Hardware Philosophy
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.
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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.
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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.
- You Place an Order: You submit your order on the Anon Shop website.
- You Pay: You send the payment in Monero to them.
- 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.
- You Receive the Order: The package arrives without a direct link to your personal payment information.
