Power Supply Matching Guide
A reference guide to PSU architectures, rail configurations, and cable standards for cryptocurrency miners rated at 0.05 TH/s and above.
How to Use This Guide
This page supports our consultation services. It explains the PSU decision framework we apply during every PSU-Matched Miner Selection session. If your setup involves more than two miners or shared building circuits, book a consultation for site-specific calculations.
PSU Architecture Tiers
Single-Rail, Standard Efficiency
Suitable only for single-rig setups in buildings with stable voltage and dedicated 20A circuits. Acceptable for miners at the 0.05–0.08 TH/s range with nameplate draw under 1,400W. Not recommended for farms or summer peak operation in multi-unit residential buildings.
Dual-Rail, 80 Plus Gold
Our default recommendation for home operators and small farms. Distributes load across two 12V rails, tolerating voltage sag better during evening peak hours. Pair with 14 AWG or heavier cables for runs over two meters.
Dual-Rail, Platinum, Dedicated Circuit
Required for miners above 0.1 TH/s or multi-unit rooms. Demands a dedicated breaker loaded to no more than 80% capacity. Include a surge protector rated for continuous industrial load — consumer power strips are not adequate.
Cable Gauge Reference
| Run Length | Max Current (16A sustained) | Minimum Gauge |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 m | 16A | 16 AWG |
| 1–2 m | 16A | 14 AWG |
| 2–3 m | 16A | 12 AWG |
| Over 3 m | — | Hardwire or relocate PSU |
Voltage Measurement Checklist
Before selecting any PSU, record your wall voltage at these times for three consecutive days:
- 6:00 AM (baseline)
- 12:00 PM (midday load)
- 8:00 PM (peak AC demand)
If evening readings drop more than 5V below morning readings, select Tier B or C regardless of your miner count.
Common Pairing Mistakes
Oversized PSU with poor efficiency at low load. A 1,600W PSU on a 1,200W miner wastes efficiency at the low end and may not spin fans aggressively enough at partial load, causing capacitor heat buildup.
Mixing PSU cables between brands. Pinouts look identical but crimp quality and wire gauge differ. Never use cables from one PSU brand on another unit.
Ignoring power factor. Breaker sizing must account for power factor, not just wattage divided by voltage. Modern mining PSUs run 0.95–0.98 PF, but older units may draw more amps than a simple wattage calculation suggests.
When to Request a Full Consultation
- More than two miners on a shared residential circuit
- Operating in a coastal or high-humidity environment without climate control
- Expanding hash rate above your current breaker allocation
- Experiencing unexplained reboots or hash rate drops