Air-cooled ASICs: manage airflow and heat
Fans move air through the miner. The installation must provide that airflow and remove the heat without recirculating it into the inlets. Dust, temperature and airflow obstructions require attention.
Noise and heat can make a home installation unsuitable. Do not choose a room simply because it has an outlet: check all electrical and environmental requirements for the model.
Hydro ASICs: prepare the complete loop
A liquid circuit transports heat to heat-rejection equipment. The model has requirements for coolant, flow, temperature and connections. The design must consider both the miner and its surrounding system.
Cooling-loop maintenance and auxiliary equipment monitoring are part of operation. Manufacturer manuals remain the reference for installation and servicing.
Compare the entire installation
| Item to review | Air | Hydro |
|---|---|---|
| Heat removal | Airflow and ventilation. | Liquid circuit and external heat rejection. |
| Auxiliary equipment | Ventilation and electrical infrastructure. | Pumps, heat exchangers and compatible infrastructure. |
| Maintenance | Inspection and cleaning following the manual. | Circuit checks and maintenance following the manual. |
| Total consumption | Miner and ventilation equipment. | Miner and cooling-loop equipment. |
| Site selection | Noise, dust, temperature and power. | Loop compatibility, temperatures and power. |
Hydro does not mean immersion
Hydro circulates liquid through a purpose-built system. Immersion places compatible equipment in a dielectric fluid. These methods are not interchangeable and warranty conditions still need to be checked.
Do not assume a conversion or modification is approved. Confirm compatibility with the model and the consequences before purchasing or modifying equipment.
Questions that guide the choice
For hosting, provide the models and your timeline. For a purchase, explain whether the equipment will operate at home or in dedicated infrastructure.
- Does the infrastructure already exist, and which models does it support?
- Who handles cooling and maintenance?
- Do the charges include auxiliary equipment?
- Is the power installation compatible with the exact model?
- Does the project involve one miner or several?