Frequently asked questions
The questions I get asked most, in the comments or on Discord. Short answers, no jargon.
How much power does a small miner use?
A Bitaxe draws about 15 watts, roughly a light bulb. Bigger models draw more: the NerdQaxe++ in my photos runs at around 80 watts.
Which miner should I start with?
A Bitaxe: open source, small, and the one I use in my guides. Everything is explained in the video Bitaxe in 2026: understanding it all (in French, with subtitles). To compare machines: Which miner for home mining?
Is it profitable?
No, not solo with a small machine: on average the electricity costs more than it earns, and finding a block remains a lottery. I talk about it openly in Is home mining still worth it in 2026?. The detailed math: How much does a Bitaxe earn?
Does the pool keep my bitcoin?
No. FindMyBlock is non custodial: if your machine finds a block, the reward goes straight to your Bitcoin address without passing through me.
Do I need a Bitcoin node to mine?
No. To mine on FindMyBlock you only need a machine and a Bitcoin address. Running your own node is one more step towards depending on nobody.
Do I need to be an engineer?
No, I am not one. Plugging in a Bitaxe and pasting three settings is enough to start; the rest you learn along the way, and the Discord is there for questions.