consideration is the CPU and GPU balance for the purpose and the GPU & CPU Brand. As the main purposes for blockchain development especially in Ethereum, becoming full node and a small server is considered. Also since many blockchain is based on open-source environment, any CPU & GPU has more RAW power is more beneficial rather than proprietary API (like CUDA). Thus, for GPU, AMD Radeon is much preferred as their value and OpenCL power became best hardware for Blockchain (Mining or run as Full Node). And for CPU, getting more core with less price is preferred, High Frequencies? That make more electricity and make less for longevity of the system, thus AMD Ryzen 7 is best choice for this.
Ok? Let’s go hunt the part… :) So, The specs are:
- CPU: Ryzen 7 2700, AMD
- Mobo: X370, MSI Gamming Pro Carbon
- GPU: 2 x RX Vega 64, Gigabyte Gamming OC
- RAM: (non-ECC) 32 GB dual-kit DDR4–3000Mhz, Corsair
- SSD: 500GB M.2, Samsung 970 EVO
- HDD: 2TB server-grade, Seagate Ironwolf
- PSU: 1000w Platinum, Corsair HX1000
- A casing, 3 fans, and thermal paste
Why? My some-taught are :
- CPU: Need a high core for docker and Vrtualization incl. compiling, in best value possible. Also, lower TDP -> better longevity. So 2700 is good… I think.
- Mobo: I should bought mobo with ECC compatible for future upgrade. But, It’s has good value though… (discount, cheaper than x470)
- GPU: Need the beast power for hashing power. It is the Important part for ethereum mining. In compact manner, 2x vega is most viable. Other option would be 3–4x RX 580/590 (better value & perf/watt, but required more space).
- RAM: 16 GB is should be ok most of the time. So, for “Reasearch” it’s safer and better to get more. Also, higher speed means better Ryzen. ECC? let’s discuss later.
- SSD: It’s 2018…. man
- HDD: the “Research” archive.
- PSU: Platinum, because 24-hour ops. and for longevity of the PSU.
- And some essential peripheral for Building a PC.
Overall: Indonesian PC part pricing is kinda more expensive because our tax import for “Luxury” Electronics. But in this 2018, AMD made a great product in such a great value.
OS? System? Software? Configuration? Next Part is here:
Part 2: Plan, System, Setup, and Experiment
Thanks For Reading. Sorry fur bad Englisch, Comment’s are welcome.
*Hint: Linuxmastterace bros.
