Mini-ITX Bitcoin Node Build (Efficient + Expandable)

Mini-ITX Bitcoin PC Build optimized for running a full Bitcoin node (with Lightning support), using a 4TB drive for long-term archival, full validation, or additional decentralized tasks like IPFS, Nostr relay/app, or BTCPay Server.

🖥️ Mini-ITX Bitcoin Node Build (Efficient + Expandable)

🧠 CPU

• AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (6 cores, 12 threads, integrated graphics)
  🔧 No need for GPU, good performance & low power draw
  🏷️ ~$130
  🔗 Amazon

🧩 Motherboard

• ASRock B550M-ITX/ac (Mini-ITX, AM4, WiFi)
  ✅ Supports M.2 NVMe + SATA, has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
  🏷️ ~$120
  🔗 Amazon

💾 RAM

• 16GB DDR4 (2x8GB) 3200MHz
  🟢 Enough for Bitcoin Core, Electrs, BTCPayServer, and system processes
  🏷️ ~$40

💽 Boot Drive (OS & Bitcoin Datadir Optional)

• 500GB NVMe SSD (for OS + fast access)
  🔧 Bitcoin datadir can be put here or on the HDD
  🏷️ ~$35

🗃️ Data Storage

• 4TB 3.5” SATA HDD (e.g., Seagate Barracuda or WD Blue)
  ✅ Reliable for long-term data, Bitcoin & Lightning history
  🏷️ ~$80–100

🖥️ Case + PSU

• InWin Chopin MAX (with 200W PSU)
  🧩 Compact Mini-ITX, includes power supply
  🏷️ ~$150
  🔗 InWin Store

  Note: Chopin MAX only supports 2.5” drives. If using a 3.5” 4TB HDD, consider:

  • Silverstone SG13 (fits 3.5" drive + GPU if needed) – ~$65
  • Or mount the 3.5" drive externally via Sabrent USB 3.0 to SATA Dock

🧊 CPU Cooler

• Thermalright AXP90-X47 Full Copper (if using Chopin MAX or low-profile case)
  🏷️ ~$35
  🔗 Amazon

🌐 Connectivity

• Built-in Wi-Fi on motherboard or use Ethernet
• Optional: Add a low-cost UPS to prevent data corruption

⚙️ Software Stack

• OS: Ubuntu Server or MX Linux

• Bitcoin Node: Bitcoin Core

• Lightning Node: LND / Core Lightning

• Optional:

  • Electrs – Electrum Server for your node
  • BTCPay Server – if you want to self-host Lightning payments
  • Tor – for anonymous peer communication
  • Nostr relay or IPFS node if multitasking

🔌 1. UPS Battery (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

🛡️ Why:
A UPS protects your Bitcoin node (and any other services) from data corruption during power outages or electrical surges by providing temporary backup power and graceful shutdown.

🧰 Recommended Models:

• APC Back-UPS 600VA or 850VA
• CyberPower CP600LCD or higher

🛠️ Setup:

1. Plug the UPS into your wall outlet.

2. Connect your Mini-ITX node, router, and optionally external drive to the UPS's battery+surge outlets.

3. Install apcupsd on Linux to monitor battery status:

   sudo apt install apcupsd
       sudo systemctl enable apcupsd
       sudo systemctl start apcupsd
       

4. Configure /etc/apcupsd/apcupsd.conf if needed for custom shutdown behavior.

5. Test it by unplugging the UPS to see how long your node runs.

🧱 2. Steel Backup Plate (Seed Phrase Storage)

🔒 Why:
To securely store your wallet seed phrase or node credentials, protecting against fire, water, and physical damage. This is not optional if you’re securing any Bitcoin wallet.

🧰 Recommended Brands:

• Blockplate
• COLDCARD® Seedplate
• CryptoSteel Capsule

🛠️ Setup:

1. Write down your 12 or 24-word BIP39 seed phrase from your wallet (Phoenix, Sparrow, Coldcard, etc.).

2. Using a punch kit or letter tiles, engrave or stamp the words into the steel plate.

3. Store the plate in a secure, hidden place. 🔐

   • Ideally not in your home, but somewhere secure and inaccessible to others.

4. Do not store a digital photo or unencrypted copy of the seed online or on your PC.

🔐 3. YubiKey or Coldcard (Hardware Wallets)

🔐 3A. YubiKey (for Login + 2FA + GPG Signing)

Why: Strong device-based security for SSH login, password managers, GPG keys, and even Lightning node admin access.

🛠️ Setup:

1. Buy a YubiKey 5 NFC / 5C / 5Ci depending on your device.

2. Install YubiKey software:

   sudo apt install yubikey-manager
       

3. Configure 2FA for GitHub, email, etc.

4. Optionally use for:

   • gpg key signing
   • SSH login via GPG agent
   • Password manager (Bitwarden, KeepassXC, etc.)

🔐 3B. Coldcard (for BTC storage + multisig)

Why: One of the most secure hardware wallets available. Use it to hold the funds from your node, sign transactions offline, or participate in multisig wallets.

🛠️ Setup:

1. Power on Coldcard, initialize a wallet, and write down the seed securely on your steel backup plate.

2. Connect it via USB or microSD air-gapped method.

3. Use with software wallets like:

   • Sparrow Wallet (recommended)
   • Electrum
   • Specter Desktop

4. Create a multisig with Sparrow + Coldcard + Trezor or another signer for added redundancy.

5. For node integration:

   • Export xpub to Bitcoin Core or BTCPayServer.
   • Use watch-only mode on your node for balance visibility without private keys on device.

🎯 Final Notes

These tools bring longevity, resilience, and security to your Bitcoin node build. You're not just running a node — you're building sovereign infrastructure.