Silly question. Can I put a big 2T SSD into a old laptop and use it as a bitcoin node? Can I still use it as a laptop or does it need to be dedicated for a node?
Discussion
Yes
Yes
Most of the nodes out there are rpi with external ssds.
Basically all my computers at home are nodes and I use for gaming while core is running
It only depends how strong the specs are and if there will be resources left for anything else
You can use it as a daily driver but it is important to understand the threat model of doing that.
It would be a bad idea to store any value on a daily driver.
Also, running bitcoin software on other networks you might connect a laptop to can have privacy implications.
Yes.
Install Bitcoin core on the laptop and use it as usual. You can switch it off as you need. It will sync with Bitcoin network when you turn it on again.
Sure no problems. Once the node is synchronized, it will take fewer resources to run. But if you turn off the laptop, your node will take some time to resynchronize with the latest block once your turn it back on. If it's an older laptop, it will run slower depending on concurrent processes.
You might want to run the node in a VM to give it a little separation.
I would use Linux mint xfce. I recommend 16GB ram. Sure the node should have a high uptime to work properly.
I am eyeing a 32G refurbished machine. Dirt cheap without a HD and OS. Memory is cheap and I already run mint xfce. Still have the flash drive with the iso. So I should be good. Thanks everyone!!! 🙏