Why RUNa Node
This is my story as a Bitcoin enthusiast, Siim, and how I embarked on a journey to find the right hardware and software for running a Bitcoin and Lightning Network node. Additionally, I will share the backstory behind the creation of this website.
I first got into cryptocurrency in 2019 but gradually became a Bitcoin maximalist over the past two years. Like many Bitcoiners, I believe in the power of proof of work and the potential of BTC to revolutionize the world.
At the beginning of 2023, I began contemplating how I could contribute to the Bitcoin network myself. I was surprised to discover that there were only a few thousand Bitcoin full nodes online. This realization prompted me to consider how I could increase that number.
Initially, I attempted to run an older version of Bitcoin Core software on my old MacBook Air ’11 with 2GB of RAM, but it proved unsuccessful. However, I still plan to test running a Bitcoin node on my Mac Mini 2009 with 16GB of RAM.
During my research, I discovered that there are a few plug-and-play Bitcoin node hardware options available, as well as do-it-yourself (DIY) alternatives. However, I wasn’t convinced that they were the right fit for me. I intend to create a comparison channel in the future to explore these options further.
To ensure the chronology of my journey, I may make changes to this page in the future. Let me now take you through the different stages I went through and the theses I explored:
Raspberry Pi: Initially, I believed that the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B with 8GB of RAM was the ideal choice for starting my Bitcoin and Lightning Network node journey. However, I quickly learned that running Ubuntu and Umbrel OS from a MicroSD card with an attached SSD via USB 3.0 was unstable, despite using a USPA NVMe SSD M.2 M key enclosure. I have started a comprehensive post highlighting the reasons why Raspberry Pi may not be the best option for running a full Bitcoin node, and I have also compiled a list of Raspberry Pi alternatives for running a Bitcoin/Lightning Node.
If you already have a Raspberry Pi or another single-board device and only want to run a Bitcoin node and other Bitcoin apps on a dedicated device, a 4GB RAM variant may still be sufficient. However, keep in mind that if you also use it as a media center with Umbrel, it can consume a considerable amount of RAM.
Existing Devices: I considered the option of utilizing devices I already owned to be more environmentally friendly and save money. I had a Mac Mini 2009 late Server with 16GB of RAM, but it had gotten wet during a move. Although it still works after drying out, I am currently using it as a media server. However, I remembered that I had an old 4-bay Synology DS916+ NAS lying around. I upgraded its RAM from 2GB to 8GB by replacing it with a Crucial module. I also acquired a Crucial MX500 1TB SSD to store the full Bitcoin blockchain, which had already reached a size of 550GB+ in June 2023. I created a Virtual Machine with 2GB RAM for Synology DSM and allocated 6GB for installing Ubuntu 20 and Umbrel. The total cost for this setup was approximately 100 EUR, and I could add a RAID1 option with an additional 1TB SSD (same model) for an additional 70 EUR.
However, I faced some challenges with my Synology DS916+ NAS setup. I had to restart the VM multiple times, especially when accessing my movie library or performing other tasks. The processor and RAM usage consistently reached 90% capacity, even after completing the initial Bitcoin blockchain sync. The noise generated by the NAS was also noticeable to my fiancée, leading to some disagreements. The power consumption was relatively high, with a 35W adapter compared to smaller devices like Odroid that consume only 4.5W at most.
Ideally, I would prefer a newer model of the Synology DS923+ NAS with 4 bays, allowing for a RAID10 configuration with NVMe caching. I would pair it with 4x 2TB Samsung EVO 870 SSDs and increase the RAM to 16GB or 32GB. However, this setup would cost over 1000 EUR, making it less feasible for many.
Refurbished Options: I began exploring refurbished options but found limited choices with fast NVMe SSD options. The Mac Mini 2014 stood out as a possibility since it allows for the addition of a faster NVMe SSD with an extra connection piece. It’s crucial to purchase from a company that offers a one-year warranty. Alternatively, the Mac Pro 2013 could be considered. I also researched other options such as Dell Optiplex SFF, Fujitsu Esprimo SFF & Mini Desktops, HP EliteDesk, Lenovo Mini PC, among others.
Amazon or AliExpress: I also considered new Mini PCs and pocket PCs available on platforms like Amazon and AliExpress. However, I found that the quality wasn’t satisfactory, or the options I found were too expensive for my needs.
Other Single-Board Devices: I explored the market for single-board devices with at least 8GB of RAM. While there were some options available, most of them were either too costly or didn’t directly support NVMe slots on the board. I looked into boards similar to the Raspberry Pi, such as Orange Pi, Banana Pi, and Rock Pi, but I came across Odroid, which offers quality boards from South Korea. The Odroid M1 and the new Odroid H3/H3+ seemed like excellent alternatives to the Raspberry Pi.
Why Odroid is a good alternative
Helping Others: Throughout my journey, I realized that I could help others save countless hours of research on Bitcoin node hardware options. This led to the creation of this website, where I provide information free of charge. I also offer plug-and-play options or DIY kits for individuals interested in assembling their own nodes. Currently, all nodes are shipped with Umbrel OS preinstalled for ease of setup.
In the future, I plan to test other Bitcoin node software, such as Citadel.Spaces, MyNode software, Start OS from Strart9.com, and even Xpenology.org as an alternative to Synology that runs on every x86 platform.
By sharing my experiences and knowledge, I hope to assist fellow Bitcoin enthusiasts in finding the right hardware and software solutions for their Bitcoin and Lightning Network nodes.