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Buy or Build Your Hosting Node

You have two main paths to becoming a hoster on the Mycelium stack:

  • Buy a pre‑configured node from an official vendor.
  • Build your own node from compatible hardware.

Both can earn SPORE; the right choice depends on your budget, time, and hardware skills.

Option 1: Buy a Pre‑Built Node (Easiest)​

Why Buy Pre‑Built?​

✅ Plug‑and‑play – Arrives ready to host.
✅ Vendor support – Get help when you need it.
✅ Optimized hardware – Tested configurations for 24/7 uptime.
✅ Warranty – Hardware support and replacements.
✅ Quick start – Hosting within hours after delivery.

Where to Buy​

Official Node Vendor

Purchase certified nodes from YourData Network:
yourdata.network/product-category/nodes

These nodes are pre‑configured, tested, and ready to join the grid.

What to Look For​

When selecting a pre‑built node, consider:

  • Capacity – CPU cores, RAM, and SSD size.
  • Power Efficiency – Lower watts = better long‑term returns.
  • Warranty & Support – Vendor guarantees and replacement policies.
  • Shipping & Duties – Full landed cost, not just hardware price.

Typical Node Profiles​

Entry Level

  • 4–8 CPU cores.
  • 16GB RAM.
  • 500GB–1TB SSD.
  • Very low power (~50W) – ideal for home hosting.

Mid Range

  • 8–16 CPU cores.
  • 32–64GB RAM.
  • 1–2TB SSD.
  • Balanced performance (~100W).

High Performance

  • 16+ CPU cores.
  • 64–128GB+ RAM.
  • 2TB+ SSD (often multiple drives).
  • Designed for maximum capacity (~150–200W).

Specialized Edge & AI Nodes​

Beyond traditional hoster nodes, there are Edge Compute and Edge AI configurations designed for higher‑value workloads:

  • Edge Compute Node – GMKtec NUCBox M6 Ultra (Ryzen 5 7640HS, 32GB RAM).
  • Edge AI Node – Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 platform (128GB RAM, integrated NPU).

Why consider these?

  • Higher earning potential for compute‑heavy and AI workloads.
  • Optimized for hybrid usage (your private workloads + rented capacity).
  • Future‑proof for Mycelium Agent workloads and advanced cloud use cases.

For details, see Advanced Node Options.

Option 2: Build Your Own Node (DIY)​

Why Build Your Own?​

✅ Lower upfront cost – Reuse or repurpose existing hardware.
✅ Flexibility – Choose exactly which components you run.
✅ Learning experience – Understand the stack in depth.
✅ Upgrade path – Incremental improvements over time.

Hardware Requirements (Guidance)​

ComponentMinimumRecommended
CPU4 cores8+ modern cores (Ryzen / recent Intel)
RAM8GB16–64GB depending on workloads
Storage500GB SSD1TB+ NVMe SSD (+ optional HDDs)
Network1 Gbps Ethernet1 Gbps+ wired, stable uptime

Compatible Hardware​

Processors

  • Intel Core i5/i7/i9 (6th gen or newer).
  • AMD Ryzen 5/7/9.
  • Intel Xeon / AMD EPYC for larger deployments.

Storage

  • SATA or NVMe SSDs for primary capacity.
  • HDDs for additional bulk storage.
  • Hardware RAID or ZFS possible on some setups.

Network

  • Standard Ethernet NICs.
  • Wired connection strongly recommended for reliability.

Where to Source Hardware​

  • Repurpose – Old servers or workstations already on hand.
  • Consumer Parts – Build from off‑the‑shelf PC components.
  • Used Enterprise – Refurbished servers from online marketplaces.
  • Local Dealers – Regional hardware vendors or system integrators.
Pro Tip

Start with one efficient node to learn the system before scaling. A modern low‑power configuration often has better net returns than an old, power‑hungry server because of electricity costs.

Cost Considerations​

Initial Investment​

ItemPre‑BuiltDIY
Hardware~$500–3000+~$200–2000+
Setup Time30–60 minutes2–6 hours
Technical SkillLowMedium–High
SupportVendorCommunity / self‑managed

Operating Costs​

Ongoing costs mainly come from:

  • ⚡ Electricity – Varies by hardware profile and local rates.
  • 🌐 Internet – Often your existing line; business‑grade recommended for larger farms.
  • 🔧 Maintenance – Occasional drive or PSU replacements.

Approximate monthly electricity (very rough examples):

  • Efficient mini PC (~20W): $1–3/month.
  • Standard desktop (~75W): $5–15/month.
  • High‑performance node (~150W): $10–30/month.

Making Your Decision​

Choose Pre‑Built If​

  • You want the simplest path to becoming a hoster.
  • You value hardware support and warranties.
  • You prefer a plug‑and‑play experience.
  • Your time is more valuable than incremental cost savings.

Choose DIY If​

  • You already have compatible hardware.
  • You enjoy technical projects and tuning systems.
  • You want to optimize costs aggressively.
  • You're comfortable with BIOS, storage, and networking basics.

What's Next?​

Once you have a node (or a clear hardware plan), move on to:

Set Up Your Node – Install Zero‑OS, attach it to your farm, and start hosting capacity on the grid.

Need Help Deciding?

Experienced operators and hosters can help you validate hardware ideas and ROI assumptions. Use your preferred community channels to ask for feedback.