I’m not that technical so want to buy a complete BTC node package: what would be a good solution?
Mynode, Umbrel, Start9?
Discussion
Mynode is a popular option that offers a user-friendly interface and a range of features beyond just running a Bitcoin node, such as the ability to run other cryptocurrencies as well. Mynode also offers an easy-to-use mobile app and automatic updates, making it a low-maintenance option.
Umbrel is another great option that offers a sleek and modern interface and has a large community of developers and users. Umbrel offers a range of features, including the ability to run a Lightning Network node and connect to other apps like Blockstream Green and BTCPay Server.
Start9 offers a more decentralized approach, with a focus on privacy and security. It offers the option to run your node on your own hardware and includes features like encrypted backups and secure remote access.
There are several other options available:
1. Casa Node: The Casa Node is a popular option for beginners. It comes with a plug-and-play device and easy-to-use software that makes it simple to run a full Bitcoin node at home. The Casa Node also comes with a hardware wallet to secure your Bitcoin.
2. Nodl: The Nodl is another popular option that is designed to be user-friendly. It comes with a pre-installed Bitcoin node and a range of other features, including a Lightning node and a VPN. The Nodl also comes with a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use.
3. BitBox Base: The BitBox Base is a Bitcoin and Lightning node that is easy to set up and use. It comes with a pre-installed Bitcoin node, and it can also run a Lightning node. The BitBox Base is designed to be secure, and it comes with a range of features to help protect your Bitcoin.
Answered by chatGPT.
ChatGPT doesn’t know Raspiblitz? 🧐
Of those you listed, I would recommend MyNode as it's the most "standardized" when it comes to how it offers services and compatibility. If you ever need it, access to command line tools isn't convoluted through docker.
Another good software package is Raspiblitz. And if you want to learn each step of building a node, Raspibolt is great. Check node.guide for more guidance.
As for hardware, most of the nodes were started based around building on a Raspberry Pi which can be hard to source, as well as be underpowered depending on what you want to run. To this end it may be more viable to get a refurbished Dell Optiplex (with has a faster CPU and more memory), replace the drive with a larger one and install the node on that. MyNode has a PC based image that works well in that scenario. Cost wise will still be cheaper (about 500) than if you buy a premade node from any of the companies that offer them. If however your not up for that and want a fully turnkey solution to throw money at, then the Start9Labs Server Pro would be a decent option.
Thanks! Those small Dells don’t use that much energy if you run them 24/7?
They use more power than a Raspberry pi but they are fairly low wattage compared to a traditional desktop. I think their PSUs allow up to around 200 watts but typical consumption is going to be far lower (id estimate around 45 watts)
Something else to bear in mind is that the power on the Opitiplex is going to be more stable than the Pi. Pi will usually end up with under voltage issues depending on the drives used and auxiliary devices. With an Optiplex, you know there will be enough power to handle surges in use.
With an optiplex you give up the ability to have GPIO pins for things but if that's a desire there are ways to support that with breakout boards
Thanks so much! I can get a Lenovo Thinkcentre M900 / 8 MB / 256 Gb for next to nothing, think I’ll go down that route!
For your main drive you'll want a 1TB minimum (2 TB preferred) if you want to common support for..
- Full index Bitcoin Node
- Block Explorer
- Electrum Server for address lookups for your wallet.
2TB will be room to grow for about 5 years from now even if ordinals continue taking up space on the chain. Cost for those drives have come down substantially in the last year
Any preferred external hard disks or just any regular one?
With that Lenovo Thinkcentre M900, I'd recommend opening it up and installing a larger drive internally.
If using MyNodeBTC, you will need 2 drives total as its based on separating OS from Data and permitting reinstalls of just the OS with ease. So in this case, 256 GB would be overkill for the OS drive (good, you'll probably never run out of space for your log files!) and you can add a larger internal for the Data drive.
Performance will be much better with an internal drive connected via SATA cables vs conversion through USB 3 interface being external.
This unit doesn't have M.2 suitable for storage so it won't support the smaller NVME sticks. An internal SSD drive will be fine. I've used low cost TeamGroup brand drives as well as Inland from Microcenter, but if you want brand name, the Samsungs are popular.
If you haven't seen it already, here's a good video on a tech explaining the process of working on that particular machine so you can get an idea where everything is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM264QmyZaY
i just realized these lenovo thinkcentre m900 models come in different form factors and your case (and the innards) may be different then shown in this video. The even slimmer case styles will be more limited on options and I'm trying to find that now
Tiny model https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnjVSvGMtSE
Shows an 2.5" drive bay good for an internal SSD.
There is a M.2 2280 slot on this model
Until you have it and open it, you wont know if the 256 GB drive that comes with it is an SATA (more likely) or M.2 type. Whatever it is, you'll want to get the larger drive for the other type
Oh man this is so helpful!!!!
Forgot to mention...
If you absolutely want everything to be free open source software (FOSS) then your options really are Raspibolt.org , Raspiblitz.org , or following Ketan ( MinistryOfNodes.com.au ) DiY approach. Good video series he's out together is available here
https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLCRbH-IWlcW2A_kpx2XwAMgT0rcZEZ2Cg