Exceptional Performance Meets Whisper-Quiet Operation: The NerdQaxe+ Hydro
In the competitive world of home Bitcoin mining, thermal performance and noise control often determine the viability and comfort of a mining setup. CryoByte Labs has engineered an innovative miner—the NerdQaxe+ Hydro—that delivers unmatched thermal management, enabling near-silent operation without compromising performance.
Understanding the NerdQaxe+ Hydro’s Thermal Advantage
At the heart of the NerdQaxe+ Hydro is a meticulously designed cooling system utilizing a completely sealed, pre-filled All-In-One (AIO) cooler. This advanced cooling system incorporates a microfin copper cold plate specifically manufactured to draw heat away from the ASIC chips, as well as from other areas across the PCB.
The microfin design significantly enhances heat dissipation by increasing the cold plate's surface area, maximizing thermal transfer efficiency. Heat from the cold plate is then efficiently transported via sealed coolant lines to a strategically positioned 120mm radiator and fan combination. The adjustable fan allows users to fine-tune the airflow to match environmental conditions and performance requirements.
Active Voltage Regulator Cooling for Performance Boost
A critical feature incorporated in the NerdQaxe+ Hydro is its dedicated active cooling fan located directly behind the PCB. This fan is specifically engineered for "active VR cooling," targeting the voltage regulators (VRs)—components known for generating significant heat during intensive mining operations.
By continuously blowing cool air onto the backside of the PCB, directly behind where the VRs are mounted, the active VR cooling system maintains optimal VR temperatures even under demanding workloads. This capability is particularly beneficial for miners operating under extreme conditions:
- High-performance mining: Allows increased hash rates by safely maintaining low temperatures.
- High ambient temperature environments: Ensures the miner remains stable and efficient even in hotter climates.
- Component longevity: Lower operating temperatures contribute directly to prolonging the lifespan of the hardware components.
(Left) The NerdQaxe+ Hydro is running without the active VR cooling fan plugged in. The warmest temperature on the miner is 54.1°C, at the voltage regulator. (Right) The same NerdQaxe+ Hydro is running with the active VR cooling fan plugged in. The warmest temperature on the miner is approximately 10°C lower, at just 44.4°C. The miner's display, not the voltage regulator, is the warmest.
When Silent Operation is Paramount
While the active VR fan is excellent for extreme cooling, CryoByte Labs recognizes that miners often desire ultra-quiet operation, especially in residential or office environments.
Notably, the VR cooling fan isn't essential for normal operational scenarios. Under typical home conditions, such as average room temperatures with stock frequency and voltage settings, the active VR fan’s extreme cooling power exceeds standard cooling needs.
Achieving Near-Silent Performance
To achieve virtually silent operation, users can easily disconnect the VR cooling fan, located conveniently on a top-mounted 4-pin PWM connector. This straightforward modification will cause the VRs to run slightly warmer, typically between 50-60 degrees Celsius (still comfortably within the VR components' safe operational range).
The active VR cooling fan is connected via the top PWM fan connector. It can simply be unplugged, along with adjusting the main cooling fan to 30-40% power, to achieve nearly silent operation while maintaining exceptional cooling.
This simple change reduces operational noise levels dramatically. With the VR fan unplugged, the NerdQaxe+ Hydro’s operational noise falls below 30 decibels, rendering the miner practically inaudible and perfect for quiet spaces like home offices, living rooms, or shared environments.
Balancing Power and Silence with NerdQaxe+ Hydro
The NerdQaxe+ Hydro, the first miner from the Nerdaxe Hydro line, offers miners unprecedented flexibility in thermal management and noise control. Its innovative combination of advanced microfin cold plate technology, 120mm adjustable speed rear cooling fan, and optional active VR cooling sets it apart in the competitive landscape of home Bitcoin miners.
Miners seeking peak performance under demanding conditions can leverage the power of active VR cooling, while those prioritizing quiet operation can effortlessly achieve near-silent functionality by disconnecting the dedicated VR cooling fan.
With the NerdQaxe+ Hydro, CryoByte Labs ensures you don’t have to compromise. Powerful mining performance and whisper-quiet operation are finally within your reach.
Discover more about the future of silent, efficient mining with the NerdQaxe+ Hydro today.