Save Your ASIC: The Ultimate Maintenance Guide for Miners
An ASIC miner is a workhorse. It runs 24/7 at 100% capacity, processing trillions of calculations per second. But like any machine, it needs care. Neglecting maintenance leads to overheating, lower hashrate, and eventually, a dead hashboard.
Here is how to keep your machines running like new for years.
1. The Enemy: Dust
Dust is an insulator. When it coats your heatsinks, the heat cannot escape. The fans have to spin faster (more noise, more power) to keep the chips cool.
- The Fix: Use an air compressor (not canned air, which is too weak) to blow out the dust monthly. Always blow from the intake side through to the exhaust.
- Warning: Hold the fan blades still while blowing! Spinning them with compressed air can generate voltage that fries your control board.
2. Thermal Paste: The Hidden Performance Killer
Factory thermal paste dries out after 1-2 years. If your chip temperatures are rising but the fans are screaming, it’s time for a "re-paste."
- Procedure: Disassemble the hashboard, clean the old paste with Isopropyl Alcohol (99%), and apply high-quality thermal paste or thermal pads.
- Result: We have seen miners drop 10°C instantly after a repaste, allowing for higher overclocks.
3. Fan Replacement
Fans are the only moving parts. If a fan vibrates or makes a grinding noise, replace it immediately. If a fan fails while you are sleeping, the miner should shut down, but heat damage can happen in seconds.
- Pro Tip: Keep a spare fan on the shelf. It’s better to have it and not need it, than to lose 3 days of mining waiting for shipping.
Conclusion: A clean miner is a profitable miner. Take care of your hardware, and it will take care of your wallet.
