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Becoming a sovereign bitcoiner

Overview of hardware solutions

Setting up your first Bitcoin node

Overview of hardware solutions

  • Do you really need a dedicated machine?
  • 3 acquisition methods: recycling, second-hand, and new
  • What type of machine should I choose?
  • Selecting components
  • Examples of concrete configurations
  • A few more tips
Now that we've explored all the software possibilities, let's focus on the hardware required for your node. I'll provide you with some concrete advice on selecting your components, along with configurations tailored to suit different budgets. Of course, this is my personal opinion and feedback: there are certainly other relevant alternatives in addition to those presented here. Furthermore, I won't revisit the pre-assembled machines offered by node-in-a-box projects, which we've already covered in the previous chapter. Here, we will focus exclusively on DIY solutions.

Do you really need a dedicated machine?

Over the past few years, bitcoiners have become increasingly aware of a common misconception, particularly with the popularization of node-in-a-box in the early 2020s: a Bitcoin node should necessarily run on a machine dedicated exclusively to this purpose. But this is not true. You don't necessarily need a dedicated computer to run a Bitcoin node: Bitcoin Core is perfectly capable of running on your everyday PC. If you have sufficient disk space for blockchain or enable pruning, you can validate the chain, connect your wallet, and even close the program when you're done using it. The advantage of this approach is considerable: zero initial investment and minimal complexity.
That said, using a dedicated machine is often more comfortable. It can run continuously (24/7), be remotely accessible at all times, not monopolize the resources of your main machine, and, above all, isolate uses (a good security practice: if your personal PC encounters a problem, your node continues to function, and vice versa). So the question isn't "Do I need to dedicate a machine?", but rather "Do I need a node that's constantly online, accessible by other devices, and capable of evolving?" (Lightning, indexers, additional applications...). If the answer is yes, opting for a separate machine will make things much simpler.

3 acquisition methods: recycling, second-hand, and new

Recycling an old PC

It's the most economical solution. Most of us have an old PC gathering dust at home, or with friends and family: this is the perfect opportunity to bring it back into service! To adapt it for use as a Bitcoin node, simply add a 2TB SSD and, depending on your needs, replace or add RAM bars to increase the RAM. Expect to pay between €100 and €200 for a fully functional machine.
Before purchasing any hardware, check the number of disk slots available, the type of connection (M.2 or SATA), the RAM format (SODIMM or DIMM), and its generation (DDR4, etc.). You should also take the opportunity to clean the machine, especially the fan, to ensure optimum performance.
Be careful, however, if you're using a laptop: the battery can become a problem over time (more on this later in the chapter).

Reconditioned or used

The market is full of refurbished business mini-PCs such as Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny, HP EliteDesk Mini, or Dell OptiPlex Micro. These machines are solid, compact, silent, and energy-efficient. Their price is well below new, and it's easy to find models equipped with 6th to 10th generation i5/i7 processors and 8 to 16 GB RAM, all for very attractive prices, generally between €70 and €200, depending on the configuration. In my opinion, this is likely the best option if you're seeking a dedicated machine for your Bitcoin node.
It's also possible to find used PCs and laptops dating back a few years, with interesting configurations and excellent value for money.
Note: machines from corporate fleets, such as the ThinkCentre Tiny, are often only equipped with a DisplayPort (DP) port for the screen, with no HDMI output. So don't forget to bring an adapter or a DP-to-HDMI cable if you need one.

Buying new

If your budget allows, you can also opt for a new machine. This is a good option if you want to have recent hardware with good performance, especially if you plan to use Umbrel or Start9 with additional applications outside the Bitcoin ecosystem for self-hosting.

What type of machine should I choose?

Mini-PC "NUC" / barebone

Mini-PCs, in my opinion, offer the best compromise for hosting a Bitcoin node at home. Space-saving, they fit easily on a shelf, consume minimal power, and lend themselves to easy hardware modifications, such as adding RAM or replacing the SSD.
Personally, I prefer the Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny, which is very widespread on the second-hand market (from corporate fleets); they are particularly robust and easy to modify. There are, of course, many equivalents from other manufacturers: Dell OptiPlex Micro, HP ProDesk / EliteDesk Mini / Micro, Intel NUC, Gigabyte BRIX, MSI Cubi..
Highlights: small footprint, moderate power consumption, low noise, scalability (depending on model), and reliability.
Weaknesses: slightly more expensive than a Raspberry Pi-type SBC, no built-in screen (remote access or via external monitor), no battery (sudden shutdown in the event of a power cut).

Dedicated laptop

It's an excellent low-cost alternative to the mini-PC: today, you can find used or even new laptops at low prices, equipped with decent processors, numerous ports, as well as an integrated screen and keyboard (very practical for initial installation). Above all, the battery acts as a natural UPS: in the event of a power cut, the node doesn't shut down abruptly, and can even remain operational for several hours.
Highlights: All-in-one solution, the battery acts as a UPS (no blackouts), simplified installation thanks to an integrated display and keyboard, an integrated Wi-Fi card, and a wide choice on both used and new markets (which often means you can negotiate prices).
Weaknesses: slightly higher power consumption than a bare Mini-PC, gradual battery wear in 24/7 operation with loss of capacity, rare but real risk of battery swelling or thermal runaway with age. It's mainly this aspect that makes me consider the mini-PC a better option than the laptop: the gradual degradation of the battery and the associated risks.
If you choose this solution, I recommend keeping a close eye on the battery's condition to prevent any danger. Watch for excessive heat, unusual odors, instability, or a deformed shell. In the event of an alarm, switch off and unplug the computer immediately, then dispose of the battery at a specialized recycling facility.
Tip: If BIOS/UEFI or the manufacturer's tool allows it, set a load limit (e.g., 60% or 80%) to extend battery life.

Raspberry Pi and other SBCs: the wrong idea

In the early 2020s, with the rise of node-in-a-box software, the Raspberry Pi craze also emerged as a means to run a Bitcoin node. The idea seemed attractive: inexpensive, compact, and accessible.
In practice, if your goal is solely to run a Bitcoin node without additional applications, a Raspberry Pi may be sufficient. But as soon as you want to use Umbrel, Start9, or a richer ecosystem (block explorer, address indexer, Lightning node, self-hosting apps...), the machine quickly reaches its limits.
The Raspberry Pi has a number of disadvantages:
  • processors that are too slim, with an ARM architecture that is sometimes incompatible with certain software or requires more handling;
  • Soldered RAM, impossible to upgrade, with limited configurations (often a maximum of 8 GB);
  • external boxes for SSDs connected by cable, frequent sources of bugs, requiring the purchase of a specific card for a stable SSD;
  • tendency to heat up quickly and difficulty in ensuring correct cooling;
  • need to purchase additional hardware (case, fan, SSD card, etc.);
  • very limited connectivity.
Historically, the great advantage of SBCs like the Raspberry Pi was their price: for a few dozen euros, you could get a dedicated machine. However, today, prices have risen sharply, and once you've added all the essential additional hardware, the cost is approaching that of the first used or refurbished x86 mini-PCs, which, in my opinion, offer far more advantages. For this reason, I don't recommend opting for an SBC.

Selecting components

Disk storage: SSD mandatory, 2 TB minimum

Technically, it is possible to run a Bitcoin node on an HDD. The problem is that everything will slow down considerably, especially the IBD, which will become extremely long due to Bitcoin Core's intensive use of the disk as a cache (especially for the UTXO set). This is why I strongly advise against using an HDD: it creates a real bottleneck, severely limits future evolution (e.g., for a Lightning node), and may even lead to a synchronization mismatch with the blockchain head. What's more, constant stress on the mechanical disk increases the risk of premature wear.
SSDs radically change your user experience: everything becomes faster and smoother, with far greater reliability. The use of an SSD is therefore (almost) mandatory for your node, and you won't regret it, especially as high-capacity models are now relatively affordable.
In terms of capacity, 2TB is gradually establishing itself as the new reasonable minimum. In the summer of 2025, blockchain is already approaching 700 GB, and if you add Umbrel, an address indexer, and a few applications, a 1 TB SSD will quickly be saturated. With 2TB, you have a comfortable margin for the years to come (in a broad estimate, between 5 and 15 years). You can also opt for 4TB if you plan to use many applications on Umbrel, store large files in self-hosting, or if you want to anticipate your disk space needs to a large extent.
As for the format, this will depend on the ports available on your machine; however, if possible, I recommend using an NVMe M.2 SSD.

Memory (RAM): 8 to 16 GB

For Bitcoin Core alone (without Umbrel overlay), developer recommendations indicate a minimum of 256 MB RAM with settings adjusted to the lowest setting, 512 MB with default settings, and 1 GB for normal use.
On the other hand, if you're using a node-in-a-box system like Umbrel or Start9, the RAM requirements are significantly higher. The Umbrel developers recommend a minimum of 4 GB RAM. This may be enough to run Core only, but you'll soon be limited. They therefore recommend 8 GB, which I also consider the minimum for a basic configuration around Bitcoin (Core, LND, indexer, and a few applications). In my experience, with Umbrel and a few additional services, 8 GB is still a bit tight. To be really comfortable and have some margin, I'd recommend 16 GB RAM.

Processor (CPU)

For an Umbrel node, the minimum requirement is a dual-core 64-bit processor from Intel or AMD. If you want to use a few applications in addition to Bitcoin Core, a quad-core (or higher) will make a real difference in terms of fluidity. For example, 6th to 10th generation i5/i7 processors are excellent options on the used market.

Examples of concrete configurations

Below, I propose three concrete configurations, adapted to different budgets and needs, with precise models to support them. These choices are provided as examples to illustrate the information in this chapter; you're under no obligation to select exactly these models. As I consider the Mini-PC to be the best option in the long term, I'll be relying on this format for the three proposed configurations.
Prices shown below are indicative only and may vary according to region, vendor, and period
First and foremost, you need an SSD that's big enough to accommodate the blockchain, while still leaving room for manoeuvre. SSDs have a limited lifespan in terms of write cycles and total volume of data written. However, a Bitcoin node places a significant load on the disk when writing. That's why I don't recommend the entry-level models; instead, I suggest an NVMe SSD, which offers significantly better performance.
As an example, for the purposes of this course, I've chosen the following model: Samsung 990 EVO Plus NVMe M.2 SSD 2Tb, available for around €120 on Amazon. You can also opt for other well-known brands such as Crucial, Western Digital, or Kingston.

Low-budget configuration

Obviously, if your budget is very limited (under €200), I'd advise you not to invest in a dedicated machine, but rather to install Bitcoin Core directly on your everyday PC (in pruned mode if you're short of disk space).
Otherwise, for an entry-level budget, I recommend the HP EliteDesk 800 G2 Mini. I found a refurbished model for €96 on Amazon, equipped with a 6th-generation Intel Core i5 processor and 8 GB RAM. This is a particularly interesting option for beginners: this processor and this amount of memory are more than enough to run Core on Umbrel, as well as several applications simultaneously, such as an Electrs indexer, a Lightning node, and a Mempool instance, provided you don't allocate too much cache to Core. What's more, this type of mini-PC makes it easy to increase RAM to 16 GB, for example, should the need arise (expect to pay around €30-40 extra for one or two quality memory sticks).
Then simply add the SSD to the budget. Starting with the Samsung 2TB at €120, we get a total cost of €216 for a complete, functional machine.

Medium-budget configuration

If you have an average budget of around €300 for the machine that will host your node, I recommend a Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny, for example, equipped with a high-performance processor and sufficient RAM. I found a refurbished model on Amazon for €180, featuring a 6th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM. With the addition of the 2TB SSD at €120, the total cost comes to €300.
With this machine, you have a comfortable configuration: a fast IBD and the ability to run numerous applications on your Umbrel or Start9 without difficulty. This is precisely the configuration I'm using for this BTC 202 course.

High-end configuration

With a larger budget, the possibilities become significantly wider. You can choose a DIY configuration, or even opt for a pre-assembled machine offered directly by a node-in-a-box project.
For example, the ASUS NUC 14 Pro is available new from Amazon for €540. For this price, you get an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor (recent and particularly high-performance), accompanied by 16 GB of DDR5 RAM. With such a configuration, you'll be able to complete an IBD in record time and install demanding applications without difficulty.
This is an extremely comfortable configuration, even overkill if the initial objective is simply to run a Bitcoin node. On the other hand, if you want to take full advantage of all the self-hosting applications available on Umbrel and Start9, this power level is just right for you.
Depending on your intended use, you can opt for either a 2TB SSD, as in the other configurations, or directly for a 4TB SSD at €260 if you also want to store personal files and extend your self-hosting uses. With a 2TB SSD, the total cost of the configuration is €660, while with a 4TB SSD, it reaches €800.

A few more tips

  • If you'd like to buy second-hand equipment and pay in bitcoins, come along to a meetup near you! By chatting with other participants, you're sure to find suitable equipment at a good price, while helping to keep the circular economy around Bitcoin alive. It's also an opportunity to benefit from sound advice from the community.
  • For the Internet connection, you will of course need an RJ45 Ethernet cable, at least for the system installation.
  • Some environments, such as Umbrel, then allow you to use Wi-Fi, but performance will generally be poorer (especially if you want to use your Lightning node remotely, as this can have an impact). If you choose Wi-Fi, ensure your machine has a built-in card or add a compatible dongle.
  • Always use the original manufacturer's power supply for your machine. This is crucial to prevent damage to your equipment and to prevent the risk of starting a fire.
  • If your machine doesn't have a built-in battery, it's a good idea to invest in an inverter to avoid sudden shutdowns.
  • Depending on the value of your equipment and your geographical location, a lightning arrestor system may also be appropriate, either directly at the switchboard or on the power strip used.
  • Finally, remember to optimize your machine's cooling: clean it regularly, and install it in a cool, well-ventilated, uncluttered place to avoid overheating, which could lead to throttling (voluntary limitation of your processor's speed).
Quiz
Quiz1/5
What type of machine is presented as the best compromise for a Bitcoin home node?