Key Takeaways:
A six-GPU mining rig combines a compatible motherboard, processor, RAM, storage, 1200 W Platinum power supply, powered risers, open frame, network connection, and six Nvidia GTX 1070-class graphics cards in the source build.
- Build and test the system with one GPU first, then add the other five one at a time so hardware or driver problems can be isolated.
- The source uses Windows 10 and Nvidia graphics, but says its general procedure can be adapted to other operating systems or AMD cards.
- BIOS preparation includes Gen1 PCIe settings, disabling unused SATA devices and HD audio, disabling Fast Boot, and enabling Above 4G Decoding.
- Power distribution is critical: the source limits each PSU power cable to two GTX 1070 GPUs and two riser cards, and warns against powering three or four risers from one cable.
This guide is designed for first-time computer builders assembling a six-GPU cryptocurrency mining rig. A mining rig performs proof-of-work calculations for compatible cryptocurrency networks and contributes processing power without a centralized coordinator.
The reference build uses Nvidia GPUs and Windows 10. Product specifications, links, coin names, and algorithms below are preserved exactly from the source, including older hardware and unusual values. Confirm component compatibility, power requirements, current software support, and mining economics before purchasing or operating equipment.
6-GPU Mining Rig Setup Overview
The complete build follows these eight phases:
- Collect the GPU, motherboard, CPU, RAM, PSU, risers, SSD, frame, network adapter, flash drive, cable ties, and any needed PCIe splitters.
- Assemble the CPU, heatsink, memory, motherboard, and power supply outside the final frame where practical.
- Install and power one USB riser and one graphics card for the initial test.
- Connect the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power switch, then confirm that the rig reaches BIOS.
- Configure PCIe, SATA, audio, boot, and Above 4G Decoding settings in BIOS.
- Install Windows 10, updates, the Nvidia graphics driver, and the source’s performance and paging-file settings.
- Power down and add the five remaining GPUs one at a time, verifying each in Device Manager.
- Resolve recognition problems through driver refresh, reinstall, riser tests, slot checks, and power-connection checks.
Mining Rig Parts List
The GPUs generate the mining workload, and the source recommends six GTX 1070 cards. Start with one card while assembling and configuring the base system.
GPU Options
| Product Name | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1070 | Graphics Coprocessor: Nvidia GeForce; Graphics Processor Manufacturer: NVIDIA; GPU Clock Speed: 1607 MHz; Graphics Card Ram Size: 8192 MB | Learn More |
| ASUS Dual GEFORCE GTX 1070 | Graphics Coprocessor: Nvidia GeForce; Video Output Interface: DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI; GPU Clock Speed: 1582 MHz; Graphics Ram Size: 8 GB | Learn More |
| Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1070 G1 | Graphics Coprocessor: Nvidia GeForce; Video Output Interface: DVI, HDMI; GPU Clock Speed: 1822 MHz; Graphics Ram Size: 8 GB | Learn More |
| EVGA GeForce 08G-P4-5173-KR, GTX 1070 | Graphics Coprocessor: Nvidia GeForce; Video Output Interface: HDMI; GPU Clock Speed: 1784 MHz; Graphics Ram Size: 8182 GB | Learn More |
Other Required Components
| Product Name | Component | Specifications | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS Prime Z370-A | Motherboard: Check processor socket type and capacity for six GPUs. | RAM: DDR4; Chipset Type: Intel Z390; Memory Storage: 32 GB; Memory Clock Speed: 2400 MHz | Learn More |
| ASUS Prime Z390-A | Motherboard | RAM: DDR4; Chipset Type: Intel Z390; Memory Clock Speed: 2400 MHz; Memory Storage: 32 GB | Learn More |
| Intel Core i5-9400 Desktop Processor | CPU: A moderate or low-end CPU is sufficient for this GPU build. The source recommends an Intel 8th or 9th Generation 1151 Socket CPU. | RAM: DDR4; CPU Model: Core i5; CPU Speed: 2.9 GHz; Memory Clock Speed: 2900 MHz | Learn More |
| Patriot Memory Viper Elite Series DDR4 8GB 2400MHz (PC4-19200) Single Module | RAM: Less important to mining performance but still required. | RAM: DRAM; Item Weight: 1.44 ounces; Memory Storage: 16 GB; Memory Clock Speed: 2133 MHz | Learn More |
| Bewinner Memory RAM DDR2 4GB | RAM | RAM: DDR2; Item Weight: 1.06 ounces; Memory Storage: 4 GB; Memory Clock Speed: 800 MHz | Learn More |
| Corsair HXi Series, HX1200i, 1200 Watt, 80+ Platinum Certified | PSU: Any PSU with a 1200 W Platinum rating will do. | Connector Type: connector:16; Item Weight: 1 Pounds; Output Wattage: 1200; Form Factor: ATX12V | Learn More |
| Straight Power 11 Platinum 1200W | PSU | Connector Type: PCI Express; Item Weight: 8.1 pounds; Output Wattage: 1200; Fan Count: 1 | Learn More |
| MintCell 6-Pack PCIe 6-Pin 16x to 1x Powered Riser Adapter Card | Risers: Elevate GPUs from the motherboard for airflow and cooling. | Style: Simple; Hardware Platform: PC; Item Weight: 1.01 pounds | Learn More |
| Samsung SSD 860 EVO 250GB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD | SSD: Any 240 GB or larger SATA SSD will do. | Digital Storage Capacity: 250 GB; Special Feature: Data Recovery Service; Connectivity Technology: SATA; Hard Disk Form Factor: 2.5 Inches | Learn More |
| Crucial BX500 240GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD | SSD | Hard Disk Interface: Serial ATA; Special Feature: Data Portable; Connectivity Technology: SATA; Hard Disk Size: 240 GB | Learn More |
| Monoprice Cat6 Ethernet Patch Cable | Internet connection: High-performance Cat6 Ethernet cable for mining-rig connectivity. | Cable Category: Cat6; Bandwidth: 550MHz; Data Transfer Rate: 10 Gigabits Per Second; Length Options: Multiple lengths available; Connector Type: RJ45 | Learn More |
| TP-Link AC600 USB WiFi Adapter for PC | Internet connection: Any Wi-Fi adapter. | Compatible Devices: Laptop, Desktop; Hardware Interface: USB; Compatible Devices: Laptop, Desktop; Item Weight: 18.14 Grams | Learn More |
| RXFSP 6/8 GPU Aluminum Stackable Open Air Mining Computer Frame Rig | Mining rig: Build a six-GPU frame or buy one. | Fan Size: 120 Millimeters; Motherboard Compatability: Micro ATX; Cooling Method: Air; Fan Count: 2 | Learn More |
| Samsung USB3.0 64 GB Flash Drive (Titan Grey) | Flash drive: Any USB flash drive with 5GB capacity or more. | Special Feature: Waterproof, Shockproof, Temperature Proof; Hardware Interface: USB 3.0; Memory Storage: 64 GB; Write Speed: 200 MB | Learn More |
| Dxg 100 Pack 6 Inch 2.5150mm Self-Locking Nylon Cable Ties Zip Ties | Zip ties: At least 20 nylon cable ties are required. | Material: Plastic; Style: Heavy Duty; Number of Pieces: 500 | Learn More |
| JacobsParts PCI Express Power Splitter Cable 8-pin to 2x 6+2-pin | PCIe Y-splitter: May be needed when not using the listed PSU. | Connector Gender: Male; Connector Type: 8 Pin PCIe; Shape: Round | Learn More |
Cryptocurrencies and Algorithms Listed for This Rig
The source states that Nvidia GPUs can handle algorithms including Lyra2REv3, MTP, X16RT, X25X, Ethash, CryptoNightGPU, Cuckaroo29s, and Zhash.
| Name of Cryptocurrency | Name of Algorithm |
|---|---|
| Aion (AION) | Equihash (10,9) |
| BitcoinZ (BTCZ) | Zhash |
| Bitcoin Gold (BTG) | Equihash |
| Beam (BEAM) | BeamHashII |
| Beam II Nicehash | BeamHashII |
| Conflux (CFX) | Octopus |
| Ethash Nicehash | Ethash |
| Ethereum (ETH) | Ethash |
| Ethereum Classic (ETC) | Ethash |
| Sinovate (SIN) | X25X |
| SnowGem (XSG) | Zhash |
| Swap (XWP) | Cuckaroo29s |
| Ubiq (UBQ) | Ubqhash |
| Veil (VEIL) | X16RT |
| Zcoin (XZC) | MTP |
| Zel (ZEL) | ZelHash |
How to Assemble the 6-GPU Mining Rig
1) Prepare the motherboard
- Place the six-GPU-capable motherboard outside the frame on its packaging foam or an anti-static bag.
- Release the lever that holds the CPU socket protector before continuing.
2) Install the processor and heatsink
- Align the CPU and motherboard socket marks on the same side, then lower the processor carefully without bending its pins.
- Keep the motherboard manual nearby when fitting the heatsink.
- Apply thermal paste to the heatsink surface and connect its power lead to the header labeled CPU_FAN1.
3) Install the RAM
- Open the retaining brackets on the correct RAM slot, align the module, and press it into the socket until the brackets secure it.
4) Secure the motherboard to the frame
- Place the motherboard carefully so its underside is not scratched.
- On a metal frame, contact should occur only at the intended screw holes and standoffs. Tighten the mounting screws firmly.
5) Connect the power supply
- Position the PSU near the motherboard with enough clearance inside the frame.
- Connect the 24-pin motherboard power lead and the CPU’s 8-pin lead near the processor.
- Do not confuse the CPU 8-pin connector with a PCIe 6+2 connector; the source notes that the CPU cable is thicker.
6) Assemble and power the USB riser
- Connect the x16 USB riser assembly to the short PCIe x1 adapter and install that adapter in the motherboard.
- Power the riser through its required six-pin PCIe, SATA, or Molex connector, depending on the model.
- Use no more than two Molex or SATA riser connectors per PSU cable. The source warns that powering three or four risers from one cable can damage them.
7) Attach the first GPU
- Secure one graphics card to the frame through the USB riser and attach its PCIe 6+2 power connectors.
- Leave the remaining five cards disconnected until the base system has booted and the driver is installed.
8) Complete the first boot
- Recheck every cable and connect the monitor to the GPU in the main PCIe slot.
- Attach the keyboard and mouse, then connect the case or frame power switch to the motherboard power pins using the manual for reference.
- Power on the system and confirm that a BIOS message appears on the monitor.
Configure BIOS for Mining
Enter BIOS during startup by pressing F2 or Delete, then press F7 for Advanced Mode. Menu names vary by motherboard model.
- Open System Agent (SA) Configuration, then DMI/OPI Configuration, and set DMI Max Link Speed to Gen1.
- Under System Agent (SA) Configuration and PEG Port Configuration, set every PCIEX16_x option to Gen1.
- In PCH Storage Configuration, disable every SATA device that does not contain the SSD.
- Under PCH Configuration and PCI Express Configuration, set PCIe Speed to Gen1.
- Under On-board Devices Configuration, disable the HD Audio Controller.
- Optionally set Restore AC Power Loss to Power On under APM Configuration.
- In Boot settings, disable Fast Boot and enable Above 4G Decoding.
After saving these settings, connect the bootable Windows USB flash drive to the motherboard.
Install and Tune Windows 10
- Install Windows 10 from the USB drive. The source recommends leaving Cortana, OneDrive, location, relevant ads, speech recognition, diagnostics, and other tailored experiences disabled.
- After the automatic restart, sign in and open Device Manager. Confirm that NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 and Intel Onboard Graphics are visible, then install pending updates.
- Download the current applicable GTX 1070 driver from Nvidia, run the installer as administrator, choose Custom installation, and leave only the graphics driver selected before restarting.
- Open System settings, turn off notifications, set sleep to Never, and choose Adjust for best performance.
- Disable automatic paging-file management and set both initial and maximum sizes to 16384 MB.
- Choose an update policy deliberately: the source notes that updates can improve the system but may interrupt mining when installation starts.
Install the Remaining Five GPUs
- Power down the rig completely, including the PSU master switch.
- Connect the next riser and GPU in the open slot closest to the processor, then connect the riser to the motherboard.
- Restore PSU power, start the rig, sign in, and open Display adapters in Device Manager.
- Confirm that the new GTX 1070 appears. Refresh Device Manager if necessary.
- Repeat the power-down, installation, startup, and verification sequence until all six GPUs appear without warning icons.
- Use no more than two GTX 1070 cards per PSU power cable and no more than two riser cards per PSU power cable.
Troubleshooting Missing or Misidentified GPUs
- Disable and re-enable the affected device in Device Manager.
- Choose Update driver and point Windows to C:/Nvidia/ so it can search the driver subdirectories.
- If recognition still fails, uninstall the device, open Action, and scan for hardware changes.
- Run the Nvidia driver installer again so it can detect and install the appropriate hardware driver.
- Check that the riser is fully seated and its power connection returns securely to the PSU.
- Verify the GPU’s 8-pin power connector.
- Test the riser with another GPU and slot. If the riser works elsewhere, investigate the GPU or Windows installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a GPU mining rig?
A GPU mining rig is a computer built around several graphics cards that perform proof-of-work calculations for compatible cryptocurrency algorithms and networks.
How many GPUs does this mining-rig setup use?
The reference configuration uses six Nvidia GTX 1070 GPUs. The guide starts with one GPU and adds the remaining five individually after the system and driver are working.
What power supply does the source recommend?
The source states that a 1200 W Platinum-rated PSU will work for its six-GPU reference build and lists two example 1200 W units. Actual compatibility and headroom must match the chosen components.
Why are powered PCIe risers used?
Powered risers move graphics cards away from the motherboard to improve spacing and airflow while connecting each GPU through a PCIe x1 slot.
Which BIOS settings are important for this six-GPU rig?
The source sets PCIe links to Gen1, disables unused SATA devices and HD audio, disables Fast Boot, enables Above 4G Decoding, and optionally powers on after AC restoration.
What should I do if Windows does not recognize a GPU?
Disable and re-enable it, update the driver from C:/Nvidia/, scan for hardware changes, rerun the Nvidia installer, and test the riser, slot, GPU power, and Windows installation.
Final Mining Rig Checklist
- All six GPUs appear in Device Manager without warning icons.
- The motherboard, CPU, risers, and every GPU receive the correct power connector.
- No PSU cable powers more than two GTX 1070 cards or two risers, following the source’s limits.
- The frame provides clearance and airflow, while cables are secured away from fans.
- BIOS, Windows, Nvidia drivers, paging file, network access, and update behavior are configured before mining software is added.
