First-Time Buyer Guide

A step-by-step guide for choosing your first air-cooled mining rig rated at 0.05 TH/s or higher in South Korea.

Before You Spend Money on Hardware

Buying your first mining rig in Korea involves more than comparing hash rates on a spec sheet. Your apartment’s ventilation, your KEPCO rate tier, and your tolerance for fan noise will determine whether the rig runs profitably — or becomes an expensive space heater.

This guide walks through the decisions we discuss with every first-time consultation client.

Step 1: Measure Your Space

  1. Room dimensions. Note the floor area in pyeong or square metres. A 0.05 TH/s air-cooled rig needs at least 4 pyeong of open air space around it for passive cooling. Smaller rooms require active ventilation.
  2. Window and vent access. Can you open a window or install an exhaust fan without violating building rules? Check your apartment management regulations before buying.
  3. Electrical outlet. Most entry-level rigs need a dedicated 220 V outlet on a 15 A circuit. Plugging into a shared circuit with a refrigerator or air conditioner will trip breakers.

Step 2: Understand What 0.05 TH/s Actually Means

At 0.05 terahashes per second, an air-cooled rig is firmly in the entry-level category. It will not compete with industrial farms, but it gives a newcomer a realistic entry point. Expect:

  • Power draw: 280–380 W depending on model and tuning
  • Noise: 52–65 dB at one metre (comparable to a conversation or dishwasher)
  • Heat output: roughly equal to the wattage — a 350 W rig adds 350 watts of heat to your room continuously

Step 3: Calculate Your Power Cost

Pull your latest KEPCO bill and note your current usage tier. A rig running 24/7 at 350 W adds approximately 252 kWh per month. At typical Seoul residential rates, that is ₩45,000–₩65,000 depending on your tier and season.

Our power cost estimation report gives exact numbers for your district.

Step 4: Compare Models on What Matters

When reading reviews or spec sheets, prioritise:

  1. Measured wattage at 220 V, not the manufacturer’s ideal-voltage figure
  2. Noise in dB at one metre, measured in a residential setting
  3. Heat sink design — larger aluminium fins handle Korean summer better
  4. Fan replaceability — can you swap a worn bearing without sending the unit overseas?

Step 5: Plan Your First Week

  • Run the rig for 48 hours while you are home to monitor temperature and noise
  • Keep a log of room temperature, outlet temperature, and any thermal throttling
  • Do not enclose the rig in a cabinet or closet during burn-in
  • Have a plan for summer: either reduce run hours or add ventilation before June

Ready for Personal Guidance?

This guide covers the basics. If you want model-specific recommendations for your space, book a first-time rig consultation or contact us with your room dimensions and budget.