Node: Hardware

20 Oct, 2025

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Hardware Philosophy

I'm not a hardware guy so I borrowed some tips from https://byakugan.io/posts/node-guide/. Check out his super rad guides.

When selecting hardware for a 24/7 node, your priorities shift from raw gaming power to reliability, power efficiency, and I/O performance. We are building a small, quiet, and robust server that can run continuously with minimal intervention.

The most cost-effective solution is typically a used, off-lease enterprise "micro-PC" (like a Dell Optiplex Micro, Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny, or HP EliteDesk Mini). These are built for corporate environments and are reliable.

Baseline Hardware Profile

This profile is your minimum target for a new node stack. It is designed to handle a Bitcoin node with txindex=1, a Fulcrum electrum server, and still have headroom for other services.

• CPU: Intel N100 (or similar modern, efficient processor)
  • Why: The N100 is highly power-efficient, runs cool, and has modern CPU features, making it ideal for an always-on server.
• RAM: 16 GB DDR4 or DDR5
  • Why: This provides crucial headroom for database-heavy applications. A Fulcrum fast-sync, for example, is very memory-intensive. 16 GB ensures your system won't crash from memory exhaustion.
• Storage: 2 TB NVMe SSD
  • Why: This is the most critical component. A NVMe drive is required for the high Input/Output Operations Per Second (IOPS) that a full node and electrum server demand. A cheaper SATA SSD or spinning hard drive will fail to keep up.
• Network: Ethernet
  • Why: A wired connection is non-negotiable for server reliability. Do not rely on Wi-Fi for a node.
• Power: Small UPS (Optional, but Recommended)
  • Why: A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) protects your database from corruption if you have a sudden power outage.

Storage Planning

A 2 TB drive may seem excessive, but it is essential for long-term growth. Database sizes only increase. Planning for this now prevents a difficult migration later.

Approximate Storage Footprint (Constantly Growing):

• Bitcoin Core (full, txindex=1): ~800 GB+
• Fulcrum DB (electrum server): ~170 GB+
• Monero (Optional full node): ~250 GB+
• OS, Docker, logs, & other apps: ~50 GB
• Total Used: ~1.27 TB
• Remaining Headroom: ~730 GB

This headroom gives you several years of buffer for blockchain growth and the flexibility to add new services without crisis.

Sourcing & Procurement

Where to Find Hardware

You will almost certainly need to purchase the base computer and the 2 TB NVMe SSD separately, then install the drive yourself.

1. Privacy-Focused (Recommended):

   • xmrbazaar.com/user/MGold/: A curated vendor of used Optiplex machines that accepts Monero.
   • anonshop.app/: A purchasing service that allows you to buy from any online retailer (like Amazon or eBay) using Monero.

2. Conventional Marketplaces:

   • eBay
   • Craigslist
   • Facebook Marketplace

Operational Security (OPSEC)

The goal is to disassociate your physical identity and home address from your node's hardware.

• Use a Pseudonym: Never use your real name for orders.
• Use a Drop Point: Ship to a PO Box or a private mailbox service, not your home address.
• Use Private Payment: Pay with cash for in-person pickups or a privacy-preserving cryptocurrency like Monero (XMR) for online orders.

How Anon Shop Works

Services like Anon Shop act as a private purchasing agent. This is useful for buying from a conventional retailer that doesn't accept Monero or requires a real name.

1. You Place an Order: You submit your order on the Anon Shop website.
2. You Pay: You send the payment in Monero to them.
3. They Place the Order: They use their own credentials and payment methods to buy the item on your behalf and have it shipped to your specified (PO Box) address.
4. You Receive the Order: The package arrives without a direct link to your personal payment information.