Needed FPGA Hardware Modifications
Currently, the Bittware cards (CVP-13, XUPVV4) do not require any modifications and will run at full speed out-of-the-box.
If you have a VCU1525 or BCU1525, you should acquire a DC1613A USB dongle to change the core voltage.
This dongle requires modifications to ‘fit’ into the connector on the VCU1525 or BCU1525.
You can make the modifications yourself as described here,
You can purchase buy a fully modified DC1613A from https://shop.fpga.guide.
If you have an Avnet AES-KU040 and you are brave enough to make the complex modifications to run at full hash rate, you can download the modification guide right here (it will be online in a few days). You can see a video of the modded card On YouTube: Here.
If you have a VCU1525 or BCU1525, we recommend using the TUL Water Block (this water block was designed by TUL, the company that designed the VCU/BCU cards).
The water block can be purchased from https://shop.fpga.guide.
WARNING: Installation of the water block requires a full disassembly of the FPGA card which may void your warranty.
Maximum hash rate (even beyond water-cooling) is achieved by immersion cooling, immersing the card in a non-conductive fluid.
Engineering Fluids makes BC-888 and EC-100 fluids which are non-boiling and easy to use at home. You can buy them here.
If you have a stock VCU1525, there is a danger of the power regulators failing from overheating, even if the FPGA is very cool.
We recommend a simple modification to cool the power regulators by more than 10C. The modification is very simple. You need:
- Thermaltake Slim X3 CPU cooler:
- https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835106152
- Noctua NA-FC1 fan controller or any fan controller/driver:
- https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAADY5SE8250
- Thermal interface tape, any brand will do:
- https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/BP100-0.011-00-1010/BER160-ND/307782
Then, you are going to stick the CPU cooler on the back plate of the VCU1525 on this area:
Once done it will look like this:
Make sure to connect the fan controller to the power supply and run the fan on maximum speed. This modification will cool the regulators on the back side of the VCU1525, dropping their temperature by more than 10C and extending the life of your hardware. This modification is not needed on ‘newer’ versions of the hardware such as the XBB1525 or BCU1525.
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