DUMP YOUR RASPI NODES. Get a used mini PC or used laptop for cheap!

More powerful, only $45-75 on eBay (plus ~$65 2TB ssd, but you'd need that anyway for your Raspi node).

This HP EliteDesk 705 G4 is **overkill** for a node. 5 yrs old. Costs $75*.

Fan noise? Meh. Power draw? CPU's max draw is 35W.

https://m.primal.net/HLsC.mp4

Once it's done syncing, the video can't even pick up the fan running at idling speeds:

https://m.primal.net/HLsE.mp4

Cost to run:
15W * 24hrs / 1000W/kW * 12¢/kWh * 30 days = $1.30/mo

This cpu is 8.5x more powerful than a Raspi4.

A more pleb-friendly option is a used laptop. Has everything you need built-in (esp the BATTERY!!! Huge advantage vs Raspi). This HP ProBook 450 G3 is running an 8yr old i5-6200U (3.5x more powerful than a Raspi4). Also super-quiet and low power (15W max cpu draw).

https://m.primal.net/HLsF.mp4


Yep I’m using an HP mini desktop for my node. I keep the pis for fun projects using the GPIO pins. I think if people are serious about their money they should use more robust hardware.


First time that I'm thinking to switch from my perfectly fine working RPI4 8GB. For 4 years I had no problems, but maybe for a RAID 1 solution it is worth to switch. I need to do some research...


From: nostr:npub1m6j3f987ck286f72vkdh8hfgrl6mmw3l386a5xth5uc66rpzuujsrxn2v4


100% this. Screw a raspi node.

nostr:nevent1qqsddztazgr5ktwz3thl3rg90q6s3fd9jf9wr442s86k0hx5m96h4rqpz9mhxue69uhkummnw3eryvfwvdhk6q3qtv8gmfhalwnxxquxjzeh6gtdsdz6vg7vx0s3rt7s7uuw6aujh32qxpqqqqqqzwknyln


Love my optiplex node.


Preach


👏 yes. I got a dell micro tower and it’s great!


I have one mini PC that I use as a Karaoke and Dance Dance Revolution machine. I might convert it as a node, maybe I could even run the games from time to time without slowing down the node in the background, double use case.

What is the best way to run a node on a standard PC like this? All manual install on CLI? Run everything in Docker containers? Use a dedicated OS?

Also is it possible to restore an Umbrel node with all apps and channel on the new machine or I must start from scrach with new channels and all?


Agreed.
The one selling point for raspi-nodes is that the software is a nicely contained package for noobs.
While there are packages like nix, raspi-blitz, citadel out there to be put on bare-metal/laptops.
It is def. not as straight forward in my opinion.


Unpopular opinion. Pis are fine, updates are easier for normies due to OS on sd card, they use less energy.

Looking forward to the pi5 in 2024

nostr:nevent1qqsddztazgr5ktwz3thl3rg90q6s3fd9jf9wr442s86k0hx5m96h4rqpz4mhxue69uhk2er9dchxummnw3ezumrpdejqygzmp6x6dl0m5e3s8p5skd7jzmvrgknz8npnuyg6l58h8rkh0y4u2spsgqqqqqqsh9pwxq


My Pi still works and if the hardware ever goes it’s a pretty easy swap-put. And the form factor is great. I may upgrade at some point, but I’m not in a huge hurry to spend the money.
https://i.nostr.build/nb4803.jpeg


From: nostr:npub1u8lnhlw5usp3t9vmpz60ejpyt649z33hu82wc2hpv6m5xdqmuxhs46turz


Waiting forever for my PSU cables to come in, considering SSD options until then.

Thinking of going 4-8TB to make it an all in one cloud solution.


On nostr:npub12vkcxr0luzwp8e673v29eqjhrr7p9vqq8asav85swaepclllj09sylpugg the videos are all rendered as audio only. Weird, never seen this before.


👆This for the win.


I'll ride my raspi node until it dies, so help me god!


I agree Raspi nodes are very unstable


Same!


From: nostr:npub13azv2cf3kd3xdzcwqxlgcudjg7r9nzak37usnn7h374lkpvd6rcq4k8m54


Don't overlook the important fact that used Laptops come with a battery backup built in! If the power ever goes out the node doesn't have to reboot like it would on a RasPi.


Yes. Went to a OptiPlex (16GB) and it's been great! UPS for power backup.


Load Start9 OS onto that bad boy and go to lvl 100 bitcoin operator in a few clicks 🤙


Great, now I have another weekend project 😌


Upgrade your Bitcoin node from a Pi to a PC. Then reuse the pi by attaching a screen and running Nodeyez.com pointed at your new Bitcoin node to produce visualizations sovereignly

nostr:nevent1qqsddztazgr5ktwz3thl3rg90q6s3fd9jf9wr442s86k0hx5m96h4rqpz9mhxue69uhkummnw3ezuamfdejj7q3qtv8gmfhalwnxxquxjzeh6gtdsdz6vg7vx0s3rt7s7uuw6aujh32qxpqqqqqqzr8vh6s


Never thought of laptops as nodes with a built-in UPS before. Huh.


Raspis are not what they used to be. It’s now overpriced and just not worth it.


I also bought used Mini PC (It is cheap and much more powerful than RP) plus UPS... Recommend that configuration

And i instal nostr:npub126ntw5mnermmj0znhjhgdk8lh2af72sm8qfzq48umdlnhaj9kuns3le9ll


Been looking to upgrade from a raspi for a while.  What ssd are you using?


nostr:npub126ntw5mnermmj0znhjhgdk8lh2af72sm8qfzq48umdlnhaj9kuns3le9ll's StartOS. Just download the iso and put it on a USB drive, then boot from that and install.


Am a big fan of the Dell Optiplex Minis and Intel NUCs. Why not remove the laptops internal drive and replace it with the SSD?


Yes I know this one, but then I will probably not be able to run my 2 games on the same machine. I might need a second mini PC.


DUMP YOUR RASPI NODES. Get a used mini PC or used laptop for cheap!

More powerful, only $45-75 on eBay (plus ~$65 2TB ssd, but you'd need that anyway for your Raspi node).

This HP EliteDesk 705 G4 is **overkill** for a node. 5 yrs old. Costs $75*.

Fan noise? Meh. Power draw? CPU's max draw is 35W.

https://m.primal.net/HLsC.mp4

Once it's done syncing, the video can't even pick up the fan running at idling speeds:

https://m.primal.net/HLsE.mp4

Cost to run:
15W * 24hrs / 1000W/kW * 12¢/kWh * 30 days = $1.30/mo

This cpu is 8.5x more powerful than a Raspi4.

A more pleb-friendly option is a used laptop. Has everything you need built-in (esp the BATTERY!!! Huge advantage vs Raspi). This HP ProBook 450 G3 is running an 8yr old i5-6200U (3.5x more powerful than a Raspi4). Also super-quiet and low power (15W max cpu draw).

https://m.primal.net/HLsF.mp4


my whole laptop cost 175usd. lol which i used for everything


In germany it would cost 5-6$ per month.


I fully support this post:
nostr:note166yh6ys8fvku9zh0lzxs27p4pzj6tyj2u8t24q04vlwdfkt402xqxfhjde


a used pc/laptop seems to be a bad option for a bitcoin node from a security standpoint ihmo


AMEN!


You're going to format any existing drives or, more likely, replace with your own. After that, any attacks would have to be pretty elaborate.


15W @ 30¢/kWh = $3.24/mo.


Depending on form factor (m.2 nvme vs sata ssd), I've been going with these 2TB drives.

* cache good.
* SLC cache okay.
* DRAM cache best.
* QLC storage bad.
* TLC storage okay.
* SLC/MLC storage good but rare.

Also have to check m.2 key (the notch) compatibility 😤

https://i.nostr.build/WwXe.jpg

https://i.nostr.build/QMX7.jpg


My laptop node and mini PC node are both running a fast nvme as the system drive and a 2TB data ssd.


old laptop ftw nostr:note166yh6ys8fvku9zh0lzxs27p4pzj6tyj2u8t24q04vlwdfkt402xqxfhjde


Another option is to buy new but last or even older gen mini pcs like NUC or something AMD based without memory and disks. That makes them quite cheap and you can buy whatever memory and disks you want.


nostr:npub14tq8m9ggnnn2muytj9tdg0q6f26ef3snpd7ukyhvrxgq33vpnghs8shy62 is preaching this for long time ! 😅


100%. I still keep my Raspberry running and routing next to my main node on Linux old laptop, just because I am too mad to even touch it for having fooled me into the Raspberry scam.
Rasberry is nice for 0 installation effort, but then it can hardly move. And costs inadequately.

nostr:nevent1qqsddztazgr5ktwz3thl3rg90q6s3fd9jf9wr442s86k0hx5m96h4rqpp4mhxue69uhkummn9ekx7mqzypdsardxlha6vccrs6gtxlfpdkp5tf3rese7zyd06rmn3mthj279gqcyqqqqqqgyq98w7


Does having poor or varying internet speed matter for running a node?


What software do you run? Bitcoin core?


I bought a NUC to run my node.
Turns out it runs really well so now I'm using it as a bedroom computer to get some writing work done.

I'd get another Nuc but that might also ended up behind a tv connected to my NAS. 🤣

But yeah, these things are way more powerful than a raspberry pi.


Ce que j'ai au niveau portable SSD sinon au niveau téléphone tous sous Android et je ne sais pas si ça compte les 5 ou 6 G en plus de la fibre nouvelle génération !?


How about we just say, UPGRADE instead of DUMP?

The Pi does the job. Totally agree though that other options are more desirable in many instances.


Running an old Lenovo thinkcentre.


Rad 🤝🧡


Right 🤣


From: nostr:npub1jggj3tdr33rrakqn0n7l0xyhnuuuhg2qwaeyl90xf8znex0wwldsx9qlx9


DUMP YOUR RASPI NODES. Get a used mini PC or used laptop for cheap!

More powerful, only $45-75 on eBay (plus ~$65 2TB ssd, but you'd need that anyway for your Raspi node).

This HP EliteDesk 705 G4 is **overkill** for a node. 5 yrs old. Costs $75*.

Fan noise? Meh. Power draw? CPU's max draw is 35W.

https://m.primal.net/HLsC.mp4

Once it's done syncing, the video can't even pick up the fan running at idling speeds:

https://m.primal.net/HLsE.mp4

Cost to run:
15W * 24hrs / 1000W/kW * 12¢/kWh * 30 days = $1.30/mo

This cpu is 8.5x more powerful than a Raspi4.

A more pleb-friendly option is a used laptop. Has everything you need built-in (esp the BATTERY!!! Huge advantage vs Raspi). This HP ProBook 450 G3 is running an 8yr old i5-6200U (3.5x more powerful than a Raspi4). Also super-quiet and low power (15W max cpu draw).

https://m.primal.net/HLsF.mp4


You’ve inspired me to start thinking about this. 🤙🏻


From: nostr:npub147wy3decmxy3vs9u4nse80ha7nkcydt7zdge8lc9gk8ddglh4t6qudjwdr


I love my little mac mini node. just chilling on top of my studio. Absolutely silent and barely any power draw.

nostr:nevent1qqsddztazgr5ktwz3thl3rg90q6s3fd9jf9wr442s86k0hx5m96h4rqpz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ukzcnvv5hx7un89upzqkcw3kn0m7axvvpcdy9n05skmq695c3ucvlpzxhapaeca4me90z5qvzqqqqqqy7ul493

https://i.nostr.build/KdPX.jpg


Eh considerado mi próximo movimiento sea a Orange PI5 pinta muy bien a buen precio!

https://image.nostr.build/17dec2575ff269883999e9fc109db0fabd5ca0863fef73e3503eb416468cae9a.jpg


when I buy a new laptop
I will make my 9yr old laptop to a #bitcoin node

#node
#plebs


#running proxmox / bitcoin / nostr / pihole / tails https://i.nostr.build/62w2.jpg


Oh what a dream 12ct/kWh, hear in Germany I have 35ct/kWh


Even cheaper on real-time pricing, depending on time of day (but add about 4¢/kWh for transmission fees, too).

https://i.nostr.build/ZeOE.jpg


As I go down this rabbit hole, I have more questions. Which Ubuntu software do I need to install to run Umbrel? Is it the desktop or the server? Also any spec requirements I need to be aware of? Meeting with my outside computer guys soon and hoping I might score a mini computer for free. But need to know what I need to ask for. 🤙🏻


I haven't done Umbrel tests yet, but my guess is the non-desktop Ubuntu is fine because Umbrel's UI is all web based anyway.


Once you have the hardware, it's easy to experiment with different ubuntu installers on a USB stick.


best thing to use on a usb stick is ventoy.net. then you can just have many images on a single usb. a distro hopper's dream


Yes I watched a video on setting up a usb to boot from and install. I was thinking the same thing that it would be the server version of the Ubuntu and then install Umbrel. Will consult Umbrel Group before I finish. This is a winter project but gathering stuff.


RAID is Best and safest way


I already use old HP as a node. Raspi is not designed for this


Cant find those prices where I am from....🙈

What do you think of the new Pi5, which will be released later this month?